REX, No. 73.
The Rex Motor Mfg. Co., Ltd., Earlsdon, Coventry. – The single -cylinder models have been re-designed for 1912, a detailed description having already been published in these pages. The well-known two-speed hub gear remains unaltered. The starting handle is carried in a leather holster strapped to the side of the carrier. All the machines are fitted with the Rex spring cantilever saddle pin and the T.T. type of exhaust pipe, consisting of a long pipe extending to beyond the rear axle, the end of which is flattened. A cut-out is provided worked. by the rider's heel. The magneto is handle-bar controlled in all types. The inflator clips are brazed to the front forks.
A new model for Olympia. The twin-cylinder two-speed Rex-Jap, which as its name implies, is a Jap-engined machine, built in the Rex works. It is sold by the Premier Motor Co.
The principal features of the Rex twin, such as the tank, saddle, and efficient mudguards on the front wheel, wide rubber-covered footboards, etc., are the same as in the single-cylinder models. All touring machines are provided with a special bracket bolted to the head for carrying a generator. The T.T. twin is of the same dimensions as the above, but is single-geared and has a flat handle-bar. One of the most interesting machines in the exhibition is the 4 h.p. water-cooled Rex. Except for the water cooling this machine is similar to the other single-cylinder model. The water-cooling system is particularly neatly carried out. Both outlet and inlet pipes are of ample dimensions, while the radiator is of the honeycomb type and should be particularly efficient. The circulation, of course, is on the thermo-syphon system. The water-cooled machine is fitted to a sidecar, the basket body of which calls for special comment. Its exterior lines are particularly graceful, and it is upholstered in Quaker grey-coloured leatherine. Pockets are provided on each side of the footboard, while a high side door is fitted. The padding at the back is supplemented by springs, while upholstered rolls run along the side arms. The Sidette is also shown, the motive power of which is a 6 h.p. Rex twin engine. This machine is one of the most practical sidecar combinations in the exhibition.
Page 1265
November 23rd, 1911.
The Olympia Show.–
SWIFT, No. 41.
The Swift Cycle Co., Ltd., Coventry. - The Swift motor cycle is exhibited for the first time for some years. It is on standard lines throughout with a straight top tube. The magneto is situated in front of the engine and is protected by madflaps on the front wheel guards. A neat ratchet cut-out is fitted, and the variable gear is controlled by a lever on the handle-bar. The gear consists of an expanding pulley, the outer flange being forced by a spring to take up belt slackness. For starting purposes a decompressor is fitted, and is operated by a pedal on the right-hand side. A neat front wheel stand is employed. This model can also be supplied with an adjustable pulley and fixed engine. Both types are fitted with pedalling gear. The variable gear mount shown is fitted with an ingenious spring saddle pillar, which can be fitted at small extra cost. The decompressor is similar to that fitted on the Ariel machines, and consists of a secondary exhaust cam, brought into action by the pedal referred to above.
WULFRUNA, No. 59.
The Wearwell Cycle Co., Wolverhampton. – In this model the magneto is carried at the rear, out of the way of the elements. Druid spring forks are fitted and a good stand and luggage carrier, while it is, in fact, a thoroughly practical lightweight. Two other models are shown fitted with Stevens engine – 2¾ h.p. 76 x 82 mm. and 3½ h.p. 85 x 88 mm. These models in the main resemble the type first described... It is interesting to record that the 4 h.p. M.R. engine recently secured a world's record in France, doing 105½ miles in two hours, and beating the previous record set up on a 9 h.p. twin Rene-Gillet...
Continued: Wolf 1912 Models
E.L.I., No. 54.
