Desert Travel - Modern Style
by Edgar M. Jones
SHUTTLING across the sands of the Syrian desert, between Damascus and Bagdad, are two shiny, new trailer-busses, fresh from the shops of Philadelphia. Built by Budd for the Nairn Transport Company of Syria, with the same technique of welded, lightweight, stainless-steel that made the now famous Zephyr trains, the new busses are a close approach to the luxury of a deluxe railroad car.
As in any public carrier, passenger comfort is of prime importance. Accordingly, the plans incorporated Budd experience in making railroad streamliners and auto bodies, with the Nairn need for an economical, speedy, lightweight, rugged bus which could travel the rough terrain with a minimum of trouble.
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Three batteries, just for the radio?
Radio Equipment for Autos Brings Broadcast Programs to Motorists
RADIO, it seems, is destined to be installed in everything that flies, runs on wheels, or floats on water. The fast moving auto is the latest vehicle to be invaded by radio’s onward march.
Equipment has recently been placed on the market for installation in automobiles. As shown in the photo below, the control dials are installed on the dashboard, while the apparatus occupies a small space up under the cowl. The location of the loud speaker is optional, the space under the cowl being preferable. The antenna is ordinarily strung up in the roof, but many cars are equipped with built-in and invisible antennas, especially in the de luxe models of expensive makes.
Hanging by an Eyelash!
The Fence Held A few thin bands of iron were all that saved this delivery car from a twenty-foot plunge over the brink, when it skidded and waltzed across icy pavement of a viaduct at Jersey City, N. J. The rear wheels tore a section of the iron fence from its foundation and went clear off the edge. There the car teetered precariously above the street — but the fence held.
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Car Driven Without Gears to Revolutionize Motor Industry
ANOTHER step forward to greater automobile efficiency has been made with this gearless motor car, invented by a young Australian engineer. The car, shown in illustration on right, promises to revolutionize motoring throughout the world.
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Toy Car on Moving Road Tests Driving Skill
Accurate tests of the ability of automobile drivers are made at Iowa State college with the aid of a dummy car and a toy auto beneath which a miniature highway moves. The person tested sits at the wheel of the dummy car and looks into a miniature stage across the front of which is a bar with a toy auto attached to it.
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The FLYING Automobile is Here
THE “flying auto,” a combination airplane and automobile which negotiates roads and air lanes with equal facility, has at last appeared in the aeronautical world.
Designed by two German engineers, the craft is a development of the autogyro. A great advantage, however, is that no propeller for the drive in the direction of flight is necessary. The little vertical fins on the gyro blades give the necessary force to drive the car forward in the air.
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New Uses for OLD FORDS
Rescued from a grave in the junk heap, Tin Lizzie dons working clothes and makes money for the ingenious man who thinks of new ways to use her cheap and ample power.
Have you a new use for an old Ford? For all ideas published the editors of Modern Mechanics will pay five dollars—with a bonus for photos. Send in your ideas, giving full details.
SINCE the Ford Motor Company has ceased production on the universally known model T Ford car, millions of which are to be found in every corner of the world, many of these cars have drifted prematurely to vacant lots and garage junk heaps as an expectant public floods the Ford plant with a deluge of orders for the successor to the old design.
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Auto Triumphs Feature Texas Centennial Show
EXHIBITS showing automobile advances in speed and safety are almost half of the dollar value of the $25,000,000 Texas Centennial display now attracting visitors by the thousands to Dallas, Texas.
Largest exhibitor at the celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Texas freedom is Ford with a $2,250,000 display. General Motors has a building and display valued at $950,000. Chrysler is present with a $500,000 exhibit. The event continues through Nov. 29.
The Ford show includes 15 major exhibits in the air-conditioned Ford Exposition building. A replica of the company’s by-products plant, complete to railroad sidings, attracts model railroad enthusiasts. There is a service exhibit showing the development of auto service from the blacksmith days to the present.
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The Store on Wheels ~ What’ll it Be?
THE day of the traveling baker, butcher or candlestick maker has arrived in full glory. Today, the peddler who formerly went from door to door has “gone specialist.” By motor truck —yes, and by airplane—every known human need and desire is appeased by regular door to door service.
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