THE DRIVERS' COLUMN.
Page 15
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A Fractured Crank Shaft.
(Woodlesford) writes :—" A short time ago one of our 5-ton steam wagons broke its crankshaft across the webb on the h.p. side. Directly the matter was reported, I took the driver and a fitter to the scene of action. After inspection, I decided to try and get the wagon home under Steam; so we removed the h.p. connecting rod and valve. We then took off the balance weight, which was attached to the sound webb by a strap, this strap we placed round the broken webb and screwed the lot up tight. When all was ready we turned the fly-wheel round just to start her up. After running about half a mile the strap required a tightening up, and with this exception we ran the three miles home without further trouble."
A Broken Axle.
F.E.W. (Reading) writes h.--" Whilst driving my loaded steam wagon a short time ago, the back axle broke in half, when about 2a miles from home. I got the load off and found a piece of strong chain; this I hitched round the axle on each side of the fracture with non-slip knots. I then hunted around and found a small pinch bar, which I slipped through the slack of the chain and twisted It round, drawing the broken ends of the axle together. I started the engine slowly, and found by careful handling that I could manage to get her home. I hope this dodge will be useful if the same thing should happen to one of my fellowreaders."
[Neither of the foregoing paragraphs is of sufficient merit to secure the five shillings prize, so we have divided it hetween the two senders. " Driver," care of G. T. Walker, Bentley's Yorkshire Breweries, Ltd., Woodlesford, near Leeds, and F. E. Werrell, Dunsden, Reading, receive half-acrown each. It is a pity that drivers limit their communications to accidents, and we shall be happy to receive particulars of interesting trips, or awkward deliveries. Any practical suggestions concerning the best methods of keeping boilers, engines, pumps, gear or other parts in good order can also be submitted, whilst drivers who think they have noticed things which should be improved can write about them.—En.]