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THE ROYAL SHOW.

2nd July 1908, Page 13
2nd July 1908
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Page 13, 2nd July 1908 — THE ROYAL SHOW.
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Full Report and Description of Special Points about the Tractor, Wagon, and Other Exhibits in the Showya.rd at Newcastle-on-Tyne.

New-castle-on-Tyne has, as we write, already given an earnest of its intention to make the Royal Show an unprecedented success, and huge crowds welcomed the Prince and Princess of Wales when they arrived on Monday afternoon, en route for Alnwick, where they are staying with the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. Twice during the show, on Wednesday and Friday, the Royal party is to pay a visit, and the Steward of Finance, Mr. T. L. Aveling, when we had a chat with him early in the week, told us that he looked forward to a record attendance. The showground itself is one of the best that has been allotted to the Society for many years, and we can congratulate all concerned upon the manner in which it has been laid. out. It is more easy than heretofore to follow the rotation of the various numbers, and the numerous sections are more compactly disposed. The implement entries are not a record as a whole, but7the combinedrtotal of motor and tractor 'entries hasi,bever -been excelled, •'

Harking back to the somewhat unfortunate exhibition at Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, in 1898, when only five heavy motors—those of Daimler, Leyland, Roots, Saunderson, and Thomycroft—were presented, it is gratifying to recall the fact that an interval of no more than ten years has elapsed until we find the magnificent collection of tractors, wagons, and other motors which may be seen at this year's Royal Show. The advance is a measure of the progress of the movement in favour of modern plant.

The feature of the display is unquestionably the tractor section, and the neW Mann tractor, by reason of its novel and clever construction, will probably attract ' more notice than any other machine of the " steam horse " dais. Never before has the' Royal ShOw had so many as fifteen tractors on * view in its implement section, although it has on two previous occasions -exeeded the total of nine motor wagOns *which are now to be seen. Taken all round, the collection of tractors dndi wagons is thoroughly representaiive of the best products in department§ of motor manufacture which are peculiarly British. Makers of tractors have drawn largely upon their experience in the field of traction-engine work, but indications are not wanting that they have taken a few hints from the lighter branches of the trade, and have, by the more general introduction of high-class materials, been able to keep down weight; further, there is now evidence of consideration in design for reduced dimensions and neatness, points which were overlooked until a comparatively recent date.

In the wagon section, as will be seen from the report which follows, some of England's most reputed constructors have machines on their stands, but it is interesting to note that only one petrol wagon, by Leyland Motors, Limited, is included in the show.

We might set out first arid working costs at some length, but the space is not at our disposal. Recent issues of this journal have contained a large amount of data in those connections, and, as each manufacturer is in a position to supply any visitor with all information, together with references to users, we will proceed at once to report such points as attracted our notice at Newcastle on Monday and Tuesday last. We may, however, for the guidance of new readers of this journal, draw attention to the principal points of difference which exist between self-contained motor wagons and independent tractors.

Under the provisions of the Motor Car Acts of 1896 and 1903, and of the Heavy Motor Car Order of 1904, it is practically impossible to build a tractor which can haul more than a gross load of eight tons on average roads, although it is within the power of the engine to take more on good and level roads. This means a limitation to a net or useful load of six tons, whereas a standard motor wagon, between its own platform and that of a single trailer, can successfully take a net load of eight tons under equal conditions. On the other hand, the tractor, owing to its large-diameter wheels and less axle-weight, is more suited for use upon indifferent or weak roads, and it possesses one other advantage, which may be of considerable imf)ortance at times—that the power unit can be, separated from the load, instead of having to wait about as is the case with a motor wagon. There is, however, a great diversity of opinion, even be tween members of the same trades, of which we may quote that of builders and contractors as a typical instance, as to whether the wagon or the tractor is the better. It is certainly wrong for anybody to pretend that there is not room for both, or that either is at all times superior to the other.

Steam Tractors.

The show of tractors is very representative, and no less than 15 of these handy engines are exhibited, including one staged by Aveling and Porter, Limited, that has been temporarily converted into a light road roller. The lines on which this class of motor is designed are now pretty well settled, and some of the machines at the yard have many features in common. The compound ungoverned engine is that most generally fitted, and the only tractors that have single-cylinder engines are those by Mann, Robey, and Savage, whilst Clayton and Shuttleworth, and Savage's tractors are the only ones which are provided with governors.

