1908 Stanley Show: Motors
Note: This is a sub-section of 1908 Stanley Show
Extracted from the Cycle and Motor Trades Review
Arno Motor Co.
Coventry. Stand No. 301.
This Company is a comparatively new one in the motor industry, and they have certainly begun well, for they are .showing a very neat motor cycle and a very carefully thought- out car. The bicycle has a 3 H.P. vertical engine the drive is by belt, the carburetter an " Amac," with 'handle-bar control, and the ignition by Bosch magneto. A special feature of the machine is that the crank bracket can be entirely removed if desired, by the removal of a single bolt. Wide aluminium foot-rests are fitted at each side of the engine. The complete machine, with all fittings, retails at £45. The car is a 20-25 H.P.; it has a 4-cylinder White and Poppe engine, and a White and Poppe carburetter is also used, so the flexibility of the car can be relied on. The change speed is operated by an ingenious combination of a straight through quadrant and gate. There are two short quadrants, between which the change lever stands, and the latter can be rocked, so that it engages with either one quadrant or the other. The quadrants are cut with what practically .amounts to long, sloping teeth, so that the lever is pushed right home against a dead stop in changing, and the whole arrangement is, of course, narrower and rather neater than the average gate. The rear springs and the rear ends of the front springs are mounted on slides instead of shackles. There are three cast steel rollers in each slide, and this design is claimed to give particularly easy springing. As the whole control is simple a•nd easy to handle, the " Arno" should be a suitable car for a lady.
Alldays and Onions, Ltd.
Small Heath, Birmingham. Stand No. 113.
This is another of the firms who have re-entered the motor-cycle trade, and we think they have struck a good line in adopting a machine with a 2 H.P. engine and a weight of about 90 to 100 lbs. The frame is specially designed for
strength at the head and to provide a low reach. The front fork is strongly stayed, and to intercept vibration, a spring handle-bar is employed. This allows of the fitting of a front wheel brake, and a second brake is applied to the belt rim. The Amac carburetter is fitted with handle-bar control, and the ignition is by magneto. The saddle is padded, and is carried on a horizontal pillar, the rear end of which supports the carrier.
Bat Motor Manufacturing Co.
Kingswood Road, Penge„ S.E. Stand No. 97.
A very good range of Bat motor-cycles is exhibited here, the smallest being a new introduction of 2& H.P., with the new Jap engine; in fact, it may be stated at once that the Jap engines are used throughout. The light-weight machine: scales about 100 lbs., and, like the other models, is fitted with the well-known Bat spring frame and spring fork. This frame is practically the same as last year, no alteration having been found necessary. Another feature that is common to - this and all other patterns is the Bosch magneto. Two of the machines shown have the Amac carburetter, which is controlled from the handle bar. Nearly all the models have hook handles, but the light-weight has felt. Two band brakes are fitted to the rear wheel, and are operated by pedals on either side of the engine. The 3-4 H.P. single-cylinder model has mechanically operated inlet valves, and the magneto is accommodated in the tank, otherwise the machine is very similar to the 2i H.P. just described. The tourist, model has a twin-cylinder engine of either 6-7 or 7-8 H.P., and weighs 180 lbs. Pull roadsters are exhibited of both these powers, and also of 7-9 H.P. Another model is the Bat car cycle. This is a kind of developed tide-car with four wheels. Both the front wheels are carried in spring forks and coupled for steering purposes. The driving gear comprises a large cone clutch on an extension of the crank-shaft, and motion is transmitted thence by a chain to a three-speed gear-box. and finally to a balance geared back axle. One feature of the machine is that all the side-car mechanism can be detached, and by fitting a belt on to the pulleys on the bicycle the single track machine is made ready for use. We understand the car -cycle has been subjected to a lengthy test, with very satisfactory results.
Bradbury and Co., Ltd.
Wellington Works, Oldham. Stand No. 78.