The E.L.I. Motor Mfg. Co., Station Road, Bristol. – Several interesting accessories, including the E.L.I, mud shields, the invention of Mr. Eli Clarke, specially designed to protect the front wheel. The side shield is made of metal and lined with leather, and is strapped over the front mudguard. Additional side flaps are provided for very bad weather, which lie at right angles to the machine, while a semi-circular piece clips over the end of the mudguard, preventing mud from being thrown back. These flaps may be folded back out of use when not required from the front wheel. A well-made sidecar frame is shown with tubular luggage carrier underneath. It is fitted with lamp bracket and Chater-Lea spring wheel. A sidecar stand for home use is made of cast iron, and is provided with two legs on which a cross member of the sidecar frame rests. The A.J. sidecar stand is designed to be clipped on to the sidecar axle, when pressed down by the foot, and the sidecar pulled towards the rider, the combination is jacked up. There is no necessity to disturb the passenger. This is the invention of Mr. A. J. Sproston. There is also a new type of link motion spring fork, and a 3½ h.p. E.L.I, motor bicycle fitted with Precision engine. This machine has a B. and B. carburetter, belt transmission, and 2¼ Dunlop tyres. The engine has mechanically operated side by side valves.
ERIC SOCIABLE, No. 98.
The P. and C. Syndicate, Ltd., 82, Ampthill Road, Bedford. – Quite the most attractive exhibit on this stand is the Eric Sociable, quite a novel type of three-wheeled vehicle which follows car lines. In front is a dummy bonnet and radiator, the whole of the mechanism being carried at the rear. The engine is placed just behind the driver's seat, is set transversely across the frame, and is of the twin-cylinder opposed type. The valves are horizontal, and are on the ?upper side of the cylinders. Immediately above the crank case the magneto is carried. Aft of the engine is a leather-to-metal clutch, while behind it is a three-speed gear box. The drive is by cardan-shaft. The forward end of this shaft is provided with a double universal joint, while at its rearward end yet another universal joint is fitted. The final drive is by bevel. The steering is by wheel, and the change-speed lever is in a gate. Sight-feed lubricators are placed in view of the driver on the dashboard. The body is provided with a high side door, Cape cart hood and wind screen. The steering is by chain and cable, the former passing round a sprocket at the bottom of the steering-shaft, the cables going from the chains to the steering arms.
A 3½ h.p. Singer and a 3½ h.p. Zenith motor cycle are also shown on this stand.
PREMIER, No. 64.
The Premier Cycle Co., Ltd., Coventry. – The following are the chief Premier improvements for 1912...
Continued: Premier 1912 Models
November 23rd, 1911.
PILOT, No. 56.
The Pilot Cycle and Motor Co., Soho Road, Birmingham. – The Pilot Cycle Co. are showing some examples of their sidecars with rigid frame and bodies of various patterns.
Page 1269
November 23rd, 1911.
The Olympia Show. –
FORWARD, No. 95.
The Forward Cycle and Motor Co., Edmund Street, Birmingham. – This is a particularly neat-looking lightweight, which follows standard lines throughout. We may mention that the magneto is handle-bar controlled, and the machine is well equipped, Druid spring fork, a wood saddle, stand, luggage carrier, toolbag, and reflex light being fitted.
The mechanical features of the lady's model are the same as the above, but the chief point about the machine is the particularly neat way in which its working parts are enclosed. The petrol tank is carried in the top portion of the loop frame. The engine is entirely protected by a shield, the front and rear portions of which are open, and so designed that a strong draught of air impinges on the cylinders. The pedalling chain is carried in a gear case, and a proper skirt-guard is fitted over the rear wheel. This is one of the most neatly designed ladies' motor bicycles we have yet seen. Another gentleman's model shown is fitted with the Armstrong three-speed hub.
WIN-PRECISION, No. 16.
