in february 1918, "motor cycle" reported on a visit to norton motors. mr norton had stated that he expected three post-war models, the 3.5 hp 490 cc tt with belt drive (for the 'speed merchant'), and two utility mounts, one with detuned tt engine, and the other being the big four for very heavy solo or sidecar work, both of these with three-speed sturmey-archer countershaft gearbox and all chain drive. it was also stated that he had been experimenting with aluminium pistons, and that norton had produced a book of driving hints which also contained details of their military and empire models.