In the matter of transmission gearing, and the arrangements of the driving shafts, the " three-shaft " system prevails on all but the tractors by Fowler, Mann, and Ruston-Proctor. The screw-operated type of brake, in the application of which wooden blocks are brought into frictional contact with the inner faces of the driving-wheel rims, is to be found on all but the tractors that are built by Burrell and Savage : the former is provided with a steam-operated brake, which acts on the insides of the driving-wheel rims, in addition to this maker's flywheel brake, whilst Sayage's machine has but a single, ex-. ternal brake which acts upon the offside driving wheel.

Steam Tractors.

As the visitor enters the show ground from the main gates, one of the first stands to attract his attention is that of Aveling and Porter, Limited, of Rochester (Stand No. 155); this company is showing, amongst several examples of its heavy traction engines and portables, one of its latest steam tractors. The machine is fitted with a compound engine of the same general construction and dimensions as that fitted to previous tractors of this make, but the cylinder casting is provided with a flat base, and is bolted on to a special, pressed-steel seating-plate that is secured to the boiler shell. The rear end of the boiler, too, has been altered in construction, and it is now designed on the lines of a locomotive, with square

outer shell; this alteration in the design of the boiler has been the means of giving a greatly increased steam space. The driving wheels of this new model are 5 feet 6 inches in diameter.

Facing the machine just mentioned is one of the more widely-known models of this company, and, by a simple process, it has been converted into a road roller ; a specially-designed extension bracket is bolted on to the front end of the smoke box. The extension does not interfere with the removal of the smokebox door for the purpose of cleaning the tubes. The pivot bracket for the turntable of the leading axle (when used as a tractor) has been allowed to remain, and it does not obstruct the operation of the leading roller which is pivoted on the extension bracket; the latter, therefore, may be made a permanent feature of the machine.

When it is desired to convert the roller into a tractor, it is only necessary : (a) to remove the leading roller and its pivot fork ; (b) to mount the leading-axle turntable pivot in the bracket below the smoke box; (c). to couple up the steering chains; and(d) to change the plain-tired rear wheels or rollers for a pair of stroped wheels, as generally used on tractors. Such a machine should prove very useful to contractors whose work does not justify the exclusive use of a roller.

These machines have compound engines whose cylinder dimensions are : high-pressure, 41 inches in diameter ; low-pressure, 61 inches in diameter; and the piston stroke, to inches. The cylinders are steam-jacketed, and the valves are operated by a special form of link motion, which employs two eccentrics, in much the same manner as the well-known Stephenson arrangement. All the link work is exposed at the top, but vertical plates, which are removable, screen the sides, and prevent the dispersal of oil front the reciprocating parts. The accompanying illustration shows the link motion, as seen when the side plates are removed. The transmission gear provides for two speeds, and the gears are covered by sheet-metal cases.

Burrell.

Charles Burrell and Sons, Limited, of the St. Nicholas Works, Thetford, has,. on Stand No. 6o, near the machinery and goods entrance to the implement section, standard tractors of similar construction to that which was awarded. a gold medal in the R.A.C. trials last year. That machine, however, was fitted with three speeds, whereas the one now exhibited has but two speeds. A feature of this company's tractor in the present show is the steam brake; it has been fitted in order to meet the requirements of the Paris Municipal Authorities, and from this it will be understood that the machine is destined for that city.

The steam cylinder, by which the brake is operated, is bolted on the rear end of the off-side plate of the tender ; when steam is admitted, the piston is forced upwards, and a pair of links transfer the pull to a rocker shaft, on the ends of this shaft two levers are mounted; wooden blocks on these levers act upon the inner surfaces of the driving-wheel rims. A flywheel brake is also fitted.

So far as excellence of general design and the suitability of materials are concerned, the Burrell tractors are in the front rank, and their performance, in actual service, has been proved to be consistently reliable.

Clayton and Shuttleworth.

Clayton and Shuttleworth, Limited, of Lincoln, which company's stand (No. 154) is directly opposite the main entrance to the show, is exhibiting one of its compound steam tractors. Since its introduction to the commercial motoring world at the Royal Counties Show at Maidenhead in 1907, this tractor has had but few changes made in its construction, although it has been subjected to exhaustive trials. We should, however, like to see a modification of the fixed bearing on the second motion shaft. The chief alteration has been the fitting of a continuous oiling system for all the bearings, and this was illustrated, by line drawings, in our report of the Olympia Show (see the issue for the 26th of March last), whilst the front wheels now have a greater angle of lock. in that issue, we also reproduced the general-arrangement drawings of the complete machine. Not a few grati fying reports of the performances of this make of tractor have been received by its builders, and the list of users is being increased month by month.