The Wincycle Trading Co., Ltd., 106 and 107, Great Saffron Hill, London E.C. – Two models of the Win-Precision motor cycle are shown – one of the fixed engine type, the other with two-speed and still a third, to which the Armstrong gear can be fitted at option. The frame and fittings are on standard lines throughout. A straight top tube is used, Druid forks, mud flaps on the front wheel, and a large shield is fitted over the Bosch magneto which lies in front of the engine. An ingenious foot-board is being shown which can be attached to the footrest quite simply. The rear end is suspended either by cable or a system of links and springs. The chief object of this idea is that if It becomes necessary to use pedals, the boards may be lifted up with the toe, and will remain in a vertical position until they are required. The Browning folding sidecar is also an item of interest. To detach, the sidecar it is only necessary to undo two locks under the foot of the sidecar body, and the latter with the springs still attached can be slid forward and lifted off. when it can be hung on the back of the machine or moved to a convenient spot. One of the front corners of the frame is then detached by loosening a spring , clip attached to the front down tube of the cycle, and the front bar of the sidecar is then swung backwards and upwards on the rear bar until the sidecar frame has the appearance of a gate at right angles to the machine. The next movement swings the sidecar frame round on to a vertical pivot on the rear of the machine until it lies parallel against it. The wheel of the sidecar is then allowed to swing freely when it lies close and flat against the machine. When detached and folded the sidecar has a width of 7in., so that the machine can be wheeled through a doorway like a motor bicycle.
Page 1269
N.S.U., No. 104.
The N.S.U. Motor Co., Ltd., Great Portland Street, W. – The frame, which has the top tube dropped at the rear, has a specially strengthened head which is made of a steel stamping. The engine is carried in a loop, as in all other N.S.U. 1912 models. The rear portion is sprung, which improvement was introduced at the last Olympia Show. The engine has the radiating fins cast horizontally with the ground. Overhead mechanical inlets are fitted, the tappet rods of which are adjustable...
Continued: NSU 1912 Models
SINGER, No 110
Singer Cycle Co., Ltd., Coventry. – The standard single geared machine has undergone very few important alterations, those which have been made, however, being excellent detail improvements in every way...
Continued: Singer 1912 Models
Page 1270
NOVEMBER 23rd, 1911.
L.M.C., No. 81.
The Lloyd Motor Eng. Co., Ltd., Monument Road, Birmingham. – This machine was described in a recent issue, and needs no more than a general description here. It is constructed throughout to withstand the strains of sidecar work, and has a very workman-like appearance. The two-speed gear and both brakes are operated by pedals placed on the long rubber-covered footboards. The spring forks have been redesigned, so that it is now a simple matter to withdraw the front wheel. The frame is on standard lines, but the tank has cut-away sides at the rear so as to avoid rubbing the legs. Mudguarding is carefully carried out, with side flaps fitted to the front guard.
This machine has undergone very few alterations for next year. As in the case of the 4 h.p., the spring forks have been improved. The Auto-Varia gear is too well known to need description. The silencer has been re-designed, and is fitted with an end plate to prevent the exhaust gases impinging on the rider's foot or leg. This engine is also fitted to the Tourist Trophy type, and can be supplied either with fixed engine or a Roc type gear. In the case of the Tourist Trophy type, the footrests have been dropped to give a more comfortable riding position. A neat pedal-operated exhaust lift, as well as the usual hand control, is fitted to one of these machines, and the L.M.C. universally-jointed connecting rod used throughout. Other details will be found in a recent issue. Handle-bar magneto control is fitted as standard.
Page 1271
SERVICE, No. 129.
The SERVICE Co., High Holborn, W.C. – This is one of the new models made by the Service Co. fitted with a J.A.P. engine and Druid forks. The frame is on standard lines with top tube dropped at the rear. The arrangement of the exhaust pipes is distinctly neat. The finish is in grey, with blue panels on the tank. This model is suitable for sidecar or Colonial use. Two pannier toolbags are provided and a starting handle.
Autotrix, No. 134.
Edmonds and Wadden, The Quadrant, Weybridge. – This sociable tricar has a light cane body upholstered in red. The engine – a J.A.P. – is placed in front immediately below the petrol tank, which is carried on a special bracket. The frame is light and simple in construction and the weight is about 280 lbs. A 650 x 65 mm. tyre is fitted to the back wheel. The front wheels are shod with 26 x 2¼ tyres.
