CYCLE AND MOTOR NOTES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 84, 4 December 1912, Page 7

CYCLE AND MOTOR NOTES.

WONDERFUL SPEEDS

During tho past motor racing season at “Brooklands,” England, many re-

markable performances iiave been recorded, but in the nay of speed the most wonderful achievement was that of a 25 h.p. Talbot, which succeeded in covering a Hying start half mile in 14 4-usec. (equal to a speed of 113 miles per hour), a Hying kilometre (1094 yards) in 19 9-lOsec. (equal to 112 miles per hour), and a Hying mile in 32 2-ssee (equal to 111 miles per hour). These speeds of a Tin. bore Tin cylinder engine are remarkable. The world’s mile track record, driven on Brooklands, stands to the credit of Memory, who in 1909 drove a 90 h.p. Benz a mile in 31 1-usec. Tho poi formmice of the 25 h.p. Talbot demon-, strates in a convincing manner the marked advance made in the efficiency of the petrol engine during the last three years. ROAD RECORDS.

The South Australian motor cyclist, F. C. Cus,stance, last week made an effort to establish a new Australasian motor cycle record for the all-day run. Custanco had the bad luck to strike rain and slippery roads for the first few hours of his ride, which militated against fast speed- work, hut for all that he put up the very fine total of 532 miles. During the first twelve hours lie covered 250 miles. Cusstance’s figures are a record for Australasia for a 3J- h.p. machine. The best figures for the twenty-four hours motor cycle ride are claimed to bo 029 miles, accomplished by P. i’eend on a 4.V h.p. machine tivo weeks back on the Western District roads of Victoria. This ride has yet to he passeck, and officially recognised by the Victorian Motor Cycle Club. The best figures previous to that were 522 miles, by VV. E. Pevcrill, another Victorian motor cyclist. Custance drove a Dunlopshod 3.1 h.p. Lewis, and his ride was checked and timed by officials of the South Australian Motor Cycle Club. A TRAVELLING MACHINE SHOP.

An automobile of somewhat curious design is being put in use for the aeroplane service in the French army, and it forms a veritable machine shop for making all flic needed repairs upon aeroplanes. No doubt it will prove valuable from the fact that it can bo quickly brought to the spot where an aeroplane in a disabled condition may require its help. It has the shape of a large covered motor lorry, with driver's seat in front. An electric transmission is used on the car. The inside space gives room for a number of tools, such as a lathe ami an emery grinder, both driven by electric motors, also a portable forge and carpenter’s and machinist’s benches, with tools. Aeroplane pieces can he readily repaired and even now pieces made. Electric lighting is used throughout the car.

MOTOR TRANSPORT SERVICE. France was the first nation to recognise the motor lorry for army transport service, and has . developed a subsidy plan, which has been largely followed by the other European Governments. Under this plan, the French Government has now at its command in case of war upwards of 2000 motor lorries, or the equivalent of at least 12,000 horses. These motor lorries are regularly engaged in private service, and the owners receive from the Government for each vehicle, £l2O at the time of purchase, and £lO for each of the three following years, a total of £2-10. In return the owner agrees to keep the vehicle in good running order, and to turn it over to the Government, with it’s driver, any time on demand. Motor lorries, eligible for this subsidy, however, must be adapted for army transport service. There are held annually in France, under the direction of the War Department, 1 trials in which all manufacturers of motor lorries are invited to participate. THE COMING OF THE CYCLE CAR.

The popularity of the cycle car in England lias grown so great, arid its development so rapid, tnat many motoring exports are now predicting that this simple and cheap type of motor vehicle will yet prove the solution and answer to the influx of cheap American runabouts' into Great Britain. The cycle car is simpler even than the light runabout, car, and what is more important, can he marketed at a cheaper figure. It is a type of machine that will appeal to a great many people who are not enamoured with the motor bicycle, and cannot yet afford the luxury of a motor car. Its

economy of upkeep, its handiness and

convenience of storage, promise a big future for the cycle car, which should not be confused with the light car. This type of machine is a well-built four-wheeler with air cooled engine (usually with twin cylinders), chain drive, with a two or three speed countershaft gear. The frame is built up of heavy gauge steel tubing. The wheel-base is about 61- feet wii.li a 4ft. track, 36in. wheel, with 21in. tyres usually fitted, the result being a stable and low-onilt machine of rakish appearance. The power of engines fitted, runs from about 7 to 10 horsepower, and the total weight of the vehicle complete is about 7cwt. The retail price in London varies according to style of body fitted from £IOJ to £135, and the demand is such that the various'manufacturers cannot cope with the orders. On Brcoklands track, England, one of these'natty little vc.hicles has covered 47 miles 330 yards in the hour, and a 100 miles in 2 hours 25 minutes. On the road they are said to be comfortable and fast, and good hill climbers. -\o doubt some cf tnese vehicles will soon be seen running about our roads.