Rolls-Royce Archives
         « Prev  Box Series  Next »        

From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Page from 'The Motor' magazine featuring articles on a new caravan and a single-blade windscreen wiper.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 160\3\  scan0278
Date  21th February 1939
  
The Motor
102
February 21, 1939.

NEW Low-priced Double-wall CARAVAN
A Double-compartment Model Added to Eccles Range

IN response to the demand for a popular-priced trailer caravan, Eccles have for many months been working to produce a design which would meet these requirements. It was announced by Mr. W. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} Riley, managing director of Eccles Motor Caravans, Ltd., at the recent dinner of the newly formed Eccles Owners' Club.

To be known as the “National” caravan, it can now be supplied at the low price of £130, and will satisfy those caravanners who have been asking for a van which, whilst retaining all the features of the more expensive models, will also meet their price requirements.

Outside measurements are:—Length, 14 ft. 6 ins.; width, 6 ft. 6 ins.; height, inside, at the centre, is 6 ft. 3½ ins., with sloping roof. The overall length for garaging is 16 ft. 10 ins. The equipment is for four people and includes one double Pullman berth and two single berths; flush-fitting oak furniture, crockery, cooking utensils and oil cooking stove. A folding partition divides the two compartments. The panelling is double on both sides and roof.

Interior of the “National,” the two-compartment four-berth model, introduced by Eccles, to sell at £130.

The frame is electrically welded and carries a Brockhouse ball-hitch coupling, Brockhouse axle and Dunlop wheels. There is a choice of colours for upholstery and curtains, but the exterior is in grey. Gas cooking instead of oil can be supplied for an additional £12 10s.

The weight, with all equipment as sent out by the manufacturer, is 15 cwt. 2 lb., the unladen weight (without beds and loose fittings) being 13 cwt. 1 qr.

The manufacturers recommend a 9 h.p. power car minimum for towing this caravan. Further details from Eccles Motor Caravans, Ltd., Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham.

Eccles Owners' Club Dinner
ON Tuesday last 170 members and friends of the Eccles Owners' Club sat down to dinner at the Imperial Hotel, Birmingham. In a short speech, Mr. C. Vincent Mas... chairman of the Trailer Caravan Club, said that they welcome the one-make clubs into the folds of National Clubs because the club movement is one which assists in countering unnecessary and restrictive legislation.
In the absence, owing to indisposition, of Mr. Evans, the hon. secretary, Mr. Beckett took charge of the dinner ceremonies in a most adequate manner.

Full-width Vision with One Wiper Blade

INVENTORS are still giving attention to the problem of developing a wiper which will give vision over the whole screen, recognizing that the present twin wipers, with their restricted arcs, are only a compromise.
The sketch herewith shows an ingenious development of a type described in The Motor some time ago. In the latest type, the wiper is driven by a single spindle, which carries a small gearwheel engaging with two other gears attached to the centre drop arms. These arms carry another tiny gearcase at their lower end through which the oscillating motion is transmitted to a pair of smaller arms. At the outer end of these smaller arms a further train of three small gears imparts an oscillating motion to the wiper blade itself, so that as the arms travel backwards and forwards across the screen the wiper blade always remains upright. The whole thing is very neatly done, and as the arm travels quickly in its sweep over the full width of the screen, it presents the minimum of obstruction to the driver's and passenger's vision.

The invention is all the more interesting in view of the possibility of the development of curved windscreens in the not very distant future. The manufacturers, Windscreen Wipers Ltd., Victoria Street, London, from whom further details are available.

Single wiper which sweeps the full width of the screen. c2

More Cars in Use

ACCORDING to a radio announcement, there was a substantial increase in the number of private cars in use in the month of January and 2,000,000 more gallons of petrol were used.

A recommendation that carelessness when walking or cycling should be made an offence is being put forward by a group of members of the House of Lords.

The Socialist Member for Linlithgow is to suggest to the Minister of Transport to-morrow that a ban should be imposed on drivers for a certain period after drinking alcohol.
  
  


Copyright Sustain 2025, All Rights Reserved.    whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble
An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