Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-10-02
A PRACTICAL SUCCESS
Official Experiments on the Nc.
Wicker Car Prove Its
- Value.
SIMPLE, DURABLE, PRACTICAL.
Based on Scientific Principals and
Should Fill a Long Felt Want
in Transportation

The first official experiments with
the motor car invented and designed
by w. J. McVicker were recently
made on the p. NJ. tracks between
St. Louis, Alma and Edmore. The
tests were made under the super
vision OF railroad officials who were
convinced that the car not only had
merit. but that when the designs and
plans were completed, it would open
I'D a hitherto untouched branch in
the field OF transportation facilities.
The editor of the Record in comp
any with the inventor recently en-
joyed a trip on the car and noted
with interest the practical develope-
ments which Mr.. McVicker has
brought about since the first plans
were made public. 1t was found that
a normal speed of from 20 to As
miles could be easily developed, and
much higher if necessary. The car
was under perfect control at all
times, starting, stopping, and backing
without the least jar. No vibrations
whatever were felt. Two common
freight cars were pulled at a speed
of miles by this car, equipped with
only single engine.
Perhaps a short description of the
car and its equipment might be not
only OF great interest but some prac-
teal knowledge for Record readers
The experimental is small, being
equipped with only one engine, that
of a four cylinder type Larger cars
might use two to four OF these, in
creasing the power and taking up no
room as the engines are all under the
floor and all working parts mounted.
The engine is geared directly to the
car axle. 1t is mounted on the axle
truck in such way that is is alb
solutely impossible for the gearing
to get out OF alignment. The jar,
vibration, and excessive strain on the
gear is entirely eliminated
As mentioned above, two or more
of these engines may be placed on
larger car and mounted with automa-
tic clutches. In such case, one or
all OF them may be used, depending
on power necessary, grade, etc. These
motors take practically the same po-
sition on a truck that an electric mo-
tor does, so that specially con-
structed car is unnecessary.
For the past ten years inventors
and engineers have been busy plan
ming engines 10 meet requirements
OF The day New conditions demand
new facilities. SO in the field of
transportation, there has been a cry
ing need for something TO succeed
steam. First came the electrician,
but various local conditions and cir
cumstances greatly affect the sue
cess Of the electric motor. At fre-
quent intervals, engines and motors
have been placed upon the market,
but none quite seemed to I'll the bill.
That condition may soon be rele-
gated TO the past 1t is the opinion
OF experts that Mr.. McVicker has the
most practical and at the same time
the most simple. durable and econ
omical motor yet placed upon the
market. II will use gasoline, crude
oil or alcohol for its power genera
ton. One great item TO be consid-
cred with any proposition is the
original cost. and right here is where
fhe "McVickcr Limited seems TO
have a point on other rivals. There
will have to be no overhead wiring,
no power houses, no engines nor
boilers. Once get the right OF way
lay ties and rails, and business is
ready 10 commence
Mr. McNicker the inventor Of the.
motor, is we'll known in Alma. The
new motor is manufactured by the
Alma Manufacturing Co. which has
been turning out his products for
some time Mr. McVicker is an cleo
trical and mechanical engineer. with
years OF actual experience. and who
has devoted much OF his time to per-
fccting some Of our great labor saw
ing devices For several years he
has been designing and building both
gasoline and electrical motors His
latest success is not the result OF ac-
cident but rather Of years Of care
full study and calculation along this
line. In perseverance there is al
ways success. and it is this that is
making Mr. McVicker a worldwide
reputation.
No doubt this motor will be an
other stimulus to interurban roads.
Simpler. cheaper, and fully as prac-
teal as electricity, and capable Of as
good results, ii would seem as it the
doom of electrical travel was ap-
preaching.