Cycling & Motor Notes

Otago Witness, Issue 3338, 6 March 1918, Page 44

Cycling & Motor Notes

-~ BY DEMON.

—— There is a general impression that Germany's motor industry long since has been entirely sacrificed for the war. Definite information is difficult to obtain, but we see, says Motor News, (Eng.), no reason to suppose that Germany's industry has been hit any harder than our own; in fact, we think it will be found to be rather the reverse. We have be'en told so much about the impending collapse of Germany, which has not occurred, that one now doubts the authenticity of such reports. Only a few weeks ago we were afforded a glance through a copy of a German motor paper which, without exception, waa . the finest specimen of the printers' art wo have ever seen. There were hundred's of advertisements in several colours, and one could only assume that preparations are being made for the post bellum trade war, or the de iuxe edition was nothing but a gigantic bluff. From an American friend who was ill close touch with the German motor industry prior to the entrance of the U.S.A. into the war we ha've learned that in Germany chassis construction has undergone a marked change, both in design and in materials used. Chassis are stronger and lighter, due to the elimination of many parts formerly used but now discarded for reasons of economy, and also because of the marked increase in the use of aluminium for such parts as valves, shafts, cylinders, and other units for which an immense amount of copper and steel was formerly required. We are told that a number of aluminium alloys of great strength has made this wide use of the metal possible, one of these alloys closely resembling the qualities of steel.

Ever since America entered the war the United States automobile papers have carried on a campaign against the use of the word "pleasure'-' in connection with anything "motorish." Generally the word "passenger" is substituted, and it is agreed that since the motor car is now so much of our daily life, it is time that it is regarded as something more than a vehicle for "joy-riding." airplane there is a tremendous amount of space wasted. This is duo to the fact that the airplane is shaped like a T, with the wings representing the cross stroke, and thb fuselage the stem. Efficiently handled, the airplane should take up but little more room than the stem of fuselage space. At least, so lias the storage and sheltering problem struck the British authorities; and they have developed airplanes which are provided with folding wings. Some time ago a few Britiih seaplanes were -made with folding wings. This system of constructions is still being gradually improved. In one of the latest matchines the planes, which are hinged to the forward part of the fuselage, can be swung back until they are alongside tho fuselage. The elevating planes fit in between tho planes. When folded up the seaplane can be accommodated well within a space 10ft by 30ft, instead of the usual space of 40ft or more by 30ft. Considerable interest is being taken in English motor cycle trade- circles over a new motor-cycle design for which patents have been applied. The machine is said to contain many interesting features. The frame is of an entirely new pattern, and the rider, instead of being seated in the ordinary way upon the saddle, has at his disposal a very comfortable and completely sprung seat. The engine is a fourcylindor one, and a combination friction and bevel gear drive is employed for transmission purposes. It is proposed to fit either wheel or handlebar steering at option; and, Indeed, the machine as a whole cornea near to being the ideal car on two wheels. There is no doubt that motorists now

get better results from their tyres than they did a few years back. There are not nearly so many oases of burst covers or failure of fabric experienced, whilst the rubber wearing treads appear to withstand

