Allchin (317). . William Allchin, Ltd., of Northampton, has for
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some years past been giving a considerable amount of attention to the design and construction of steam wagons, and, as it has produced wagons of the under type as well as of the over type, it is in a position to meet the requirements of the advocates of both classes of vehicle. The wagon now exhibited is of the over type, and the engine is completely enclosed by sheet-steel casings, which casings, although undoubtedly efficient for the purpose intended, give to the wagon a somewhat heavy appearance. The engine is a compound with a twothrow balanced crankshaft and outside flywheel, and steam distribution is by means of fiat valves, which work on inclined seats; the valves are operated by a standard Stephenson link motion with two eccentrics for each valve. The high-pressure cylinder is 4i in. in diameter, whilst the diameter of the low-pressure cylinder is 7i in. The piston-stroke is 6 in. Although, of course, lighter in construction than the traction engines which have long been built by this maker, the design of the engine closely follows the most-approved traction-engine practice. Power is transmitted from the crankshaft, through a. change-speed countershaft, and thence by roller chain to the differential gearing on tho live back axle, which unit is carried by combined radius rods and axle brackets. The construction of the main frame and its attachment to the boiler is of an unusual character : the side channels are not continued forward on the same level as far as the centre of the smoke-box, but they " dip " immediately behind the fire-box, and are then continued horizontally and secured directly to the forward extremities of the sides of the outer fire-box shell only, leaving the barrel and smoke-box quite free of frame attachment. Except it be the avoidance of certain patents relating to steam-wagon construction, we fail to see any real advantage in this fcrm of construction, yet we do realize that considerable strain will be thrown on the throat plate of the boiler, due to hogging or whipping of the frame, because the boiler now becomes part and parcel of the girder which bridges the leading and driving axles.
Alley and MacLellan (272).
Under the enthusiastic guidance of Mr. Alex. Gillies, the Manchester representative of Alley and MacLellan, Ltd., of Sentinel Works, Glasgow, the attention of one of our representatives was drawn to the many special features of this maker's interesting " Sentinel " steamwagon models, of which there are two excellent examples staged on Stand No. 272. It will be of particular interest to those visitors whose sympathies are solely agricultural to notice that one of these exhibits is for Greenall, Whitley and Co.. Ltd.. of Warrington—a company with which, as we mention in the introduction to the report, Sir Gilbert
Greetia11, the popular President of the R.A.S,E., for the year 1910, is actively associated. The other machine is fitted with an ingenious form of hydraulic tipping gear; and is sold to lessrs. Slack and Brownlow, filter manufacturers, of “orton. The first. example has a six-ton -tandard chassis, whilst the tip-wagon is constructed for a load of five tons. Alley and MacLellan steamers have, as is wellknown to most of our readers, many special characteristics : at a time when there is a marked tendency amongst steam-wagon builders unreservedly to adopt the " traction" arrangement of engine and boiler. it is of special interest .W hear renewed assurances of the good results which are being obtained from a design which not only retains the vertical type of boiler, with its compact and removable superheater. but which embodies. beneath the frame, a twin-cylinder simple engine, that is in constant gear with a live back axle by means of a short chain drive. The tip wagon is provided with a direct-acting steam pump, which acts as an auxiliary to the ordinary crank-driven donkey pump and, when occasion arises and by virtue of a simple arrangement of hand-operated valves, !nay be made to force water into the cylinder of the hydraulic tipping gear. Further regulation of these valves effectually holds the wagon body in any tinned position which may be desired. A full tip can be made in 40 sec . without any physical labour. The hydraulic
cylinder is of about 5-in, bore, and is carried in trunnions which aresupported on stout channel-steel cross-members on the main frame. Another new and important feature of these interesting machines is the simple cam-operated plunger form of mechanical lubricator, which is driven from one end of the valve cam-shaft ; oil is, by this means, positively fed direct into the two working steam cylinders. Aveling and Porter (182).