For next season this firm will confine their attention to one type of motor bicycle; this has a 31 H.P. engine, with the crank case built into the frame, on the system which this firm have always adopted. The crankshaft is mounted in ball bearings, magneto ignition is provided, and the Brown and Barlow carburetter is operated from the handlebar. The frame is kept low, and the head is well strengthened by a deep web behind the socket. The front, wheel is mounted on springs, and the handles are well extended to the rearwardly-carried saddle. The lubricating pump is enclosed in the tank, which is fitted with a gauge to indicate the quantity of petrol contained therein. The machine is turned out complete with stand, tubular carrier, and tool kit. Wheels are provided with ample gliards, the cranks are kept straight, and a rubber belt transmits the motion. Both brakes are applied to the rear wheel, namely, a Bowden to the wheel rim, and a foot brake to the belt rim.
H. and A. Dufaux (England), Ltd.
65 Holborn Viaduct, E.G. Stand No. 67.
This exhibit consists entirely of the "Motosocoche" machine. These are shown in two models, one with the engine carried in the usual place, high up in the frame, and one (the ladies') with the engine placed much lower. There are several complete machines of the former pattern and various components. The engine and so forth are shown separate. The standard machine with magneto ignition retails at £33 or £30 with accumulator, and the ladies' model at £42. There is a new model two-cylinder 21 H.P. at. £46.
Douglas Bros.
Kingswood, Bristol. Stand No. 65.
This exhibit consists of the neat little "Douglas Light Weight." A machine is shown which in full touring kit complete with tool bag and carrier, scales 105 lbs. It has a two-cylinder horizontally opposed engine with outside flywheel. The magneto is mounted. on top of the crank case in an arched recess in the tank. The carburetter is controlled by handlebar levers, and as the throttle is opened the size of the choke tube is automatically enlarged, thus admitting more air and keeping the mixture at the correct degree of richness. The valves are mounted vertically, the inlet being automatic. Spring forks are used, and a neat front wheel stand can also be fitted if desired. All parts of the engine are ground accurately, even the piston rings being so treated after cutting. The pistons have deep and wide recesses milled in them to carry the lubricating oil. This machine is one which is likely to appeal strongly to several classes of rider.
F. N. Motor Agency.
106 Great Portland Street, W. Stand No. 130.
On this stand will be found two new F.N. models. The first and perhaps the most interesting of the two is the two-speed gear machine. This has a single-cylinder engine set across the frame, an F.N. carburetter, Bosch magneto, and is, of course, air cooled. In the large outside flywheel there is an inverted cone clutch connected by a short shaft to the change-speed gear. This is contained in a small box clamped just in front of the bracket, and the gears, giving two speeds, are of the usual sliding type exactly like a car. The change- speed lever mounted on the top tube has a second handle, which is grasped by the hand When changing. Until the second lever is drawn up against the first one, the gear cannot be moved, and drawing it up releases the clutch, so it is impossible to attempt to change speed with the clutch in. Transmission from the gear box is by shaft to the usual F.N. bevel drive on the back wheel. This shaft has double cardan joints exactly as used on cars. The 4-cylinder model remains practically the same as it was last year. Bosch magneto is used, with the patent F.N. current distributor. All control is by handlebar levers; pedals are not fitted, footrests being carried in their place. A simple backward pressure on one or the other foot-rests applies the brakes. Both machines are beautifully finished, and the two-speed model should meet with a very big demand. Even on the opening day the F.N. stand was crowded with interested visitors.
Humber, Ltd.
Coventry. Stand No. 98.
