1903 Motor Show (National)
Organised by Frank Peach
National Show 1903 The Stanley Show, Agricultural Hall, Islington and the National Cycle and Motor Show, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, both open their doors to the public on Friday, November 20th and close on Saturday night, November 25th. Motor-Bicycles will be numerously exhibited at both Shows, and Light Motorcars will be on view at the Crystal Palace.
The Duryea car exhibit. This firm will have a stand at the National, where a full line of the Duryea cars will be shown. The special features of the mechanism are the three cylinder balanced motor, single chain drive from main shaft to rear axle, two-speeds only, speed being regulated by the throttle only. The steering is irreversible without wheel or worm gearing. The throttle valve and steering handle are combined. The live axle is made in one piece of nickel steel, and extra brake power is fitted, viz., two friction brakes in addition to the engine. Application of the brake does not throw the engine out of gear. The wheels are of extra large diameter, 36 and 30 inches, and long springs are provided, rendering the car a particularly comfortable one. The ignition is high tension current generated by a magneto dynamo. Standard powers are 10 and 12 h.p.
White and Poppe, Ltd., engineers, Coventry, will be showing at the National a variety of motors. Also drilling machinery specially adapted for motorcycle work. Machinery for thread milling in brass, and the firm's new patent reversible all-steel screw driver. The type of engine to be exhibited has a mechanically operated inlet valve. The inlet and exhaust valves are interchangeable one with the other.
The Booth motorcycle which will be exhibited at the National Show will have many improvements upon, the 1903 pattern. Petrol capacity is increased to two gallons. More lubricant can be carried. Two accumulators (with two-way switch) are supplied, the total capacity being 1,800 miles. A free-wheel hub is fitted so that no dirt can interfere with the working. Less than a foot of wire is to be seen on machine, practically the whole of the wiring being in accumulator box. The exhaust is controlled by lever from handlebar, and this also breaks the ignition circuit, and an auxiliary lever holds this in position when desired, for descending hills. The whole constitutes a great advance upon this year's machine.
The 1904 pattern 2.75 h.p. Excelsior motor-bicycle although remaining practically the same as the 1903 pattern, as far as the engine is concerned, has been altered in many respects in other details. In lieu of the make and break contact, the makers are now fitting the well-known Basse Michel wipe contact and trembler coil. Last season an extra charge was made for spray carburetter, as the surface was the standard pattern, but now, owing to the increased demand for the former type, either surface or Longuemare will be fitted. Another important point which will appeal to tourists and long distance riders is the increased petrol capacity of the spare tank; this is now made so that a ride of 140 miles can be accomplished without replenishing. Two accumulators are fitted and connected with a two-way switch, so that when one accumulator is exhausted, by simply removing the interrupter plug from one hole to another, a connection is made with the fully-charged accumulator remaining; this can be done instantly, and without disconnecting any wires. The two-way switch and interrupter block are combined, and instead of fitting on the handle-bar, as before, are now placed in a slide at the back of accumulator and coil compartment. It is very easy to get at, and does away with disfiguring the handlebar. The coil and accumulator compartment have been considerably improved, and to obviate any chance of the coil or accumulator rattling or getting out of position, they are now enclosed in hinged straps, which pass through the base of the compartment, and are held secure by wing nuts. The silencer has been altered in shape and design, and is now far more effective, the engine running practically silent.
The Excelsior fore-carriage shown in the illustration is an entirely new design from last season. The main tubes of frame are carried to back axle of motor-bicycle, thus giving greater strength and rigidity. The steering, instead of being by means of the ordinary front fork, is now done by a direct post running from the socket, giving a sensitive steering, at the same time is a secure attachment. The side mudguards are now much wider than before. The Excelsior exhibit will be at the National Show, and our Show Special will contain a full report of the Excelsiors.
The Princeps variable speed gear. A special feature of the 1904 Princeps machine is a variable speed gear and free engine pulley for belt driving for use with a V pattern belt; it gives a ratio of 25 to 30 per cent. in the gear, and allows the engine or cycle to run free. The lever for operating the gear is placed in a convenient position on the handlebar. The pulley flanges are made in two parts, the inner one being fixed to the shaft and the outer one allowed to move laterally on four studs by means of a 2in. pitch triple-threaded worm operated by a ratchet lever on the handlebar. By moving the lever so that the flanges of the pulley come together, it gives a large diameter driving pulley and consequently a high gear, and by allowing the flanges to separate, the diameter of the gripping surface of the pulley is decreased, giving a reduced gear. By separating the flanges to their full extent, the bolt drops on to a loose ring and allows the engine to run quite freely, or the machine can run with the engine stationary. By this arrangement the rider is enabled to reduce the gear according to the work the engine is required to do. This is a distinct advantage over other two-speed gears, as in this case the low gear has to be low enough to take the stiffest of hills. A good feature of this variable gear is its comparative simplicity and certainty of action. The accompanying illustration will show the working of the gear which we shall describe fully after inspection.