Colonial readers of " THE COMMERC!AL Mo roe " will be interested to hear that one of this make of tractor was exhibited at the Sydney Royal Show, in April last, when it attracted much favourable comment. En a descriptive report of the exhibits, and especially of those that were sent from the Stamp End Works, Lincoln, the " Sydney Daily Mail " drew special attention to this tractor, and stated that it was an engine suitable for either town or country work, and particularly so for light haulage to the railway stations in the back blocks.

The engine is provided with a governor, as shown ; this and the one exhibited by Savage Brothers, Limited, are the only two steam motors in the yard that are so fitted.

Foster, Another exhibit from Lincoln is the tractor shown on Stand No. 55 by William Fester and Company, Limited,

of the Wellington Foundry. This make of tractor is now so extensively, employed by many large contractors, and by the War Office, that it needs but little recommendation from us. In the design and construction of these machines, one or two small alterations have recently been effected, With a view to the still further increase of the popularity of the type_ These alterations, which are shown in the accompanying illustration, consist of : (a) the provision of eight keys, cut out of the solid metal of which the crankshaft is made, on that portion of the shaft on which the change-speed pinions are mounted; and (b) the fitting of an improved form of engine lubricator, that is positively driven from the engine, and that has its small oil pump submerged in the vessel which contains the supply of oil.. When an extra feed of oil to the steam chest is required, the pump can be operated by hand, simply by the turning of a small wheel that has projections from its rim for the purpose of giving a better grip for the hand. The illustration also shows the convenient positions of all the controlling levers,. and the location of the feed-water regulating valve; the latter is mounted on the breech end of the engine-driven, feed pump. Users of these " Welling_ ton " tractors speak and write very highly of their performances, afid the company's general manager, Mn; W. A. Tritton, has recently taken a number of important repeat orders.

Fowler.

One of the two tractors which have been sent to the show from Leeds is staged, on Stand No. 223, by John Fowler and Company (Leeds), Limited, and is one of that company's two-cylinder compound machines. The diameters of its cylinders are : high-pressure, 31 inches; low-pressure 7 inches. It has a piston stroke of 8 inches. The boiler, which is fitted with a "Belpaire" fire box, is designed to work at a pressure of 200 lb. per square inch, and the feed is maintained by means of two injectors, or, there is sometimes fitted in addition a steam-driven pump. Each of the slide valves is operated by means of a single eccentric, both of which are turned solid with the crankshaft, and

each works in combination with a special form of radial link motion, by the aid of which any desired degree of cut-off can be obtained, and the engine made to run in a forward or reverse direction as desired. The change-speed gears are mounted between the bearings of the second-motion shaft, and are not overhung as is the case with many steam tractors; this form of transmission gearing necessitates the employment of a "four-shaft " drive, which is not, of course, so efficient as the more usual " three-shaft " arrangement, but, by its adoption, there is less likelihood of trouble with the crankshaft bearings, and the whole gear is made more compact. This make of tractor is likely to become as popular as the same company's larger machines, on the lines of which the motor has been designed. Fowler's are not showing one of their three-cylinder compound motors.

G arrett.

From Leiston, in Suffolk, Richard Garrett and Sons, Limited, has sent a couple of its steam tractors, and exhibited by the side of these, on Stand No. 256, just behind that of Aveling and Porter, is a specimen of Garrett's patent corrugated fire boxes, such as are fitted

to all this maker's engines. Great economy is claimed for this form of construction, and, as there are no roof stays required, the saddle plate of the boiler is free to expand without the imposition of any strains upon it from the fire-box crown. Of the two tractors that are staged, one is fitted with a steam-driven pump, whilst both are provided with mechanical lubricators for the valves and pistons of the compound engines.

Mann.