On this Stand a number of new Humber motor bicycles are shown. 'These have been expected for some time and will be examined with interest by everyone. The machines are extremely well desi,ned and have several features peculiar to themselves, which should make them superior to many other motor-cycles in several ways. Only one power is made, namely, 31 .H.P. The engine is a single-cylinder, bore 83 mm. and stroke 90 mm. Both valves are mechanically operated; ignition is by Bosch magneto; A.M.A.C. carburetter, handlebar control, rigid frame and spring forks are used. Transmission is by belt, and some of the machines shown have a two- speed gear; the speeds being about 4 to 1 and 10 to 1. No pedalling gear is fitted to any machine, but we understand that it will be possible to have pedals fitted to a single-geared machine in the near future. The price of the 2-speed machine is £45, and the single-speed £42. The petrol tank is made in two halves, which clip over the top tube of the frame, a nickel plated connecting strip being slid on before the saddle is attached, and holding the two halves of the tank together. The oil tank is carried under the right-hand foot-board, and the pump plunger has a strong spring underneath it, so when oil is required a simple pressure of the foot forces the charge to the engine, and the pump cylinder is automatically refilled. The change speed gear is contained entirely in the back hub. the low speed being held in by a pedal actuated brake band, and the top speed by a kind of internal expanding clutch, also actuated by pedal. A third pedal, or rather foot trigger, immediately releases the high gear when pressed. On the left-hand foot-board is another pedal connected to a metal to metal contracting band brake on the hub, and yet another pedal applies a back wheel rim brake. This description sounds somewhat as though the number of pedals was confusing, but they are so well arranged that this is not so in practice. Practically the right and left feet are always in position for applying the brakes. The right toe can be used for the oil pump, and the change speed is all done with the right heel. Needless to say, the machines are beautifully finished, and we should say they are very well worth their price.
James Cycle Co., Ltd.
Birmingham. Stand No. 110.
The new James motor bicycle. This is an extremely original machine. To begin with, the wheels are not carried in forks, but the frame lies one side only; at each end of the frame is a short transverse shaft upon which the wheels rotate, the front wheel having a steering pin in the centre of the hub. There is a long head behind the wheel, and the steering stem is connected up to the front wheel by a strong tubular link. Expanding brakes are fitted in the hubs of the wheels, and the belt rim is fixed to the rear live axle. Footboards are provided as there is no pedalling gear, and the saddle is carried on a long bow spring reminiscent of the early "boneshaker " days. The engine is arranged vertically behind the steering head, and is provided with an Amac carburetter and magneto ignition; transmission is by a belt. We regret that space does not permit of a more detailed description on this occasion of a machine that is sure to attract a great deal of attention.
Junior and Otav Car Co.
117 Long Acre, W.C. Stand No. 300.
This firm are showing a number of the little " Otav " voiturettes, which have been previously described in The Review. Their great feature is, of course, their price, which is only 95 guineas. They have a 5 H.P. air-cooled engine, the cylinder being jacketed, and the air being forced through by a powerful fan. The engine drives by chain to a countershaft placed across the car and carrying a two-speed epicyclic gear. From the countershaft the drive to the road wheels is by " V " belts. The car behaved distinctly well in the Auto-Cycle Club run to York and back some months ago. We understand that the car is selling well, and it is certainly an interesting type of vehicle.
Lloyd Motor and Engineering Co.
Birmingham. Stand No. 71.
This firm are showing their two models of motor-cycles - the 31 H.P. and the n H.P. The 31 H.P. has 2iin. tyres, with butt-ended tube in rear wheel, spring forks, Bosch magneto, pedal actuated band brake on rear hub, Bowden rim brake on driving rim pulley, handlebar control with Amac, B. and B., or Longuemau carburetter, L.M.C. ball bearing engine and other fittings of the best quality. It retails at 45 guineas. The ai H.P. has a neat little two-
cylinder engine, the cylinders being placed side by side vertically. As they are so small, it has been found unnecessary to cast them with radiating finis and as a result the appearance of the engine is extremely neat. This machine also has a Bosch magneto and other details precisely similar to the 34 H.P. The price is 42 guineas and the weight 105 lbs. On this stand can also be seen the L.M.C. automatic variable pulley, which we hope to describe at greater length shortly. Briefly, the two flanges of the pulley are separate, one being fixed to the crank-shaft and the other being forced up towards it by a ring of small spiral springs. When the engine is running slowly, and the pull on the belt is therefore considerable, the flanges are forced apart, the belt sinks and the gear is lowered.
