Robey.
Page 60
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S ton Steam Wagon.
STAND
ROBBY AND CO. Ltd., have wisely concentrated the energies of their steam wagon factory on to one model. a five ton rubber-tyred one. Their' exhibit at Olympia 'exemplifies this pulley. It • consists of one exhibit only, a wellfinished high-sided wagon, mounted on the firm's standard chassis. Although the Robey has had quite a number of references in these pages, it is, nevertheless, quite a new model, and, a.s is apparent from the popularity of the stand, it is new to a good many visitors to the Show. It probably represents the most . advanced ideas in steam wagon construe tion, at least of the ovortype, and is certainly well adapted for economical production. It is, we believe, the only steam wagon which embodies a pressedsteel frame, but it has several other fee.
• tureA ot interest. It was last described in these columns in our issue of the 28th ult., so that no more than a passing reminder of the principal features need be made here. Many visitors are comparing the shape of the lower part of the firebox with that of other .ateam wagons, and the advantage which this design gives in
• respect of allowing greater clearance for the swing of the front axle when steering
is easily apparent. In actual fact, Of course, the designers have taken advantage of the extra accommodation provided to bring the front axle further back and thus to relieve the rear axle of a part of its load, bringing the wagon more than ever inside the legal limit of loading for the back axle. It should be noted, however, that, notwithstanding the greater clearance provided here, the grate area is actually more than usual, and, with 3 alight alteration to the firehars it is feasible to burn coke in this type of wagon • Many of the features of construction of a chassis are naturally hid from the public view in the case of...the exhibit of a complete wagon like this. It is still possible, however, to note the method of suspending the boiler and engine in the frame, and we recommend our readers to examine this part of the wagon carefully, in conjunction with our description of it which appeared in the issue to which reference has already been made.
In the construction of the boiler use has been made of the presaworkerla art. The main shell is in three pieces, the main horizontal portion of the boiler, a vertical and slightly conical parb surrounding the firebox, anda small conical piece connecting these two. The firebox itself is a pressing, and, as made with the assistance of the electrical welder, is in one piece. These features make for simifficity, while the domed top of the fireboa; reduces the probability of it retaining any considerable quantity of aedimanta Owing to the/partly-conical shape of the firebox, considerably increased grate area is provided, and, by the substitution of a different type of firebar, coke may be used as fuel instead of coal. A patent has, been taken out in connection with the arrangement of the engine upon the top of the boiler.