THE STEAM BUS REAPPEARS.
Page 19
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An Interesting New Vehicle Which is Being Constructed in Chicago.
ASTEAM-PROPELLED bus with certain unusual features, particularly in respect of the boiler., has recently been developed by the Steam Bus Syndi
cate; of Chicago. The boiler of the Q.E.D., as the new chassis is called, is of the water-tube type, and is built up from units, each of which is practically a boiler in itself. Each section or unit consists of two large vertical tubes joined by a large number of smaller tubes, which are so waved as to overcome any difficulties which might otherwise ensue as a result of expansion and contraction.
Normally, the water stands about halfway up each section, but rises when heat is applied. As the application of heat continues, generation by steam takes place more rapidly, causing a quick flow of water through the lower tubes, which is responsible for the non-scaling properties of this type of generator, as sediment is swept out of the path of circulation and settles in the mud collector.
The control of the burner is effected by means of a diaphragm communicating with the bailer and operating an electric switch. This switch controls a motor which normally supplies air and fuel— the air by means of a blower of the centrifugal type. The water level in the honer is Maintained by a thermostat, and the water-feed pump is mounted on the forward end of the engine, being driven at a• quarter engine speed.
The remainder of the chassis has a resemblance to the Yorkshire type of steam
vehicle. A two-cylinder compound engine is located behind the boiler, and has bores of 3 ins. and 7 ins-, and a
stroke of 5 ins. ; the engine valves are of the balanced-piston type without rings, and made of east-iron ground to size. They are actuated by a Joy gear, which permits the adtuission of steam to be changed from 85 per cent, of the full piston stroke to 25 per cent. A propeller shaft with universal joints conveys the drive to a Wisconsin bus-type axle, in which the gear ratios may be either 3 8-11 to 1 or 4 4-9 to 1.
The body at present. employed is built of ash and aluminium, and accommodates 25 passengers. The weight of the vehicle has proved to be slightly more than its equivalent size of petrol chassis. In general appearance it closely . resembles the last-named, as it has a condenser situated in the position usually allotted to the radiator, whilst the boiler is behind this and covered by the usual form of bonnet; also, the steering is of the ordinary Ackerman type. A low loading Brie is given by up-sweep. ing the side-members of the frame over the rear axle.