Six-Wheelers

Ever since Charles Michael Schwab assumed control of the Stutz Motor Co., his interest in the motor field has been generally recognized. Recently he has become Chairman of the Six Wheel Co., a Philadelphia concern which will manufacture six-wheel motor trucks and buses, built somewhat after the manner of railway-car trucks. The four rear wheels of the new buses compose a single unit, to which power and brakes are applied. In a statement, Mr. Schwab explained the theory behind his new six-wheel motor vehicles. Seeking a means of coordinating transportation in railways and highways, he became convinced of the need of six-wheel motors because their impact on the road is less than that of four-wheeled trucks carrying the same loads. Thus, his six-wheel trucks can carry loads large enough to operate effectively and efficiently without injuring the roadway--hitherto the real problem in bus and truck operation. According to Mr. Schwab, there are 2,941,274 miles of highways in the U. ,S. compared with 251,175 miles of steam railways and 47,150 miles of electric and street railways. He does not expect his new six-wheel buses and trucks to compete with railways "except in segregated instances," but rather to act as feeders to them.