From Drivers and Mechanics.
Page 31
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TEN SHILLINGS WEEKLY is paid for the best communication received, and one ?enny a line of ten words for anything else published, with an allowance for photographs.
,ff,ggffr4M!Bllr7.'AarZlfeEfMilVAWnaaWMMSr."VlkTeWigrrSATNfai Steam Wagon Cleanliness. A Warning.
[1229] " F.N." (Watford) writes I know you have devoted much space to the question of leaving ashes, clinker, etc., by the roadside. I should like you to publish, if you can find room for it, particulars of one place in particular where a great number of wagons pull up to take in water each day. I am sure that drivers who read TILE COMMERCIAL MOTOR will be advised and take a friendly warning. "This watering place is extremely convenient especially at this time of the year for drivers corning from London and going into the country. We are not allowed to take water at this place, which is situated near the Metropolitan tramway terminus, Cannon's Park, Edgware Road, Edgware, in the summer, for the reason that it supplies a large nursery. If some alteration is not made with regard to the depositing of ashes we shall be stopped from taking it even in the winter.
"One day last week, when I had halted for dinner, a constable came up to me and asked if I were in the habit of taking water at Cannon's Park. I told him that I did so, and then he went into the question of leaving ashes, clinker, etc., upon the roadside, and told me that he had received instructions to obtain the names and addresses of drivers who did so with a view to serving them with a summons."
Preserving Steamwagon Smokeboxes.
[1230] " (Fulham) writes :—" One of the first
signs of wear in a steam wagon is, in my opinion, invariably noticed on and around the smokebox. This is due to the fact that the driver has no, or very little, control over this part. A smokebox door shows signs of slack fitting long before any other part of the machine is noticeably worn. Amongst the causes which are responsible for this may be mentioned the following : the driver allows ashes and soot to accumulate inside the smokebox ; he neglects to use a good hard brush round the inside after sweeping the tubes ; he drives the boiler too hard when climbing hills and taking heavy loads ; he leaves the funnel uncovered at night when the machine is standing out in the open.
"Most drivers know that the doors of smokeboxes should always be kept tight, otherwise air drawing will commence, and this quickly causes burning and warping of the smokebox. It also has a bad effect on the boiler's steaming properties.
"I have found that a small quantity of asbestos soaked in water and worked up into a pulp, if applied Tound the joint of a doubtful door, very often leads to the removal of the trouble. Of course, the door should be tightened up first in the ordinary way, and -the asbestos then pressed round the joint.
"A burnt and rusty-looking smokebox may be easily made to look new by scraping, and then going over it with a hard brush, finally giving it a coat of tar. When doing this job, the smokebox should be quite hot. If a suitable temperature is maintained, the tar will dry with a hard, brilliant gloss that will not crack or blister. I think if steam-wagon drivers realized the value of a clean and smart-looking wagon and tractor, they would be more careful in looking after the condition of their machines."
To Prevent Waste of Lubricant.
The sender of the following communication has been awarded the 10s. prize this week.
[1231] R.T." (Bedfcrd Hill) write:, :—" We had a gearbox in the repair shop some little time ago, on which a considerable loss of grease was experienced from the main-shaft bearings. This was not provided with the adjustable felt washers now so universally fitted. When taken down, the ball-race illustrated in the sketch showed considerable signs of wear. It was thought that when this part had been renewed the loss of grease would not be serious. This did not prove to be the case, however, and the waste was excessive.
"I made up a flange in the form shown, and held it in position by two studs which were screwed into the gearbox casting. In order to fit this flange without dismantling the box, it was cast in halves. A thick felt washer was interposed between it and the gearbox, and this was compressed by means of the lock nuts, until it prevented any escape of grease. Wear was, of course, taken up by giving the nuts a turn or two when necessary."