An Unusual Road-repairing Machine
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An Ingenious Application of a Foden Steam Wagon Which Solves Many Road surfacing Problems
▪ ETAILS are to hand of an inter • esting conversion of a four-wheeled Poden steam wagon to a rigid sixwheeler, and the mounting thereon of comprehensive road-repair plant designed to work at any time and anywhere. The work has been carried out by the Forth Engine and Motor Works (Newcastle-upon-Tyne). Ltd., Pottery Lane, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Many of the features included are covered by patents.
In a quarry adjacent to the site of the repairs is situated a stone-breaking outfit. The material produced by this machine is transported to the Foden and dumped at pre-arranged distances in front of that vehicle. In dry weather the metal is fed direct into the mixer by means of a power-operated skip of
predetermined capacity. In showery, wet or wintry weather the broken stone is shovelled on to the endless-baud-type elevator, which lifts it up over the cab and into a drying apparatus, after which the quantities are mechanically measured. This accounts for the admission of one of the components of the finished road-making materiaL During this process bitumen, tar or any tar-compound up to 100 per cent. bitumen is heated to its correct temperature, measured and fed into the mixer, where it mingles with the broken metal and is deposited at the rear of the Foden on the road surface which is to be repaired.
In this way the raw materials arrive at the front of the vehicle, pass through the apparatus which it bears and are deposited as a prepared medium at the rear. Thus, it is possible to do the preliminary breaking-up of the old surface and then to traverse the length with tbe Foden, leaving in its wake prepared bituminous macadam ready for spreading and rolling. This obviates any need for vehicles and materials to be run over the freshly repaired surface.
In order to suit the Foden chassis
for the weight of the apparatus the frame was strengthened and a third (trailing) axle added, thus giving a better weight distribution and permitting the load-carrying space evenly to be supported throughout its length.
In order to convey the drive to the shafts of the special appliances there is a chain to a countershaft, and from thence various pullies and belts serve the elevator, drier, etc. For the drive to the mixer Thrapston V-section belts are used.
The unique slow-speed manoeuvring ability of a steam vehicle is particularly suitable for this class of work, which involves a good deal of shunting backwards and forwards.
Undoubtedly the use of such an appliance offers definite prospects of economy to those concerned with highways upkeep. Equally important is the oppor
tunity for saving time which presents itself. Not only does time mean money to the local authority but, by reducing the period during which part of a road is out of action, the general public benefits—and the transport user in particular.
As every instance of obstruction involves added risk to road users, the scheme is in a measure one tending to the promotion of safety.