In addition to one of its standard compound tractors, Aveling and Porter, Ltd.,
oi Rochester, also shows a three-ton steam wagon, the wheels of which are shod with "nooks-Hercules" rubber tires, the sizes on tile leaders being 850 min. by 90 nun., whilst the twin tires on the driving wheels are 1,080 mm. in diameter and 140 min. in width. The latilers of both these machines have Belpaire-type fire-boxes; the engines are compound, and the flat valves are operated by Stephenson link motion; the valves are arranged on the outsides of the cylinders. Aveling and Porter's method of attachment of the frame to the boiler shell is also somewhat remarkable. The full channel seetion of the side members is maintained to a point which nearly reaches the forward end of the fire-box ; the lower half of the channel is then cut away, and the remaining angle section is continued forward to the smoke-box end of the boiler. The main channels are secured to heavy brackets, which, in turn, are riveted to the firebox outer shell.
Burrell (321).
We were disappointed, on our arrival at the stand of Charles Burrell and Sons, Ltd., of Thetford, Norfolk, to note that this maker's model in which a couple of laminated springs, longitudinally disposed, replace the usual transverse leading spring, was nut on view. The machine which is now staged is one of the standard Burrell Compounds, like that which won the R.A.C.'s gold medal in 1907. A new form of combined forcedand sight-feed lubricator is fitted, and one of our illustrations shows how it, is mounted over the cylinders. This tractor is distinctive, in that the hind axle is one of the " dead" type, and that the final drive, to each of the rear wheels, is through straight spur gearing. The unsprung weight is thereby considerably reduced, and this fact permits of higher running speeds, within the legal limit, without serious injury to the engine and boiler. The inter-locking clutch device for the change-speed gears is one of the many interesting features of the Burrell compound tractor, of the design of whir.'1 Mr. W. Campbell Wilson, the works manager, is justly proud. Burrell flywheel and rim 'brakes are fitted. Clayton and Shuttleworth (109).
One of the best positions in the implement section--one of the three large stands which face the main entrance to the showyard—is that occupied by Clayton and Shnttleworth. Ltd., of Lincoln, and included in that company's comprehensive range of machines is a compound steam tractor capable of hauling loads up to sixItons. Neither time nor money has been spared in the production of this engine, and it was only after the company's engineers were satisfied that the machine was a really-practical model that it was offered to the tractor-buying public. This machine is one of the few governed tractors which are at present staged at the Liverpool Show, and a wooden roller is carried on the near side tank to keep the belt clear when power is being used externally.
Foden (316).
From Sandbach, among other exhibits on this stand, two Foden standard steam wagons are prominently placed. One of three—a three-tonner with rubber-shod wheels—has been built to the order of Bainbridge and Co., Ltd., removal contractors and warehousers, of Newcastleon-Tyne, whilst the other, which is a five-tonner, and has standard steel-shod wheels, will shortly be delivered to Magee, Marshall and Co., Ltd., of Bolton and Wigan. In general appearance, these two Foden wagons, built by the pioneer of the over type of steamer, do not differ from the same maker's vehicles which have been previously exhibited, and it is only in small but nonethe-less important details that alteration has been made from time to time, such changes being dictated by the experience of the many users who now employ Foden wagons. There is no machine on the market which presents a morebusinesslike appearance than a rubber. tired Foden, and the advent of one of these machines in a new district arouses keen interest amongst observant contractors and merchants who are interested in the transportation of goods by road.
Foster (520).