A more powerful tricar has a coach-built body. The J.A.P. engine is carried under the seat and fitted with a clutch on the crankshaft. The back wheel has a 700 x 80 mm. steel-studded tyre, the front wheels having 26 x 2½ motor cycle tyres. Platforms are provided at the rear, on which luggage can be carried. Both machines have wheel steering; this is direct at present, but indirect steering will be fitted to the more powerful model. The engines are air-cooled.
Two models of the Brooklands are shown, one a roadster on standard lines with the magneto placed in front of the engine, handle-bar control, Druid forks, drop top tube, and pannier toolbags. The racing modi1 has rigid forks and no mudguards. The ignition is by coil.
ELSWICK, No. 102.
Elswick Cycles and Mfg. Co., Barton-on-Humber. – This machine follows standard lines throughout, having the usual type of frame with top tube dropped at the rear, Druid spring forks, Eadie free engine hub, Best and Lloyd lubricator, and Davison hinged filler caps are fitted.
The smaller machine is similar in most respects to the above as regards detail, except that the ordinary type of frame is employed. It is turned out ready for the road, fitted with covered magneto, luggage carrier, number plates, etc.
JAMES. No. 69.
James Cycle Co., Greet, Birmingham. – A two-speed chain-driven machine was among the late arrivals at the Show. It is fitted to a Canoelet sidecar, the whole turnout being very attractive...
Continued: James Motorcycles, 1902-1919
CANOELET, No. 190.
Side view of the new Canoelet sidecar, which has many original features embodied in its design.
Rear view of sidecar showing the luggage platform folded up and the sidecar stand in operation.
Mead and Deakin, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. – The Canoelet sidecar, which we illustrated and described in our issue of the 9th inst., is to be seen on this stand. Three examples are shown, one attached to a Humber two-speed motor cycle, and a commercial body attached to a 5-6 h.p. Clyno. This body has no less than three separate partitions for carrying goods, as well as a place in the rear for petrol and oil. Thus the petrol is kept separate from any goods that may be carried. This body is interchangeable with the pleasure body, the chassis being the same in each case.
HUMBER, No. 40.
Humber, Ltd.. Coventry and London. – The 3½ h.p. Humber engine has been re-designed for 1912 and now carries the magneto in a more convenient position...
The company are also showing the actual mount on which P. J. Evans won the Junior Tourist Trophy Race and on which Sam Wright recently broke, the Twin-cylinder Lightweight Hour Record...
Continued: Humber 1912
QUADRANT, Nos. 93 and 94.
"Quadrant," Lawley Street, Birmingham. – The Quadrant engine is a distinct departure from the standard. The exhaust valve is at the side and the exhaust chamber is surrounded by deep radiating fins... A T.T. model is also shown....
Continued: Quadrant for 1912
TRIUMPH, No. 119.
Triumph Cycle Co., Ltd., Coventry. – Motor cyclists have the choice of four different model Triumphs, each with the same power unit. These are (1) the free engine model, (2) the standard pattern with pedals. (3) the T.T. roadster with touring equipment, and (4) the T.T. racer.
The 1912 improvements, which are minor in character, have been already dealt with, but we may summarise the departures for next year. Amongst them may be cited the moulded top edge of the tank, which certainly makes a more enhanced appearance and cannot fail to give greater comfort for high speed touring; the spring fork, which is neater and undoubtedly a more efficient shock absorber; adjustable spring tappets; needle valves instead of petrol taps; new front brake; adjustable footrests, enabling a lower position for the foot. The sides of the belt pulley have a ring of round holes which considerably minimise the possibility of belt slip, especially in wet weather. The most novel feature is the new type of magneto advance, which is operated by a small pedal on an extension of the left footrest, the connection requiring only a short rod. This distinctly original fitment seems to attract the show visitor more than anything else, and many are the discussions one hears as to its probable utility on lumpy road surfaces. The Triumphs, as usual, are among the best finished machines in the show, a veritable mass of glitter which seems to draw visitors like a magnet. Harry Long is there with his "40,000 miles in ten months" Triumph, and enjoys a chat with riders he met during his long travels.