Matchless Motor Cycles.
Collier and Son, Ltd., 18 Herbert Road, Plaistow. Stand No. 128.
Examples of the Matchless motor-cycles are shown on this stand, with several novelties, the principal one being a very elaborate side-car, forming a quadricycle. The body of this car is of coach-work, fitted with Cape cart hood, and side entrance door. The price complete is 90 guineas. A number of well-finished motor-cycles are shown, similar to those driven with such success by the brothers Collier in various races. The machine is on view on which C. R. Collier did the world's record of 70 miles per hour; Most of the machines are fitted with V-shaped handle-bars, brought well back. Several valuable trophies are shown on the stand, won on these machines. Mr. Harry Martin, the well-known motorcyclist is in attendance.
These exhibitors wish to appoint agents, to whom they would refer all inquiries. They are prepared to offer liberal terms, with a special rebate where more than three machines are taken.
Motor Reve Co., Ltd.
Gray's Inn Road, W.C. Stand No. 108.
A number of 1909 models of these handy and comparatively powerful light-weights are to be seen on this stand. The most noticeable alteration is in the tyres, which are now 2in. heavy motor-cycle Continentals. A strong girder fork has been added, and a pedal-applied belt rim brake operated from the foot-rest by a perfectly straight adjustable rod. Control is, as before, entirely from the handle-bar, and the valve lifter has been slightly strengthened. The tank has been somewhat increased in size and will contain a full gallon of petrol and a quart of oil. Gauges are fitted to each compartment, and there are pipes with taps to convey petrol to the compression taps to ensure easy starting when the engine is cold or sticky. At 37 guineas complete, with everything ready for the road, we consider this machine is extremely good value for the money.
Midget Bicar.
J. T. Brown and Son, Reading. Stand No. 85.
This exhibit consists of three motor-bicycles and a "Roc" clutch. The bicycles are distinctly interesting. No tubes are used in the frame, it being entirely built up of pressed steel. The various members are joined and enclosed by sheet steel, thus forming petrol tanks, oil tanks and tool cupboard. The engine is a "Fafnir," carburetter an Amac, and ignition by magneto. A two-speed gear may be fitted at a small extra charge. The single-cylinder single-speed machine is priced at 30 guineas, and the 2-cylinder, with 5 H.P. Peugeot engine, at 45 guineas.
Minerva Motors, Ltd.
40 Holborn Viaduct, London, E.C. Stand No. 115.
There is but little alteration in Minerva machines for the coming season. Prices have been lowered all round, and are now, 24 H.P., £36; 34 H.P., £37; 4 H.P. , £45; 8 H.P. , £48 10s. All machines are now fitted with Bosch magneto as a standard, and accumulator ignition is now only supplied to special order. The back wheel band-brake can be applied either by back-pedalling or by a small pedal placed close, to the foot-rest, so it earn always be applied instantly whichever position the foot may be in. The Minerva, was one of the very first reliable motor-bicycles on the market, and it has always maintained its original high reputation. We consider that the machines on this stand are typical of the best standard type of motor-bicycle, for they have all up-to-date features, are well made and finished, and are quite free from anything. which could be described as faddy.
N.S.U. Motor Co., Ltd.
