Cycling & Motor Notes

Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 70

Cycling & Motor Notes

BY

"DEMON.”

The coveted Dewar Trophy, which is awarded annually by the R.A.C. for the most outstanding performance of the year in the automobile world, has this year been presented to Miss Violette Cordery for the various records which she has broken on Invicta cars, fitted with Exide batteries. According to the rules covering these records, if for any reason the car stops on any part of the track the driver may not have any assistance in bringing it round to the replenishing depot. Consequently, as the car is not too easy for one person to push for perhaps two miles, the Invicta people decided, before making the above recordbreaking attempt, to discover how far the starter battery would drive the car on top gear with the engine switched off and against compression. It is admitted that this was rather a brutal test, and it was made only in view of the possible eventuality arising through fuel shortage, etc. CHROMIUM PLATING. Considerable interest has been aroused (says the Autocar, England) by the chromium-plated radiators and accessories which were exhibited at the recent Olympia Motor Show. Many visitors to the show admired the greyish tinge of the radiators and lamps on some of the cars, and were surprised to hear that the brilliant finish of these parts would remain stainless and untarnished without attention, regardless of atmospheric conditions. These fittings were chromiumplated by a recently-developed process

which marks a great advance in the electro-plating industry, as it may be said to establish a laboratory process upon a commercial basis. The properties of the metal chromium may not be known to many motorists, but they will, nevertheless, be appreciated when it is pointed out that the domestic table knife of stainless steel owes its ability to remain bright to the addition of chromium to the steel from which it is made. An addition of from 12 per cent, to 15 per cent, of chromium greatly increases the resistance of steel and iron to attack by moisture, the oxygen of the air, sulphurous fumes, and acids. record motor car drive. A new Australian 24 hours’ motor car record was established at Maroubra speedway, N.S.W., on December 22 and 23 by Norman Smith and Otto James, when they covered a distance of 1468 miles, thus bettering by 59 2-3 miles the previous record of F. O. Withers and F. Crouch, also established at Maroubra in 1926. In the course of their record Messrs Smith and James covered the first 100 miles in 1 hour 30 minutes, 500 miles- in 7 hours 39 minutes, 1000 miles in 15 hours 55 minutes, thus achieving the first objective in the record of covering 1000 miles in 1000 minutes, and 1400 miles in 21 hours 36 minutes. Their average speed for the full distance, including stops, was 61.1 miles an hour, this being the first time that’ a speed of more than a mile a minute has been SS’.' 1 f " M 1 24 I, °"™ . ’ n stoppages for fuel, etc., totalled 58 minutes 35 seconds, so that the actual running speed averaged 65 09 miles an hour. risks of fire. How many new motorists give a thought to the risk of their cars catching fire? (asks an Australian writer). And veryfew would know what to do if such a thing did happen. Luckily, with ordinary care, the risk is remote. But it exists, and it is surprising that on so few cars are small chemical extinguishers carried. There are a variety of causes through

which fire may arise, but it is obvious that a naked light should not be used when the tank is being filled or the carburetter adjusted. A possible cause is defective insulation of the insulated wiring. If a “short” develops in the low tension leads from the accumulator to the • lamps or starting motor, woodwork or celluloid may be set alight even without the presence of exposed petrol; but if there is a leak anywhere in the fuel system it is a certainty. Slack high-tension leads from the distributor to the sparking-plugs may become chafed, or even without this a spark may jump from the wire to any nearby metal part of engine or frame, apd that spark will be of sufficient intensity to fire cither petrol vapour or liquid fuel that may be about. Apart from always having an extinguisher readily accessible — and on no account must water be used to put out a petrol fire, for the blazing liquid simply floats on the water and spreads the flames —the sensible precautions to take are care to avoid all possible leakage of fuel and to give scrupulous attention to the electric wiring. One further possibility, though still more remote, occurs to one—a blow-back of flame from the engine into the inlet pipe may set light to the petrol in the carburetter. The main petrol tap should be turned off immediately to confine the damage to the vicinity of its source, and the extinguisher will usually put out the flames in a second or so. But motorists need not drive with fear in their hearts. There is little danger, really, but there is nothing like being prepared. LOOKING FORWARD. Interest in the size and form of the car of the future has been much in evidence lately in British motor circles. Here are the views of a few experts on the car of 1937: —- Mr S. F. Edge (famous British pioneer race driver, designer of the Napier, and now manufacturer of the A.C.) :—The light car of the future will have six cylinders, giving its maximum power at about 5000 revolutions. The production of a silent supercharger would tend to reduce engine size still further. The drive will remain on the rear wheels; weight of complete car will be under 15cwt, and the petrol consumption between 50 and 55 miles a gallon. From the manufacturing point of view the future is particularly rosy. Captain Malcolm Campbell (famous British speed driver, and connoisseur of refined cars):- —-The engine will have 12 cylinders, probably supercharged, but of small total capacity, and revolving at about 6000. Four-wheel drive promises to be a development, and the future should be improved for hydraulic brakes. Mr E. C. Gordon-England (racing driver and builder of super-light-weight bodies) : —Engines will be eight-eylindered, supercharged, revolving at 8000 a minute, but be of small capacity, probably no bigger than that of the Austin Seven. Total weight of car with four-seater, enclosed body, will be 9cwt. and the mileage per gallon will be 60. Professor A. M. Low (famous authority on the motor-car) : —The engine will be oh eight cylinders, a two-stroke, and supercharged, its capacity will be about 700 c.c., and it will revolve at nearly 7000. There may be button controlled servo-gears and servo-braking, and a general adoption of front-wheel drive. Bodywork will be of the all-steel enclosed type, and the ear will weigh about. lOcwt, and do 50 miles to the gallon of petrol. DANCERS OF TOOTING. The danger of motorists tooting when very near pedestrians was emphasised by the City Coroner (Mr D. Berriimin) at an inquest into the death of Jean Procter (45), of Gore street, Fitzroy (says the Melbourne Herald). Alarmed by the sudden sounding of a motor horn on an approaching car in Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, at 10 pan. on December 10, deceased hesitated stepped back, and then made a dive forward, according to evidence given by Andrew Alexander Brown, taxi-cab driver. Deceased was struck by the mudguard of the car, and died almost immediately.

