Novel Transport System for Undeveloped Countries
Page 36
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rAST Priday," at ' Mayfield; Sussex, I. BrockhOuse and Co., -Ltd:. Victoria Works, Hill Top, West Bromwich, demonstrated the prototype of its Uniline guide-rail system of transport,, which has been developed principally for use in areas where the terrain is difficult for known normal means of transport.
The basis of the system is the use of a single guide rail mounted on a track or roadway only 3 ft. wide. The prime movers and load-carrying vehicles, which are provided with pneumatic tyres, run on this track, being maintained centrally on it through the agency of guide rollers. These guide rollers are so mounted in relation to the guide rail that their faces make contact with the sides of the rail, and so the pneumatic-tyred " train " is maintained centrally on the track. Guide rollers are fitted only to the leading and trailing axles of each unit.
Whilst the main principle of the orthodox railway is adhered to in that the vehicles are confined to run on defined track, a considerable saving in rail cost results from the use of a single rail of light section.
Excellent Tractive Effort
An important fundamental feature of the system lies in the use of rubber tyres, which makes it possible to utilize the available tractive effort at the driving ,wheels with considerably reduced static axle loads. Whilst the rolling resistance is somewhat higher than that of a steel wheel running on a steel rail, the resistance on curves is no higher than when running on the • straight. Braking is improved on down grades owing to the much greater retarding force, which can be applied without fear of the wheels losing their grip.
Some of the advantages claimed for the Uniline system in hilly and otherwise difficult areas over a normal rail system are: The high adhesion factor allows steeper gradients to be negotiated; simplification of track layout owing to the reduced resistance encountered on curves; lower costOf initial installation.
• The prototype prime .mover, which has a 2-4-2 wheel arrangernent, weighs 7 tons. It is powered, by a Meadows 90 b.h,p. oil engine, is fitted with Dunlop low-loading tyres; Westinghouse brakes, and A.B.C. couplings.