186 Great Portland Street, W. Stands No. 262 and 263.
Several new patterns and a number of detail improvements will be noticeable in the 1909 N.S.U. models. The range of machines now consists of a 3 H.P., 3 H.P., 34 H.P., 4 H.P., and 14 H.P. light weight single-cylinder machine; a 24 H.P. twin-cylinder light weight, a 4 H.P. and a 6 H.P. twin, a. 6 H.P. twin side-car machine, a 6 H.P. twin tri-car, and a 4 H.P. single-cylinder carrier tri-car. The spring forks, which are fitted to all models are made to a new design. There is a new style of tank, which allows the exhaust valve of single cylinder machines to be entirely removed .without disturbing it. Handle-bar control is more extensively used on all models; and the exhaust. lifters have now a little thumb catch to hold them up when the machines have to• be wheeled. The neat little LI H.P. light weight has not been much altered, and we consider that it is so excellently suited to the work for which it is designed. that alteration would scarcely be desirable. The 21 H.P. light weight is fitted with an under-geared pulley, so that a comparatively small back wheel belt rim can be used in conjunction with a large outside diameter pulley. The mechanism is very simple, the pulley having teeth cut in it internally meshing with a small spur wheel on the end of the crank shaft.. Further, the pulley is carried in an eccentric, which may be moved by rotating a small handle on the top tube, thus tightening or loosening the belt. The side-car machine and the two tri-cars have the new N.S.U. 2-speed hub. This is actuated by a large lever on the top tube and gives two speeds with an intermediate free engine. In the carrier tri-car, the high speed, as well as the low, is geared down in the hub, so that though the maximum speed of the vehicle is not high the belt ,speed is sufficient to give a satisfactory drive. Both the tri-car and the side-car engines are cooled by a powerful. though small, fan, mounted on the right-hand side, and belt driven from the crank shaft. Altogether the N.S.U. Company have a very fine exhibit, and one which should be attractive, both to the trade and the public.
Norton Manufacturing Co.
Deritend Bridge, Birmingham. Stand No. 87.
This firm exhibit two of the neatest motor-cycles in the Show. They make only these two models, one a 31 H.P. single-cylinder machine and the other a 5 H.P. twin. The valves are all operated mechanically and are rather larger than is usual in engines of similar size, and the crank-shafts run on ball bearings. The bore and stroke of the single-cylinder are 82 mm. and 90 mm. respectively, the twin having a bore of 76 mm. and stroke of 80 mm. A low, long frame is used, giving the machine a distinctly racy appearance. The ignition is by Sims magneto, and the control, with the exception of the spark advance, is entirely by handlebar lever. The special feature of the machines are their brakes, which act on the belt rim. Great care has been taken in arranging them so that a perfectly straight brake rod may be used, thus disposing of any tendency to reduce braking effect through spring in the rod. The finish is good, and though the price is not so low as for some other makes, it is certainly not high considering the quality, i.e.. 40 guineas for the 31 H.P. and 50 guineas for the 5 H.P.
Phanomen Motors.
49 King's Square, Goswell Road, E.C. Stand No. 114.
Several specimens of the Phanomen motor-bicycle are on view here. All are provided with magneto ignition, spring front forks, 1in. belts, and 26in. by 2tin. wheels. One of the most popular patterns is the 4 H.P. single-cylinder. This machine has a particularly strong frame. There are two top tubes, and a tube is run up vertically behind the engine. The magneto is arranged horizontally, and a Brown and Barlow carburetter is provided. Another machine of the same power has a twin-cylinder engine, and the well-known Nala two-speed hub. A specimen of the same is shown fitted with a side-car. Another twin is a 6 H.P., and a special feature that will appeal to hard riders is that the usual parts are enamelled instead of being plated, the whole machine being finished in a shade of grey. The details of the engine are, very good. The pillions are formed in one piece with the shafts bearing them, and the gudgeon pins are fixed by spring bolts. All the two-speed machines are fitted with fans driven from extensions of the half-time shafts, and with brake rims similar to those employed for the belt drive. These brakes are operated by back pedalling, with a trip that can be thrown out of action. In those cases where a band brake is employed, the hoop takes the form of a coil passing more than times round the drum. These machines give the impression of being thoroughly strong and reliable.
Peugeot.