A finding of accident was recorded. Mary Elizabeth Eddels said she was sitting next to Hutton when he applied his brakes and sounded the horn. The woman was then about five or six yards away. The Coroner: Did you know that sounding horns five or six yards away kills people. Witness: No.

Addressing Hutton, the Coroner said: “Have you realised the danger of tooting at such a short distance? You will certainly kill more people by tooting than by leaving them alone are so close.”

SAVING TYRES. The Melbourne Argus commends the following maxims as “ the surest way to maximum the mileage”:—(l) Keep tyres properly inflated. [2) Drive with the car always well in hand, and avoid frequent braking. (3) Start and stop gradually. (£) skidding. as far as possible. (5) Steer clear of ruts, kerbs, and tramway tracks, which damage the side walls. out for sharp obstructions, and ve slowly over bumps, which, with under-inflation, are the main cause of blow-outs. (7) Keep the wheels in alignment. (8) Give regular attention to small tread cuts, and repair these. ■ (9) Consult an expert vulcaniser with regard to large tread cuts. (10) Have blisters cleaned out and repaired at once. (11) Carry spare tubes protected from chafing and cutting. (12) Be careful in applying tubes. (13) Use French chalk in the coyer, but avoid using trro much. (14) Examine rims occasionally for rust, and prevent damage from this cause by using rim paint. It is a good plan to take off the tyres occasionally, and clean the rims with a wire brush. (15) Remove grease and oil from covers or tubes by using a cloth moistened with petrol. (Iff) Keep spare tyres covered. MOTOR VEHICLE USERS. In a new publication which has recently been issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders of Great Britain, entitled “ The Motor Industry of Great Britain,” there are some interesting figures showing the growth in the number of motor vehicles of different types registered in the British Isles. This growth, with the exception of a comparatively slack period during the duration of the Great War, has been remarkable, as is plainly shown by the following table:

In the following table a very good idea is given of the growth of the motor industry as measured by the number of persons per vehicle registered. The table shows the number of vehicles licensed in Great Britain, and the population, for certain pre-war and post-war years.

* This year is taken to ilay 31 only. .u additional table is given by the publication, which sums it up as follows: “ In spite of the very rapid increase in recent years it will be seen that the number of persons per vehicle registered is still higher than in many other of the great motor-using countries.” It will also be seen that the premier position is occupied by the United States, after which follow Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, in that order. The table is:—

It is of interest in this connection to study the latest figures issued by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. R. F. Bollard) showing the motor vehicle registrations in New Zealand at the end of November last. These details are as under: — NORTH ISLAND. C*nrs . « . • aa • . G 1.383 Trucks 14.810 Cycles . . . . -. . . 17.92 S Total 94,121 SOUTH ISLAND. Cars 33,327 Trucks 6,525 Cycles 13,600 Total 58,452 Grant! total for both islands . . . . 152,573 To compare this with the figures given above it will be necessary to deduct the figures dealing with cycles, for they are obviously not included in the tables prepared in England, and which have been quoted. This gives the following results: North Island (cars and trucks)... 76,193 South Island (cars and trucks) . . 44,852 Grand total for both islands . . . . 121,045 Taking this as the basis of calculations the conclusion is reached (which can be only approximate) that since the compilation of the tables quoted above New Zealand's registrations, excluding those of motor cycles, increased by about 21,842. The publication referred to, -treating of Great Britain as apart from other countries, remarks that special features, such as the small area of the country, and particularly of the road space, may become-a limiting factor to so wide an_ expansion as has been attained elsewhere.* This remark might be applied, to a certain extent only, to New Zealand, although it should be remembered that New Zealand is a farming country, and, although small in area, is covered by a network of roads which are, on the whole, of very good surface and grading.