HOBART, No. 105.
Hobart Bird Co., Ltd., Coventry. – The 3½ h p. Hobart is a neatly-designed machine on standard lines with a dropped frame. It is fitted with Druid spring forks and Eisemann magneto, the latter being placed immediately in front of the engine, where it is driven by chain. Lubrication of the engine is of the automatic type, and consists of a Benton and Stone sight-feed drip lubricator, through which oil is drawn by the vacuum in the crank chamber. A Villiers clutch hub is fitted as standard to this model.
The 2½ h.p. Handy Hobart is a neat little machine on much the same lines as the 3½ h.p., of which it is practically a reduced facsimile, except that it is fitted with a Best and Lloyd drip-feed lubricator worked by a spring plunger pump. The saddle position is very low, and altogether the aspect of the machine is very neat and practical. It is supplied also with a fixed gear. Although rated at the same power, the ladies' Hobart has a different engine, which is 2 mm longer in the stroke and is placed in an inclined position. The requirements of ladies have been very well studied on this machine, as all the moving parts are covered in by easily-detachable shields, which are secured in position by wing nuts. The saddle position is low, and a good point which ladies will appreciate is the fact that the width between the centres of the footrests is unusually narrow. This machine is fitted with an automatic Benton and Stone sight-feed lubricator.
The three-speed Armstrong hub is operated by a lever at the side of the inclined petrol and oil tank, immediately behind the steering head. A new model for 1912 is a 4½ h.p. twin, the bore and stroke of which are 68 x 76 mm.; this is essentially designed to be a sidecar machine, and is fitted with the Millennium two-speed and free-engine clutch hub. A Best and Lloyd lubricator is used, otherwise the specification of the machine is the same as that of the 3½ h.p.
CALCOTT, No. 80.
Calcott Bros., Ltd., Coventry. – This neat-looking little machine follows standard lines throughout, and it is interesting to note that the engine is manufactured by Messrs. Calcott Bros, at their own works. The magneto is carried behind the cylinder, and a simple and ingenious form of internal exhaust valve lifter is fitted. The spring forks are the well-known Druid. It is also of interest to note that in this engine the firing point of the magneto is fixed. A spacious toolbag, which is flat, so that a bag can be strapped on it, is fixed to the luggage carrier.
WALL, No. 111.
A. W. Wall, Ltd., Hay Mills, Birmingham. – This firm may always be counted upon to provide something original. They now stage an improved form of sociable-seated tricycle. This has a very strong tubular frame, which is taken up in front to support the 4¼ h.p. Precision engine. From the crank case of this is supported a casing in which is carried a bevel gear and also the pinion for the starting handle, the latter being geared up in relation to the crankshaft. In contradistinction to the usual run of sociable tricycles, the Wall machine has one wheel in front and two driving wheels behind, these being carried on a neatly designed car type back axle fitted with a small differential gear, the final drive being by bevel pinion. The propeller-shaft has a universal joint at each end and is neatly encased. The body, which is most roomy and comfortable, is supported on long flat Cee springs. The machine is fitted with ball bearings throughout. On the same stand are shown a number of the well-known Roc gears, which are already in use on so many machines in the Show. This gear works on the epicyclic principle and employs a pair of friction bands for the operation of the two gears.
SCOTT, No. 125.