The newest model in the show, so far as steam tractors are concerned, is that shown, on Stand No. 53, by Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Company, Limited, of the Pepper Road Works, Hunslet, Leeds. This machine can be supplied with either a sing-le-cylinder engine, or with one of the more usual compound type. The one that is staged has a single cylinder 51, inches in diameter, and its piston has a stroke of

inches. Although the first of its type, it has the appearance of being par

icularly well thought out, and its arrangement is as clean and compact as it well could be. The boiler has 74 square feet of heating surface, and the grate area is 3.08 square feet. The water feed is maintained by a pump that is situated low ,]awn on the off-side of the boiler, and, over this (see page 440), the Klinger water gauge is situated. This position for the water gauge is quite novel, and it has the advantage of showing the mean height of the water within the boiler, no matter on what incline the tractor may be stand ing. An injector is provided, as an auxiliary to the pump.

Mann's patent single eccentric valve motion is fitted ; the transmission is on the " four-shaft " principle, and provides for two rates of speed. The springing has received most careful

attention, and there is but little sliding motion on any of the gear-wheel teeth. The sliding pinions are mounted on the second-motion shaft, and these mesh with their respective wheels on the third-motion shaft. We reproduce a line drawing, which shows a section through the third-motion shaft (C) and the back axle, and from this it will be seen that the bearing at one end (B) of the shaft (C) is linked to the off-side axle box, so that, as the axle rises, this end of the third-motion shaft rises with it ; the other end of the shaft (A) rotates in o. bearing, the housing of which is mounted on trunnions. By this means, while a very liberal play can be given to the springs, the final driving pinion always remains truly in mesh with its gear wheel. Clayton and Shuttleworth, Limited, employs a similar form of construction, and we illustrated the arrangement in our issue of the 26th of March last, but, in our opinion, the design of Mann's gear is the better of the two, because it obviates any overhanging load on the hearings.

The after end of the boiler is suspended from the axle by means of laminated plate springs, and these are situated below the axle, and as far apart as possible. The differential gear can

be locked by means of a hand lever, which operates a sliding collar and driving pin, as shown in the cross section arid in the three-quarter rear view of the tractor which we give on page 440

The clean design of this machine is sure to commend it to a large number of users ; there are no steam fittings placed in awkward positions, or where they are likely to be damaged by the driver while tiring up, or when handling the machine in difficult places. All the usual and necessary engine and boiler mountings are provided, but these are conveniently placed, and out of harm's way. When fitted with a compound engine, the diameters of the cylinders are : high-pressure, 4 inches; low-pressure, 62 inches ; and a piston stroke of 8 inches is allowed. The motors will be otherwise identical.

The steering gear, as fitted to its tractors, is a modified form of that used on the same maker's steam wagons. A sniall, but very important, detail on this company's machines is its patent spring-loaded greak cups, which are fitted to all the bearings. The caps of these fittings are devoid of fine screw threads, which, on articles of comparatively large diameters, are difficult to " enter "; the caps may be removed, by giving a slight combined twisting and pushing movement, and yet it is absolutely impossible for them to shake loose We will conclude our reference by suggesting that this new model might aptly be called " The Little Mann."

Ransomes.

Another new tractor is that shown by Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Limited, of the Orwell Works, Ipswich, on Stand No. 226. This is of the compound type, with enclosed gears providing for two speeds, and the transmission is arranged on the " threeshaft " principle. The boiler feed is maintained by a gear-driven pump and, when occasion demands, by an injector. The link motion is of the Stephenson type, and the motor is spring mounted —on the back axle by helical springs, and over the front axle by means of a transverse, laminated, plate spring. The general design of Lhe machine, however, presents no novel features; it is on the lines of the company's larger engines. .

Robey.

Robey and Company, Limited, Of the Globe Works, Lincoln, is one of the three makers who are showing singlecylinder steam tractors, and the one exhibited on Stand No. sr is a typical example Of the class of work which is put into all the products of the Globe Works, • The shell of the Wier is of larger. diameter than is usually found on tractors, and the designer has been equally generous as regards the foot plate. Another good Point about this machine is that most of, if not aft the nuts and bolts are readily accessible, and are not hidden away beneat'h the lagging of the .boiler or the cylinders; this is a very important feature, as, in the event of a leakage of steam from beneath a nut or bolt head, the trouble is at once apparent.

Austen-Proctor.