The exhibits on the stand of William Foster and Co., Ltd., of the Wellington Foundry, Lincoln, consist chiefly of large traction engines for showmen and general haulage purposes, but, as such machines do not come within the scope of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR, we shall confine our remarks to the one tractor which, although somewhat. overshadowed by a huge showmen's engine alongside, is there exhibited. This tractor is one of the improved Wellington type, with outside spring mounting, such as we described in our report of the Royal Show at Gloucester, and for which machine the makers claim an extraordinary degree of stability, a claim, we may add, that is not without justification. The particular machine exhibited is one of those ordered by the Hon. W. A. Deane, the Minister of Agriculture for Natal, who, it will be remembered, recently made a tour of certhin tractor and motor manufacturer's works, accompanied, in an advisory capacity, by a representative of this journal. At the conclusion of the Show, the wheels which are now mounted on the tractor axles will be replaced by others of a special type which have been designed to meet the requirements of road haulage in South Africa. We know of no tractor that contains so many sound features as the improved Wellington, and from our own observance of machines of this type operating under the arduous conditions of contractors work, furniture removing, and the transportation of market-garden produce, we are convinced that the Wellington Foundry may look forward to a prolonged period of activity and success.
Fowler (183
John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd., is one of the few companies whose principals advocate the use of the Belpaire type of fire-box, about which type we wrote at some length in our series of articles on " Boilers for Steam Wagons and Tractors " (see page 437, our issue of the 27th January last). The tractor exhibited is one of this well-known Yorkshire builder's two-cylinder compounds, and the transmission gear is of the fourshaft type, with three changes of gear ratio, operated by levers which are ingeniously interlocked so that it is not possible for a driver to get more than one pair of speed gears in mesh at the same time. Unlike those on the majority of tractors, the differential gear on the Fowler machine may be locked by the driver's movement of a lever, without the necessity for his dismounting from the footplate; four pins are moved outwards, so as to engage projections cast integral with the hub of the off-side driving wheel, thereby locking the sleeve to the fixed wheel. On this tractor, largediameter hollow rollers are used as fairleads. In fact, this company appears to be more-closely applying its traction-engine practice to the construction of steam tractors, and one example of this applicatien may be seen in the connecting-rod big-ends; these are now provided with a tapered cotter adjustment instead of the split hush and bolted cap which formerly were fitted.
Garrett (181).
Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd., of Leiston, R.S.O., Suffolk, has a fine range of its heavy engines, in addition to the two machines with which our readers will be more particularly interested. One is of a compound steam tractor to haul net loads up to five tons. The boiler of this machine, like all others manufactured at the Leiston works for the past 30 years, has a corrugated fire-box roof, a. form of construction that obviates the necessity for staves. As it permits of the fret " breathing " of the plates, the fire-box is given a longer life. This maker has for some time be:tit experimenting in the use of super-heated steam, and its system is well represented by a steam wagon which faces the tractor on the stand: We reproduce three detail views of it, and in one of them the position of the superheater coil within the smoke-box is clearly shown. Balanced piston valves are used for steam distribution, and these are disposed outside the cylinders, the link motion, stuffing box, etc., being easily accessible. It is claimed for the Garrett super-Imater, although we have not yet had an opportunity of observing its behaviour on the road, that it effects very great economy in both fuel and water, and, consequently, that the radius of operation is much greater in comparison with a machine in which saturated steam is employed. Garrett's usual feedwater heater is fitted to this machine, and this component is mounted on the off side of the boiler shell, and is clearly shown in one of our illustrations. The water feed is maintained normally by an eccentric-driven plunger pump, anri an injector is also provided. This maker is doing a big export trade.
Leyland (311).