road friction better and not to cut so readily as they did a few season's back. With the improvements in ruanufu«U | - e and the increasing supplies of raw materials the .cost of tyres, when the world's war broke loose, had reached a price that enabled the average motorist to run a medium-powered car without undue cost of upkeep for tyres; but since 1914 the prices of raw materials and cost of manufacture have gradually been ascending, followed naturally by an increased price to motorists. It is not the rubber that is gradually forcing up the price of motor covers, but the fabrio of which the casings of covers are made. During the last few months cotton has jumped nearly 200 per cent, .in America, and then. is nearly unobtainable. Those manufacturers who were fortunate to hold good supplies of tyre fabric have been able to market their cover at but slight advance, but aa the old stocks are depleted and the new high-priced cotton comes into use, the prices of tyres in the Commonwealth and New Zealand must be based on the dearer materials incorporated, plus heavy freights. This means that motor tyre prices must advance in this part of the world, just as they are in America and England. There is a number of things to be remembered and acted upon by every rider who wishea to get the best results from his tyres (says the Dunlop Rubber Company). First of all, the tyres must be kept properly inflated. For the 28in by 3in pneumatics used on most high-powered twins, the pressure should be from 401 b to 451 b, with slightly more if a sidecar is fitted. For a lighter weight smaller-engined machines a leaser pressure is needed. In no circumstances should the pressure of air decrease by 20 per cent., as an under-inflated tyro is liable to a variety of troubles. Among these are bruises to the fabric, cutting of the side walls, - and 'loosening of the casing in tji-3 rim. These mean blow-outs, or forcible removal of the tyre valve from the inner tube, as the case may be. Test each tyro twice a week, or every morning when touring. It is best to have, a tyre gauge at hand for this, as the usual methods of thumping or kicking the casing are far from accurato indications of the correct pressure A sudden application of the clutch or brakes causes excessive wear on the tyre treads. There is every indication that with the first contingent of the great American "liberty army" to go to France there will bo no fewer than 50,000 motor cycles. Theso machines will be manned by soldiers who for the most part were motor cyclists long before the advent of war took them from their civilian occupations. The American War Department was quick to see that the motor cyolo offers the speediest, most economical, and most efficient form of land locomotion vet devised, and they immediately set about to determine every available use that it might have in warfare. Naturally, they decided to do all experimenting in the cantonments, and as a preliminary experiment ordered 40,000 machines; and in less than a week motor cycles by the trainload were beginning to arrive at _ the various camps. A large, number of sidecar outfits are also being placed in commission for machine pun purposes and for speedy transport of officers. The French army authorities occasionally hold a sale of motor oyolea which are considered to be unfit for further army use. The method of sale is a novel one. The machines are exhibited and each carries a card showing the minimum prico which

•will bo accepted by the authorities. The buyers obtain a form at the cost of 6d, and place in writing the highest figure they are willing to pay for the machine. The highest bidder then secures the machine. The following are a few of the machines and the minimum prices demanded: N S.U., twin, £l2; Harley-Davidson, single cylinder, £10; Terrot, 2|-h.p., single cylinder, £10; Peugeot, 2|-h.p., twin cylinder, £l2; Indian, twin cylinder, £l4; Moteftevo, 2|-h.p., twin cylinder, £10; Alvcon, 2|-h.p., £lO.. No doubt many budding motor cyclists in this country would like to' have a chance of getting well-known makes of machines, even if they are war worn, at the above prices. ■ Oar thefts in Washington continue so numerous, it is reported, that the superintendent of police has detailed a special equad for detection of the thefts. Two attempts have been made recently to steal new machines purchased for the use of, the Signal Cojrps of the army. In one instance the thieves 'tore down a brick garage in an effort to get away. They evidently were injured m the attempted getaway, as they abandoned the car and fled, leaving a trail of blood. The car was badly damaged. , t A round 1000 men having been called to tho colours from among the Packard Motor Company's employees, this American motor manufacturing company has established a school, to train women in upholstering, trimming, and other work. Most oi tho women employed are in the carriage division, as 'their natural ability can bo utilised to better advantage in that' department. They are now making tops and curtains, doing all sorts of inspection work and handling various small chassis parts. A large number are operating drill presses and automatic screw machines. The Safety First Department in the factory has prescribed costumes for the women workers. :Quite recently 'the Italian military authorities issued a decree forbidding the use of motor oars for any but military purposes. This drastic action had to be taken, it was claimed, in order to assure the army receiving all the supplies of petrol needed for j war purposes. .For a considerable length of time motorists in Italy have been restricted in the amount of fuel they could receive. Theoretically, every' carowner was entitled to 13gal a month; but mere often than not dealers were unable to supply, and the official slip proved valueless' Practically the only exception under the new- order- are the officials of firms working under army contracts. Even doctors are not considered favoured persons, and public service vehicles are cut down to the lowest possible figure. Owing to the dearth of chauffeurs, due to the call of the army, the electric taxicabs of Detroit, U.S.A., are being driven by women. In response to the call for chauffeuses 500 applications for the available positions were received. The hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and_ precisely the same schedule of wages paid to the men obtains. The experiment is proving a gratifying success. The mysterious disappearance of a new Ford motorcar from the garage of the Fairlie Motor Company is engaging the attention of the police. Tho car was awaiting its purchaser's, arrival in an open shed, and some time during Tuesday night was removed, and has not since been reported to the company. So far no trace of the car has been found. It is a car out of the case only a week or so, and not yet "run in,' and it has not yet been al-"-J - number..