Wallis and Steevens, Limited.
Page 23
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Exhibit :—One 5-ton Lorry, and One Tractor.
The wagon which is staged on the stand of Wallis and Steevens, Limited, of the North Hants Iron Works, Basingstoke, embodies many improvements in small but important details ; these have been made since the last occasion on which this company exhibited one of its lorries. Amongst the improvements that have been effected, the most important are : the increase in the area of the fire grate ; and the larger space that is now available for the accommodation of the driver. The locomotive type of boiler which is fitted by this company is now too well known to need further description, except that attention may be called to its double set of tire tubes; one set can be completely put out of action when the wagon is standing idle, and the other set will pass only sufficient air to maintain combustion. The engine is mounted over the boiler, as in the usual traction-engine practice, but the cylinders are mounted on a sole plate, which is unaffected by the expansion of the boiler shell ; thus, the steam distribution by the slide valves does not vary with the temperature of the boiler shell. The usual two-speeds are provided, and the final drive is taken through a long, heavy, roller chain to the live back axle.
The main members of the channelsteel frame are securely riveted to the boiler at the smoke-box end, and the forward ends are free to slide in a pair of cast slippers attached to the sides of the smoke-box. By the adoption of this arrangement, the boiler shell and its seams are relieved of the restraining influence of the rigid side channels, and they are thus free to expand or contract.
The middle portion of this wagon is absolutely free from any of the transmission gear, excepting the Hans Renold chain, and, therefore, allows of the fitting of a very long but shallow water tank ; this tank will contain 16o gallons.
In addition to its five-ton steam wagon, this company is also exhibiting one of its powerful little steam tractors which are modelled on the lines of the larger traction engines that have, for many years, been constructed by this old Hampshire concern. This tractor has all the same characteristics possessed by the steam wagon, such as the enclosed type engine, and draught regulation by a baffle in-the smoke-box.
The London agent for this maker is Wm. and Thos. Robson, Limited, of Farringdon Road, E.C.