Atkinson-Walker.
Page 10
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THE steam wagons made by Atkinson Walker Wagons, Ltd., have won a well-deserved popularity amongst many users, and particularly those who operate their vehicles in hilly country. That shown is a 6-ton Unifiow type with a special tilt covered body supplied to the order of Mr. Walter Green, a well-known miller, of Beccles.
The other exhibits are units, including a boiler with the top outer shell removed to show the excellence of workmanship and the interior construction ; a Uniflow engine so arranged as to make clear the simplicity and fewness of its components; and a front axle complete with journals and pivots, and which will serve to prove to visitors the strength of the various parts and the means by which adjustments can be made to take pp wear. The third unit is a rear axle to demonstrate the action of the• differential and brake gear.
• In addition to these there are two full-size working models of the valve ear and the Uniflow piston, these being• sectioned to show the way in which they function.
Those versed in the design of the steam engine will find this exhibit of particular interest, owing to the Unifiow principle employed. The steam enters through valves at the ends of each cylinder and, instead of being exhausted through the same valves, passes onwards, always in the same direction, and escapes at the end of the stroke through ports in the cylinder walls which are uncovered by the piston. Less condensation and, therefore, increased economy, are claimed for this principle. Many improvements have been made in• the latest wagon, mainly to provide extra steam for fast running, but the engine power has also been increased by S per cent., whilst the-boiler capacity for steam and water is 50 per cent. greater, and 10 per cent, has been added to the heating surface. To prevent excessive tyre wear, those used have been increased to 180 mm. section all round.
It will be remembered that we dealt only a few weeks ago with a 10-ton tractor developed from this well-knowu wagon.
Atkinson-Walker Wagons, Ltd., Frenchwood Works, Preston.