J. Taylor, 318 Percy Road, Birmingham. Stand No. 244.
Mr. Taylor here shows the Peugeot motor-cycle engines and the Peugeot chains of all kinds, from racing bicycle to motor car strengths. The engines are all fitted with automatic inlet valves, and range from 24 H.P. single-cylinder to 7-8 H.P. twin-cylinder, the intermediate sizes being H.P. cylinder and H.P. and 5-6 H.P. twin-cylinder, thus suiting all types of machines from the light run-about to the heavy passenger attachment. A feature is made of providing the heavy with either a contact breaker for accumulator and coil ignition, or with chain or gear transmission for a magneto. In the last arrangement the gear wheels are of the raw hide construction, thus ensuring quietness. The twins have their cylinders arranged at an angle of 45 degrees, and have separate exhaust pipes and silencers. The chains are constructed with spun recessed rivets, and are hand made.
Premier Cycle Co., Ltd.
Read Street, Coventry. Stand No. 79.
The centre of attraction here is a fine motor bicycle, and we are glad to see this firm taking up this class of work. The frame is long and low, and, we may add, strong, being provided with two top tubes above and below the tank respectively. The front wheel is carried on rocking levers, which are controlled by springs. The engine occupies the usual position in front of the bottom bracket, and in front of this, again, is the high tension magneto, which is driven by means of a chain. The Brown and Barlow carburetter is fitted behind the cylinder head, and is controlled from the handlebar. The oil pump is enclosed in the tank, and a gauge indicates the quantity of petrol on hand. The machine is fitted complete with all pedalling gear, foot-rests, stand, and tubular carrier.
P. and M. Motor Cycles.
The Service Co. (London), Ltd., 292-3 High Holborn, W.C. Stand No. 116.
With the exception of one machine, this stand is devoted to motor-cycles, principally the Phelon and Moore (P. and M.). These are still made at Cleckheaton, Yorks, and the original model of five Or six years ago is practically adhered to, having chain drive. They are now fitted with three-speed gear and magneto ignition, and have been brought up-to-date without losing their distinctive characteristics. The price of all models is 50 guineas, and they are remarkably well finished. On this stand are also shown the "Moto-Reve" light-weight twin-cylinder motor-cycle, and the well-known four-cylinder F.N. Perhaps the greatest novelty on the stand is the N.S.U. motorcycle, fitted with wheel steering and an adaptation of the bucket seat. A separate steering-head is bracketed to the top tube carrying the steering-wheel, which acts by an arrangement of rods usually termed bridle-steering, in the same way as the safety bicycle was originally made. The connections seem perfectly rigid. Several side-carriers are also shown.
Quadrant Motor Co., Ltd.
Earlsdon, Coventry. Stand No. 109.
The Quadrant motor-bicycles have been but little altered for the coming season, except in one important respect, and that is the engine. This has been entirely re-modelled, and contains some very excellent features. In some respects it closely. resembles a motor car engine, except that the crank-shaft lies transversely of the frame instead of longitudinally; but there are two valve boxes, one for the inlet and the other for the exhaust, arid each is operated by its own geared- driven shaft running in an oil bath. The gear wheels including that for the magneto, lie in separate casing, which is here at the side of the engine corresponding to the forward position in a car. The main crank case is cast is box form. one side only being detachable. The exhaust valve is front, and the exhaust box is arranged close to the front of the engine. The inlet valve is at the rear, and behind it are the magneto and the carburetter, the latter above the former. The throttle is controlled by a lever on the handlebar. The mixture is regulated by a slide on the carburetter, and one tank filling is usually sufficient for the day's run. The tappets are adjustable, and the lubrication is so arranged that the partial vacuum in the crank case draws the oil through the bearings. For the rest, the machines are complete with petrol gauges, spring front forks, and concealed pump, and one of the machines is shown fitted with a side car. The Company are in favour of supporting agents, to whom they refer all inquiries. Their object is to do a wholesale, not a retail, trade.
Roc.
A. W. Wall, Ltd., Birmingham. Stand No. 81.
A good exhibit of the "Roc" motor bicycles is on view here, some with single cylinders and others with twin engines. A sample of each is shown fitted with the castor wheel side car, for which class of work the Roc 2-speed gear and clutch are particularly adapted. A novelty for this year consists of a spring fork. The main fork is connected to the auxiliary fork by C springs. The two forks are hinged together above the wheel, and there is also a telescopic action giving the wheel very free motion without side shake.