Dominated by a tower wagon on a petrol chassis, and at the back of other petrol-vehicle exhibits, to which we refer on later pages of this report, one of the latest gear-driven Leyland steamers is exhibited. This machine is similar to the one which was shown for the first time by Leyland .Motors, Ltd., at the. Manchester Show in February last, and, in our opinion, it marks a instinct advance in high-speed, steam-wagon practice. It embodies the best points of the proved Leyland steamers, with important constructional features of the same maker's highly-successful petrol wagons. The boiler is one of the standard Leyland type, with vertical copper-sleeved fire tubes, and in the base of the boiler a super-heater is fitted; increased efficiency is further insured by the provision of a feed-water heater. The steam performs its work inside three, vertical,
single-acting cylinders, which are provided with cam-operated poppet valves. The three cylinders are mounted side by side, in similar manner to those of a vertical petrol engine, and the compact power unit is placed, with its crankshaft running fore and aft of the chassis, immediately below the driver's seat. The point of cut-off is varied. and the reversing of the engine effected, by means uf a sliding camshaft, and there is a geardriven cross shaft, from which the pumps for lubrication and water-feed are driven. The pump-driving shaft is extended through the easing on the near side, and on it is mounted a. capstan, which. with suitably-disposed fair-leads, either on the frame or in the body, according to requirements, may be utilized for hoisting sacks, barrels or other heavy articles, either from cellars to the vehicle's platform, or from the platform to the upper stories of warehouses, etc. The above illustration shows this useful capstan, and the same view also shows the cyliedrical snmp below the crankcase, together with the eyphon pipe by which excess of condensed water may automatically drain itself off from the crankrate; by means of this sump and .syptivii, the level of the oil, which, of course, floats on the water in the sump, may be kept at a fairly-constant level within the crank chamber. This machine has been built to the order of lr. Edward Sole, haulage contractor, of White Hart Lane, Tottenham, N. It is fitted with sides 40 in. in height. but the open top pentione, for a depth of 15 in., are removable indepeedently of the lower portions.
Mann (314).
A very-representative selection of machines is shown by Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co., Ltd. The exhibits comprise ; one of its new agricultural tractors ; a five-ton, an-geardriven wagon for Edmunds and Rena, Ltd., millers, of Banbury ; a five-ton tipping wagon for Messrs. J. Robinson and Sous, of the Spar Mines, Eyam, via Sheffield ; and one of its patent five-ton tipping carts for the Wells Stone Co., of Underwood Quarries, Wells, Somerset. The wagon for Edmunds and Kench is a repeat order placed after 1.0 years' experience. The tippiog cartaria the tractor ere fitted with over-type compound engines, whereas the engines of the other two machines are of the well-known enclosed type, slung below the main frame. The tractor is undoubtedly the most interesting of this company's exhibits. It is quite a new model and has been designed for general service either on the farm or on the road. Instead of the usual two driving wheels, situated outside the main frame, a broad roller is mounted On the back axle ineide the main channels, and the first impression gained is that the machine is nut a tractor het a road Iii conversation with J. J. Cornock. the works manager at the Pepper Road works, Leeds, we were given to understand that the broad roller has been chosen—in preference to two separate wheels—in order to enable the machine to be operated over soft land, undeveloped country, or on narrow tracks; there is no doubt that such a machine, in many instances, may be. operated more efficiently than a machine having the ordinary form of driving wheels of sufficient, -width to insure an equal bearing surface on the ground, because it is obvious that, with a machine of normal• construction, the overall width would be prohibitive. We noticed that, on it arrival at the ehowyard late on Saturday afternoon last, this machine attracted a considerable amount of attention. It may either have a small load platform, or it may be bellasited with water in a tank over the roller. In the tipping wagon on view, the change-speed Control is from the footplate.
All Mann wagons are fitted with seats for the drivers which may be readily dropped to fall vertically out of the way. This may appear to be an insignificant detail, but such provision is often useful when a driver elects to stand up, as when he wants to manceuvre or shunt a vehicle in confined areas. Ransomes (265).
Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies. Ltd., of Orwell Works, Ipswich, is exhibiting one of its light compound steam tractors : this machine is really a small edition oi the powerful road locomotives which fur so many years have been built by this maker. It has a compound engine with the flat valves arranged on the outsides of the cylinders, and is provided with a Pickering governor. The machine, throughout, is built on thoroughly-sound lines, which have been dictated by the company's long experience with heavier road engines.
Robey (526).
