Trump-Jap.
A few days ago Mr. McNab showed us the novel features for the 1912 Trump-Japs. The firm will specialise on two models - a T.T. and a Tourist - both having the 85.5 mm. x 85 mm. J.A.P. engine, but we are told that the 90 mm. x 77.5 mm. engine can be supplied for racing models. Probably the first point on these machines to strike the observer is the system of staying the rear forks from underneath. For this purpose tubes are carried from the bottom of the crank case to the rear wheel spindle. This has the double advantage of stiffening the back of the frame and definitely fixing the position of the rear wheel. Mr. McNab tells us that several customers state that it reduces side-slip to a very large degree by preventing whip in the back of the frame. Next to this, the 2in. hinged filler caps catch the eye. The tank construction is ingenious, there being four partitions to prevent the petrol washing about. One of these coming close to the filler does away with the necessity of a petrol gauge, for even while riding the cap can be swung back and the petrol level seen against the partition.
The tank holds one and threequarter gallons of petrol and half a gallon of oil and is carried by four clips. Each of these clips is screwed to a bridge piece holding the tank well away from the frame, and on the inside is fixed to a strap passing round three sides of the tank. We are told that this is the one tank construction which cannot be smashed at Brooklands. Lubrication is by a positive glass barreled oil pump on the outside of the tank, but Best and Lloyd semi-automatic sight feed lubrication can be fitted as an extra. The B. and B. carburetter is employed on the Tourist model and on the T T either J.A.P. or C.A.P. can be fitted. The magneto is placed in front of the engine, and supported on a bracket cast with the back of the chain case. A special type of Druid forks is used, and the front wheel has ample side guards. The finish is in grey, the tank being aluminium, with a green panel, while a transfer representing the Ace of Hearts and underneath the word Trump is certainly distinctive. Both head lugs and bottom bracket lugs respectively are cast in one. There is one other feature which we do not remember seeing elsewhere, that is that the belt rim is both spoked on and clipped to the wheel spokes. As will be seen from our illustration, the machine has a low saddle position, and is in every way built for hard work.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 9th, 1911. Page 1174
TRUMP-J.A.P., No. 135.
The new model 3½ h.p. Trump-Jap. Observe the extra strut from back axle to base of crank case.
Trump Motors, Ltd., John Bright Street, Birmingham. – The tank and filler caps on this machine should be specially noticed, the tank being riveted and very strong. The filler caps are 2in. diameter and hinged to prevent loss. The front forks are an adaptation of the Druid with rather shorter springs. The saddle position is very low without using a dropped top tube, the height from the ground with the rider's weight in the saddle being about 28in. The Albion clutch hub and fixed gear are also supplied. The steering head is made from one piece of metal, instead of having the lugs brazed to a tube in the ordinary style.
The twin cylinder is specially suitable for sidecar work, and is designed for that purpose. This machine has handle starting. All the models have the new Bosch water-proof magneto, and are finished in grey, wheel rims plated and lined green, which gives them a very pleasing appearance.
This machine follows the lines of that previously described, but has no mudguards or carrier. The forks are rigid, and the handle-bars, of course, differently shaped. The weight comes out at about 150 lbs.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1262