Star Cycle Co., Ltd.
Wolverhampton. Stand No. 299.
On this stand a number of "Starling" cam are shown, notably the "Little Briton," which was fully described in The Review a short. time ago. It has a 10 H.P. two-cylinder engine, and is built very low on racing hoes. It is extremely fast for so small a car, being aisle to travel at something close on 40 miles an hour. With its long bonnet and somewhat rakish lines, it is a very smart and speedy-looking turn-out.
At its price, £165 net, it is extremely good value for the money. To this company belongs the honour of exhibiting the only polished chassis in the motor section. This, however, is not a " Little Briton " chassis, but a " Royal Starling," which is similar to the racer, only being lower geared, will carry a four-seated body with ease anywhere. Its price, complete with two-seated body, is £175, and with four-seated body, £200. The Company have specialised on this little car. and have every reason to . congratulate themselves on the result.
Triumph Cycle Co., Ltd.
Coventry. Stand No. 121.
One has become quite accustomed to look upon the Triumph motor bicycle as the standard machine of its class, and certainly no better designed or finished machine is to be found on the market, nor one which has proved its quality more successfully in competition. In general design it. remains practically the same as last year, but every point has been well considered, and where improvement has been possible, it has been introduced. The ball bearings are retained in the engine, but a new piston is employed having a ring at each end so as to distribute the wear evenly along the cylinder. The rear spring of the front fork has been strengthened, and caps are fitted to exclude wet from the front hub. The frame is slightly lower, and the tank has been strengthened. The
carburetter remains the same, with its air and throttle controls from the handle bar, a device which this firm has done much to popularise. The mudguard flap is now fixed in front of the magneto instead of being attached to the end of the steel guard. Brooks' B 200 saddle, with padded top, is fitted as the standard pattern. A neat little fitting consists of a tap in the tank with a long spout, which can be turned over the compression tap, thus admitting petrol to the cylinder before starting the engine. The front rim brake has been improved, and rubber-studded tyres are fitted to most of the machines on the stand. '.1:wo patterns only are exhibited, one, the ordinary roadster machine, and the other, the tourist trophy pattern, which differs from the first in having no pedalling gear. It is somewhat lighter, has a shorter frame, and a higher compression engine. On both models a clip is fixed. to the left side of the tank to carry the generator of an acetylene lamp. It is rather like gilding refined gold to praise the Triumph motor-cycles, but we feel that any commendation that we could make would not be too high.
Vindec Motor-Cycle Co.
13 and 15 Wilson Street, Finsbury, E.C. Stand No. 127.
The Vindec Motor-cycles have, if possible, added to their reputation during the past season, and the improvements now introduced should serve to make them even more popular during 1909. There has been a slight increase in price, but seeing that the Company is giving 37s. worth of extra cost,, and only charging the rider 20s. for it, it will be admitted. that hr has much the best of the bargain. One point is the- finishing of all the machines in the well-known Vindec grey, though if black is preferred a reduction of 15s. will be made. from the list price. The machines are all fitted with adjustable pulleys and magneto ignitions. Tire two-speed hub has now stood the test of time, and cans be supplied with any of the models, as an extra. A special feature is made of the 7-9 H.P. machines. These are supplied both for racing and for touring. The Truffault spring fork is fitted for the suppression of vibrations, and it is well known to be thoroughly effective for its purpose. At the rear part of the machine, the rider's comfort is studied by providing the Brooks' Ii 105-4 motor-cycle saddle, which has a padded top. The carburetter is controlled from the handlebar, and all machines: are equipped with a tubular stand and luggage carriage.. All the machines are fitted with Peugeot engines, and these• motors have long since earned a reputations that renders- unnecessary any recommendation on our part. Two of the minor specialities of the firm are provided, namely, Komfo• sponge rubber handles, and the Unit° coupling to the belts. In those machines which are not provided with pedalling gear, pedals are employed as foot rests, and are secured adjustably to tubes dependent. from what corresponds to the- bottom bracket.