A large display of Singer machines will be made at the National. These comprise patterns of belt, chain and gear drivers. The new belt drive is 3 h.p., with the motor mounted in the frame. All types of Singers will have handlebar control and magneto ignition. The compensating wedge rim brakes have been revised and made more powerful. The chain drive machines will be made in 2 and 3 h.p. sizes, in both lady's and gent's types of frame. The 3 h.p. machine will have 28in. wheels. The gear drive machines will have 2 and 2.5 h.p. motors. The Singer motor tandem tricycle will be a strong line for 1904. It will have a drop rear frame, and 24 h.p. engine, and is a capital mount for two riders. The Governess car, Trivoiturette and fore-carriage will be shown. The fore-carriage is a new type for 1904. This will be fitted to the 2.5 and 3 h.p. gear and chain driver respectively. Two band brakes are provided, and operated from the handlebar, and a comfortable footboard can also be fitted.
Mills and Fulford's exhibit. This firm will have a large and interesting display of side-cars, fore-cars and trailers at the National. There will be several new designs of fore-cars with improved steering on the lines of a motorcar. An entirely new pattern will be one intended for tradesmen's use, fitted with a box or hamper for the delivery of goods. Side-cars will be shown fitted with the firm's new steering system, and others with compensating joints. Many varieties of trailing cars will be shown.
The Rising Sun Motor Company will be exhibiting at the National. Amongst the motorcycles the Westfield Autobike will occupy a prominent position. This has a motor with cylinder 74 by 78 mm. 2.75 h.p., large fly-wheels and long bearings. The regulating gear is controlled from the handles. The silencer is of special design and two brakes are fitted, viz., a band brake in rear hub and rim brake on front wheel. The front forks are duplex and of great strength. Two inch Clipper motor tyres are used, and extra wide mud-guards with front extension. The makers can supply a variety of sizes of driving pulley to suit various classes of work such as fore-carriage work, ordinary road work and racing. These pulleys are interchangeable and detachable. A special 3.5 h.p. model is also made.
The Clarendon Motor Car and Bicycle Co., Ltd., of Coventry, will exhibit 12 of their 3 h.p. "Clarendon" motor-bicycles at Stand 69, National Show, having decided to make this machine a standard pattern for 1904. All machines made by this firm will be fitted with their patent adjustable outside pulley bearing which has been improved for next season, A specially designed 3 h.p. engine is fitted, the bore and stroke being 77 by 81mm. respectively.
A mechanical inlet valve is one of the improvements for next season, also an effective silencer. No alteration in frame design has been made as the firm finds that their registered design has met with the entire approval of their numerous agents and customers.
The illustration shows a back view of the Quadrant Tri-car. A distinctly novel feature is the use of two separate motors of 2.5 h.p. which can be run singly or together simply by moving a foot lever. This feature of employing two motors gets over the difficulty of cooling a large single motor. The transmission is by means of a V belt from each motor driving on to each side of the back wheel. The carburetter used is the "Quadrant" surface type, and has a capacity for two gallons of petrol. Twin accumulators are used. The back wheel has a Quadrant back pedal brake and the side wheels have band brakes actuated by Bowden wires. The driving tyre is 2.5in. and side wheel tyres 2in. diameter. The front carriage is coach built and is suspended on extension coil springs. The principal spring is adjustable to different weights. Foot rests with rubber mats are provided. This machine will he found at the National, and is certain to cause a great amount of interest from its many novel features.
H. W. Cocks and Co, of Richmond, Surrey, are exhibiting at the National. They will display a large selection of their own make of accumulators, voltmeters, ampere meters, sparking plugs, test lamps, lantern and hand lamps.
Worsnop and Co.'s Exhibit. This firm will exhibit at the National several new lamps to meet the requirements of the new Act, including a headlamp, which can be used as a headlight as previously, and which at the same time sends a light on to the numbers in front of the car, as required by the new Act. They are also showing special lamps both for acetyloid and petroleum for lighting up the number at the back. In addition to these specialities they have new lines in motor-bicycle lamps both for gas, petroleum and electric light, and a number of sundries in the way of oil cans, funnels, and general stamped work for motorcar use. A novelty will be a new acetyloid headlight with automatic shutter for shutting the light off when coming in contact, with a timid horse.