ROAD BUILDING.

Several nations in widely separated parts of the world are launching comprehensive plans for upbuilding the highway systems within their borders (says the Highway Magazine, an American publication). This is seen to be the result of two things. One is that the United States has given an eloquent demonstration of the speed with which good highways accelerate the processes of civilisation. The other is that the people of other countries see that, with cheap automobiles available, the one big bar to their own internal development is a lack of these highways. Mexico sprang into a place in world highway matters in March, 1925, when the Mexican Congress passed laws creating a Federal system, and provided a fund of 6,000,000 dollars annually, partly through a 5.7 cent gasoline tax. The system now under construction comprises 1337 miles. Gravel, penetration macadam, and a volcanic stone, “tezontile,” is being used, along with other types more or less familiar to American road builders. The legion surrounding Valencia (Spain), taking in the provinces of Valencia. Alicante, and Castellon, is utilising the proceeds of a 60,000,000 peseta loan, negotiated in 1925, to complete streets and important highways. Square basaltic stones with smooth surfaces are being laid wherever traffic is heaviest, while on the less-used sections cobblestone is being laid, or, if now in place, is being taken up and replaced on a concrete base. Asphalt is -also being used. This work is to be completed in five years. The Japanese Government has decided on a tentative ten-year construction programme of building motor roads, to east about 160,000,000 yen. The Government • is to provide about 50,000,000 yen, the remainder to be raised by localities, much as federal aid is matched at home. The 1926 Budget included the equivalent of 6,000.000 dollars (about £1,200,000) for a 287-mile highway. Cuba is preparing to spend 9,000,000 dollars yearly on a comprehensive system of industrial and tourist motor roads. It is prophesied by Cuban officials that within 10 years the auto registration*'will jump from 30,000 to 400,000, following these road improvements.

South America is making phenomenal progress in transportation. The few highways now in use have bus lines operating over them, and while funds are scarce, almost every country is building highways. x

Montevideo is preparing to build a highway that will make Buenos Aires only six hours distant from Montevideo by automobile. The fastest time by boat is now nine hours, and the completion of this route will cause an important readjustment of trade and transportation between the two countries.

Peru has built manjl miles of highways, some under extreme difficulties. Roads are frqw under construction at what is believed to be the highest altitude ever reached by a highway. All able-bodied men of Peru are required to work several days a year on high-way construction, or pay a liberal amount to the road fund. Europe. Sweden, and Norway are pushing forward not only in highway construction but in bus operation. The United States Chamber of Commerce reports that on June 1. 1925, there were 1050 bus lines and 2500 cars in operation, and to-day there are 1300 lines x over which nearly 3500 licensed vehicles are operating covera. distance of 35.000 kilometres. This world-wide phenomenal burst of transportation development is ctnly of passing interest to road builders here in the United States, so engrossed are we with the work at hand. But we should give, more than passing notice to the fact that other nations not only are buying our motor cars, but are looking to America for methods, and in many eases are relying on American equipment and engineers to build their roads.

Year Cars. Commercial vehicles. Hackney vehicles. 1911 .. 47,000 25,000 28,918 1912 . . 57,000 31,000 31,260 1913 . . 68,000 37,000 34.212 1914* 85,000 47,000 46,122 1915* 90,000 49,000 38,951 1916* 92,000 49,000 45,170 1917* 71,000 39,000 41,759 1918* 50,000 28,000 36,399 1919 . . 71,000 38,000 38.619 1920 . . 122,000 66,000 65,894 1921 . . 250,000 135,000 76,000 1922 . . 315,000 159,000 7S.000 1923 . . 3S4.000 181,000 86,000 1924 . . 474,000 210,000 94,000 1925 . . 580,000 232,000 99,000 * War years.

Year. No. of cars and vehicles registered in G.B. Population in Great Britain, No. of persons per vehicle regd. 1908 . . 05,500 39,348,000 G00.7 1909 . . 75,500 39,738,000 526.3 1910 , . S6.500 40,132,000 463.9 1911 . . 101,000 40,529,000 405.3 1912 . . 119,000 40,940,000 344.0 1913 . . 139,000 41,123,000 295.9 1914 . . 178,000 41,334,000 232.2 1922 . . 552,000 43.075,000 78.0 1923 . . 651,000 43,299,000 66.5 1924 . . 778,000 43,416,000 55.8 1925 . . 911,000 43,597,000 47.8 1920 . . 960,000* 43,767,000 45.6

Country. No. of vehicles. Persons per vehicle. United States . . 19,843,000 5.8 Canada 719.7 IS 12.0 New Zealand 99,203 12.5 Australia 297.311 19.5 Great Britain 960.000 45.6 France 763,499 51.3 Germany 252,808 247.9 Italy 115,000 366.2