MILITARY MOTOR WAGONS

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 82, 5 December 1914, Page 7

MILITARY MOTOR WAGONS

AN IMPOSING SIGHT.

Au imposing and impressive sight was the two miles of military motor waggons that took part in a procession through Melbourne last week end. Over 100 waggOiiH in all rumbled pas~ each with its crew of armed men. Included in the line were motor-cars, motor repair shops and motor cycles, representing an outlay of £200,000. This fine fleet of vehicles is for use for transport purposes in connection with the Australian expeditionary forces. An instructive feature of the parade was .i practical demonstration of the v;•..'.;<■ of the workshop caravans, attached to tho fleet. A breakdown had been arranged in order to .-show the capabilities of the repair shops, and the Inst waggon :..t all grunted to a standstill befoiv th>: saluting base. Down from their s,e'ii;s leaped rlu crew, and a soldier on a si.i>tor c.yel'3 linked ip to ascertain *ho damage. A. new boh was required one of the sorr.igs In a moment rJie cyclist was popping down the road again to summon help, and ere a moment had passed one of the travelling repair shops arrived, carrying the dun-garee-clad mechanics. With a rattle the sides of the vehicle were let down, displaying the lathes and tools within; an officer connected the leather belts with llie engine, and switched on the electric light. Straightway the shaft began to buzz round and drills and planing tools were harcr ar work to the tune of a click-clank of hammers. Within five minutes a new bolt had been made and fitted to the spring, and the "broken-down" waggon rumbled off,' amid the cheers of the spectators. It was a remarkable display of efficiency, and the mechanics deserved the ap- '

plause. In viewing this splendidly equipped motor fleet, one could not help feeling that one important feature is lacking-, and that is interchange ability. The selectors of these vehicles, who have ' done their work well, are not to blame '. in this respect, for the same trouble has already been experienced with the i English, French and Belgian motor j transports engaged in the war. There is I little doubt that one of the most inipo'j i:mt factors in a motor fleet for war ' purposes is the need of standardised or ' interchangeable parts, such as wheels, | crankshafts, etc. Even with a fleet of 1-10 vehicles, such as that attached to the Australian forces, the fact that so mnpv different makes of vehicles had

to be selected from various quarters renders the unit less mobile than i

standardisation were possible. In the future no doubt, the military authorities in the various countries will use their influence with the motor manufacturers in their respective countries standardisation were ;.-ossible. If the the vuieels, axV-s, etc.. of motor vehicles, suitable for military transport purposes..