The See Fluid for Vulcanising. The importance of a method by means of which repair patches can be vulcanised to the inner tube has already been dealt with in our columns, and a process described which necessitated the use of three chemical solutions. A distinct advance has now been made by the introduction, at a moderate price, of one solution which will accomplish the purpose. The patch and the portion of tube to be repaired are given two or three coats of ordinary solution when this is dry the chemical fluid is brushed over each surface, and the patch is at once pressed into its place. It is claimed that the resulting repair will stand high temperatures, and this is borne out by the fact that it is by the same cold vulcanizing process that the Samson-Hutchinson metal studded non-skidding leather bands are attached to tyre treads. The price of the fluid (which is in bottles, including brush) is in the bicycle size 2s., and motorcar size 3s. The London agent, Mr. Leon See, 9, Hill's Place, Oxford Street, W., will exhibit it on his stand at the National Show, where will also be shown the Samson-Hutchinson non-skid bands and the Lamaudiere motorcycle. These will also be shown at the Stanley on the stand of Mr. Theo. Masui, of 1, Hanover Court, Regent Street, W. An illustration on this page will give the reader an idea of the non-skid bands.
The Raleigh exhibit. A 3 h.p. chain-driven motorcycle will be one of the prominent features of the Raleigh at the National. All taps and levers are dispensed with, the machine being controlled from the handlebar by means of twisting handles and Bowden wire. The engine is fitted with a governor which allows the machine to be driven from a mere crawl up to 35 miles an hour. The machine may be controlled entirely by the use of the governor only, the elasticity of the engine being remarkable. The drive is by a Hans Renold motor chain from a spring clutch on the engine pulley to a countershaft, and from thence to a spring chain wheel on the driving wheel. The drive is very resilient and absorbs the vibration. The tyres are 2.25in., exceptionally long wheel base, and a specially sprung motor saddle help to make the machine as comfortable as is possible even on bad roads. The weight complete is 145lbs. Two accumulators with two-way switch are provided. The new Raleigh patent two-speed gear may be fitted to this machine if specially ordered. No pedals can be fitted however.
A 3 h.p. belt driven machine on similar lines will also be exhibited, and whilst catering for those who pin their faith to the belt drive, is also a cheaper model.
Another novelty will be the new "Raleighette" or three-wheeled motor tandem. This is an entirely new departure in fore-carriages. It is fitted with a 3.25 h.p. water-cooled engine, with chain transmission and the two-speed gear; which enables the machine with two passengers to climb any hill without overheating the engine. The frame is so constructed that the front seat or fore-carriage is entirely suspended on springs, whilst the back seat and the tanks are so arranged that a lady can drive. Pedals are dispensed with, as these are unnecessary, footrests being provided for the feet. The engine is started with a handle and thrown into gear by means of a leather-faced clutch, actuated by means of a pedal, worked by the left foot, whilst the right foot pedal puts on the brake. Two band brakes on the front wheel and a rear rim brake on the driving wheel are provided.
A 2 h.p. chain-driven motorcycle and a 2 h.p. belt-driven machine, both of these selling at a very moderate price, complete the exhibit.
The Star motor-bicycle. This machine will be shown at the National. There will be two patterns, viz., 2.5 and 3 h.p. motors, fitted vertically, and with 26 and 28 inch wheels respectively. The carburetter is of the Longuemare type, and ignition by coil and accumulator. Special attention has been given to the construction of the tanks, which are of ample strength, being made of 18s gauge sheet brass. The price of the 2.5 h.p. machine will be 40 guineas, and 3 h.p. 46 guineas.
Mr. Stephen A. Marples will exhibit at the National a complete machine, called "The Mercury." It will have a 2.5 h.p. engine, spray carburetter, and will be exceptionally light in weight. It is offered to the trade only at a particularly low price, less tyres. Engines of 2.5 h.p. will also be on show, and these like the bicycle are manufactured by a leading French firm.
The Star Engineering Company, Wolverhampton, will be showing at the National their newly introduced "Little Star" two-seated car. It has a 6 h.p. engine 4 by 4 inches. Cooling is by radiators and pump. Three speeds forward and one reverse are provided by sliding gears. Direct drive on the high speed, Transmission is by chains from a counter-shaft. Two independent powerful brakes are provided, viz.:— One on the counter-shaft, pedal actuated, and the other acting on drums on road wheels applied by hand lever. Wheel steering and high tension electric ignition are other features. As the illustration shows, the lines of this little car are very symmetrical. Wheels are of the artillery pattern. Price, complete in every respect, £175.
Note
The illustrations mentioned are included under the company’s main entry.
See Also
Sources of Information
The Motor magazine of 11th and 18th November 1903