Victoria Trading Co.
47 Lamb's Conduit Street, Theobald's Road, W.C. Stand No. 313.
This is an interesting stand, and it contains some marvellously cheap cars. The Piccolo chassis, with air-cooled engine, two-cylinder. 6-8 H.P., is priced at £132 15s., one of the. cheapest two-cylinders yet made. The engine cylinders are set. V-shaped, air-cooled by fans at front and rear, driven off the main shaft. A complete two-seater is shown with the same, chassis at £140 with cape hood. There is also a four-seater, enamelled green, with cape hood, of 12-16 H.P., 4 cylinders,. which is also air-cooled, and the engine cylinders are set in V- fashion in two couples. This is priced at £245. All the cars appear to be of remarkably good value, but probably the fact of their being air-cooled only detracts from the apparent cheapness. Two Elgin motor-cycles are shown, lady's and men's. These are priced at £21 lOs. each. The engines are of the two-stroke variety, and are of 1i H.P. Samples are also on view of the finished parts to produce these engines.
Wolf.
Wearwell Motor Carriage Co., Ltd., Wolverhampton. Stand No. 58.
The company introduced a light motor bicycle at last year's Show, and it has been so successful that they have developed it in several respects, and now show quite a large number of different models. The Wolf, the Royal, and the Superb, are all made in two styles— (A) with accumulator and coil ignition, (B) with magneto ignition, and all these machines have the same engine, though arranged somewhat differently in each. It will be remembered that the motor is very light, and is constructed with an outside flywheel. The bore and stroke have been increased since last year, and are now 2A inches, giving about 2 H.P. In the Wolf pattern the engine is arranged in a sloping position near the top of the bottom tube, and drives the rear wheel through a round belt running over a jockey pulley. This pulley is now readily adjustable while running. The weight of the machine is about 70 lbs., and the retail price is £19 19s. In the Royal models the engine remains in the same position, but a V belt is used with a straight drive, no jockey being employed. This pattern also is fitted with a good stand to the back wheel, which does not interfere with the removal of the wheel if required for tyre repairing purposes. The Superb models have a specially designed frame with 18in. diagonal tube, and an extension forward of the bottom bracket, which enables the engine to be set in a nearly vertical position behind the front wheel. Handlebar control is provided by means of Chater-Lea slides and Bowden mechanism. The Druid front fork is used, and the front brake is readily detachable. The lamp bracket can be moved up and down the upper part of the fork, and the wheels have 2in. tyres. The back brake is applied by a pedal close to the left foot-rest, and acts upon the belt rim. Lastly is the Wolf twin. This has a 2-cylinder engine set in front of the bottom bracket, handle bar control, Druid spring fork, 18in. frame, two stands, so that both wheels can be raised from the ground, and a divided back mudguard, making altogether a very complete machine.
Zenith Motors, Ltd.
101a Stroud Green Road, N. Stand No. 124.
This firm though noted for its originality is, however, very practical in its production. No better proof of this need be given than the presence of a Zenith Bi-Car on the stand. Besides this is the more recent "scissors" spring frame, which has now stood a season's trial very successfully. The firm have also responded to the demand for a rigid frame, and have produced a very sensible machine in which a low saddle position and good length of head are obtained by adopting a sloping top tube. This machine has a Druid spring fork and also the firm's gradual gear, in which a front pulley expands and contracts simultaneously with a forward and backward movement of the rear wheel so that the belt remains at the proper tension. The device is operated by a small wheel situated conveniently about half-way along the top tube. Its success has already been demonstrated both in climbing hills and negotiating traffic.
This firm pursues the policy of one agent one town, and are prepared to offer terms equal to other firms. They refer all inquiries to their agents, and will send a machine for inspection, in suitable cases.
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