Clayton and Shuttleworth : Stand 77.
Page 15
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A Steam Wagon that has Many Points a interest.
One of the most interesting three-ton steam wagons which has ever been exhibited is that on the stand of Clayton and ShuTtleworth, Ltd., of Lincoln. It simply bristles with novel points of design so far as steam-wagon practice is concerned, although none of them may reasonably be said to be absolutely original in themselves ; the interesting point of the matter is their combination and adaptation to steam-wagon practice. Apart from the fact that the boiler is fitted with a Belpaire firebox, and has 64.5 sq. ft. of heating surface— which is considerably greater than most other wagons oi the same load capacity-there is nothing unusual in this design. It has, however, a pressed-steel seating which2 after being fixed to the boiler, Is subsequently planed to take the compound cylinder casting ; this has a, high-pressure cylinder 3t ins, in diameter, and a low-pressure cylin der of 6t ins, in diameter, the former being provided with a piston valve, and the latter with the more-usual flat valve. The Piston-stroke is 6 ins. Ring oiler bearings are provided for the crankshaft-, and the usual method of mounting the change-speed gear at the off-side end of the crankshaft
has been reversed, for this wagon is arranged to be steered and manipulated by one man, who is seated on the right-hand side of the wagon, and thus has the same power of control and observation of traffic which is possessed by the average petrol driver, The water feed is maintained by means of an injector and an engine-driven pump of good design.
The usual form of drive, through one single roller chain to a live back axle, has been adopted, but it should be noted that the design of the back axle permits the use of interchangeable axle boxes, springs, and wheels, the wheels being connected to the axle and the differential sleeve respectively through driving pins. This is a feature which has become absolutely necessary with the increasing use of rubber tires. The old method of keying one wheel on to the axle was a very great bar to the extended use of the more-elastic type of tread. This type of wagon, it will be remembered, was first exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Show of last year, and its makers also produce a five-tonner with 28 h.p. engine and a seven-tonner with 34 h.p. engine. The fivetonner has cylinders 4 ins. and 7f ins, in diameter—a pistonstroke of 7 ins., and a heating surface of 71 sq. ft.
There is little need for us here to emphasize the fact that Clayton and.Shuttleworth possesses a great reputation as a maker of reliable steam-haulage plant. As its maclimes are are in everyday operation in all parts of the world, intending purchasers will have little difficulty in finding satisfied users.