The Scott Engineering Co., Ltd., Mornington Works, Bradford. – As the Scott 1912 improvements were very completely dealt with in our last issue, it is unnecessary to do more than touch upon the more salient points. The first of these is the re-designing of the engine, making the cylinders and crank chamber much neater. A very ingenious device has been introduced for allowing the quick detachability of the cylinders, it being clever method of only necessary now to securing the Scott. Slack off the four cylinders to the crank security bolts and withdraw four pins, when the cylinders come away clear. The bore of the engine has been slightly increased. The two-speed counter-shaft gear has been improved in detail, and is now furnished throughout with ball bearings, even the wedge bar operating the clutches being also fitted with roller thrust blocks. The mudguarding on this machine leaves little to be desired. The side flaps on the front guard are utilised as number plates. This part of the guard is also detachable to allow the front tyre to be easily got at. The carburetter has been refined in several details, the springs for the return of the air and throttle valves being now housed in tubular brass cases.
The standard colour of Scott machines is a very pleasing shade of purple, and it need hardly be said that they represent some of the finest workmanship to be seen at Olympia. It will be difficult to get a Scott next year, judging by the order list we have seen.
Page 1275
November 23rd, 1911.
ALCYON, No. 85.
G. N. Higgs, Vauxhall Bridge Road, S.W. – The twin-cylinder model is quite an interesting mount. The cylinders are placed vertically side by side...
Continued: Alcyon 1912 Models
The Olympia Show. Page 1270
CORAH, No. 132.
The Cork Motor Mfg. Co., King's Norton. – This machine is fitted with Corah patent forks. The magneto is placed on a bracket in front of the engine, protected by an aluminium guard. The carrier is easily detachable to facilitate the mending of punctures. The Albion free-engine clutch or fixed gear can be had as desired. The handle-bars are quite novel, the Bowden wires being partly inside, and adjustment being provided for them at two points.
This model can also be had with the same engine as is fitted to the tourist machine. Aluminium footrests with rubber studs are provided. There being no carrier, the toolbag is placed over the tank, and knee grips are fitted. All models have both front and rear stands, and reflex lights are fitted as a standard. The firm is also showing a sidecar with a Turner body on a Corah chassis. There are C springs both in front and rear, and the body is fitted with hood and screen. This body is illustrated on this page.
This machine, designed for sidecar work, is to be seen outside the Show, and is used for demonstration purposes. The general lines are as already described.
Page 1270
HAZLEWOOD, No. 43.
Hazlewoods, Ltd., West Orchard, Coventry. – This machine is quite a new departure for the Hazlewood Co...
Continued: Hazlewood 1912
November 23rd, 1911.
ALLDAYS AND ONIONS, No. 38.
Alldays and Onions Pneumatic Eng. Co., Ltd., Matchless Works, Birmingham. – The Alldays machine, which was described in a recent issue...
Continued: Alldays & Onions 1912
B.S.A., No. 122.
Birmingham Small Arms Co., Ltd., Birmingham. – The B.S.A. machines on view at the Show exhibit a few notable differences from those which have proved so successful during the last year, the only new introduction being a two-speed gear model with B.S.A. hub clutch. This device was recently illustrated and described in The Motor Cycle, and it need only now be said that it is of the epicyclic type, having a low gear with a forty per cent, reduction in ratio below the high. The clutch is entirely enclosed, and is of the metal-to-metal cone type. A good point in this gear is that only one kind of lubricant is required for the whole of the bearings. The magneto bracket is cast in one with the aluminium silencer end plates, but the aluminium magneto cover has been dispensed with, as a totally enclosed Bosch machine is used. The cut-out on the silencer is operated by a rocking pedal.
B.S.A. spring forks are the same in general design as those of last year, but now have a generator bracket brazed on to the side of the blade. The hand brake and exhaust lifter are worked by inverted levers with enclosed Bowden cables. The handle-bar grips are furnished with helical grooves which are extremely comfortable and firm. The frame is of the dropped type. The lubrication of the engine is by a Best and Lloyd sight-feed drip lubricator, and the oil is forced through an adjustable nozzle by a spring behind the plunger.
The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911.