A Robey compound tractor is shown by its maker, Robey and Co., Ltd., of Globe Works, Lincoln. In point of workmanship and general design, it is quite worthy of its place among the other excellent exhibits from Lincoln—the home of the road-engine and portable-engine branches of British engineering. It has i been altered but slightly since t was first introduced, a circumstance which speaks volumes for the careful consideration which must have been given to the design during the drawing-office stage of its existence. Such alterations as have been made are relatively unimportant, but they have been made with a view to increasing the general efficiency, cleanliness and silence of running. One point, for example, is the fitting of a. cover to the safety valve, which cover, with its connecting pipe to the smoke-stack, serves the dual purpose of avoiding the emission of visible vapour due to the " lifting " of the valve when standing by the roadside, and of preventing the interference with the safety-valve setting by a thoughtless or careless driver.
Savage (115).
The two single-cylinder tractors on this stand, exhibited by Savage Bros., Ltd., of King's Lynn, both of which machines are standard models of that maker, and are of a type which evidently finds favour in many quarters, are the only ones in the show. One of these engines is provided with a Pickering governor, and, further, the driving wheels of the same machine have wooden treads, the blocks being arranged in two rings after the manner of a twin solid tire.
Tasker (510).
Regular visitors to the Royal Show would certainly feel that there was a serious omission from the implement section if by any chance a " Little Giant " tractor or steam wagon should fail to find it way into the show-ground. One of the latest " B2 " type of compound tractors is shown, and, after leaving Liverpool, it will proceed to its purchaser, Mr. John Ashworth, carrier, of Fenniscowles. We noted that the cylinders and valve gear appear to have been re-designed, and that the valves are now arranged parallel to the cylinders, instead of their sloping as previously. Another important alteration
is that the driving wheels are 6 in. larger in diameter than before—a move in the direction of smoother running and reduced cost for wear and tear of machinery—more especially on setts.
A Tasker steam wagon is also shown, and we were pleased to note that this vehicle also has found a purchaser, and will shortly be delivered to Messrs. William Mallinson and Sons. contractors, and quarry owners, of Lockwood, Huddersfield. It will he remembered that we fully described Tasker's wagon in our " Overseas Special " of the 9th December fast; since that date, a few small but important alterations have been made. One of these alterations is that certain steam and water fittings have been rearranged in their relation to the driver, who may now entirely control the machine without having to turn round.
Wallis and Steevens (525).
Another Hampshire exhibitor, who ha ,s sent representative examples of the two classes of steam motor, is Wallis and Steevens, Ltd., of North Hants Iron Works, Basingstoke, which company exhibits one of its tractors and one of its ever-type compound steam wagons. The link motion of the engines on both machines is completely enclosed, and is at all times thoroughly lubricated and protected from dust and grit. Both machines are apparently available for immediate delivery, and they should find ready buyers.
Yorkshire (524).
A workmanlike appearance is presented by the pair of standard steam wagons which are staged under the show sign of the Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co., of the Vulcan Works, Hunslet, Leeds. It was originally intended by this maker to include one of its threeton standard machines, but, eventually, two " six-tonners " found their way to Liverpool. Both are excellent examples of Yorkshire standard practice throughtint. The simplicity of the design of this heavy model, and the accessibility of the unique double-ended type of boiler, of the vertical compound engine, of the twospeed gear, and the final chain-drive to the live back axle, are all features which will undoubtedly make a special appeal to many of the visitors which this class of exhibition attracts. Both of the machines on show leave nothing to be desired in the direction of attractive " finish." The six-ton tipping wagon, which is to go to the Heckmondwyke and Liversedge Gas Co., and which is fitted with a simple form of hand-operated elevating gear, is a useful model. The unusual method of bracing the tail of this tip body—by means of stout angle-steel outriggers, shall we call them—is a detail which calls for favourable mention. The second string to the Yorkshire bow is a serviceablo type of contractor's wagon ; it has been built to the order of Messrs. Cheale Bros., of Rottingdean, Sussex. The body of this vehicle is of the platform pattern, and is fitted with hinged removable sides and tail-board. Both machines are arranged and fitted to haul a trailer if necessary.