Occupying a very prominent position, near the railway offices, is Stand No. 61, and on it there is a very large and varied collection of the excellent productions of Ruston, Proctor and Company, Limited, of the Sheaf Iron Works, Lincoln, that city in which are produced more engines and agricultural implements than in any other place in the world. So far as this journal is concerned, however, the only exhibit of interest on this stand is the five-ton tractor, which is fitted with a compound engine and all the usual and necessary details of this class of heavy motor. The company is one of the three makers who have adopted the " four-shaft " drive, as customarily embodied in the construction of traction engines, in its steam tractors.

A steam-driven pump is employed for keeping the boiler supplied with water, and an injector is also fitted. This machine should not be overlooked by those who are in need of a really well-built " steam horse."

Savage.

The " Little Samson "tractor, shown by Savage Brothers, Limited, of the St. Nicholas Iron Works, King's Lynn, on Stand No. 152, immediately behind the large stand of Clayton and Shuttleworth, is the only one in the showgrpund that is not provided with screw. operated, or, as on the Burrell machine, steam-operated, double-acting brakes, the blocks of which act directly on to the inner laces of the driving-wheel rims, or on to angle-iron rings bolted thereto. On Savage's tractor, a single brake drum is mounted on the. off-side driving wheel; a friction band is caused to grip this through the action of a screw-threaded spindle and a bell-crank. iever. This tractor shares with that of Clayton and Shuttleworth the distinction of being fitted with governor, and, with the tractors by Mann and Robey, of having only a single-cylinder engine. But little alteration in the design of this motor has been made, since it was shown at Lincoln. The driving wheels are shod with wooden blocks, and these are mounted in double rows on each driving wheel.

Tooke r.

The " Little Giant," of course, is exhibited, on Stand No. 58, by W. Tasker and Sons, Limited, of Andover : no show of this nature would be complete without one of these pioneer machines. The machine that is staged, the company's model "B2," has a compouhd engine, and is practically identical with that exhibited at Olympia in March last, and at Dorchester in May last. We illustrate, on this page, one of these machines at work driving a 4A-foot threshing machine and elevator, which duty it will perform with ease.

Wallis and Steevens.

From Basingstoke, Wallis and Steeyens, Limited, has sent . a compoinid tractor to represent the company in the tractor class. This is shown on Stand No. 54, and it is one of that maker's standard machines, and is sold to Pickford's, Limited. This make of niachine„ it will be remembered, has all the valve motion enclosed in an oil bath, and a special arrangement of baffle plates inside the smoke box permits of the easy regulation of the draught.

General, It is noteworthy that several makers have recently increased the length of the smoke boxes upon their tractors, and we are sure that this will lead to the practical elimination of trouble from the emission of sparks, owing to the reduction in the velocity of the escaping gases. Another detail, for which, according to our recollection, John Fowler and Company were first responsible, is the insertion of wood between the strope-plates an the driving wheels. Burrell and Garrett have adopted this course, whereby a continuous and smooth tread is obtained, with the advantage of better adhesion under many conditions of running. The wooden stropes are dovetailed, whereby a secure fit is obtained.

Oil and Petrol Tractors.

There are, at the show, four tractors which are propelled by means of internal-combustion engines, and of these the newest is the four-wheeled tractor, with a small load platform, made by H. P. Saunderson and Company, Limited, of Elstow Works, Bedford, :ind shown on Stand No. 43. This machine is fitted with a 3o-35h.p., fourcylinder, vertical engine, and has a gearbox providing three. speeds in either a forward or a reverse direction. The two rear wheels are driven through enclosed spur gearing, and future examples of this type will he lengthened so as to accommodate a drum for cross ploughing in conjunction with another similar machine. When required for driving a thresher, or for reaping, binding, etc., this tackle can be quickly and easily dismounted.

One of this maker's three-wheel-drive tractors, equipped with a solt.p. engine, is also exhibited, and this can readily haul a six-furrow plough most successfully.

Marshall, Sons and Company, Limited, of Gainsborough, on Stand No. 69, shows one of its oil tractors. The company is experiencing a brisk demand for this machine, not only in this country, but for Colonial work : it is a soundly-constructed job. We gave, in our issue of the 5th of December last, a full description of this machine, and we reproduce a new photograph of the engine on the one that is now exhibited.

An Ivel tractor is also shown, and this will be found on Stand No. 52, where it is staged by Ivel Agricultural Motors, Limited, of 45, Great Marlborough Street, London, W. Large numbers of these machines have been sold.

Motor Mowers, Reapers, and Rollers,

Machines which come under this heading are staged by : Messrs. Barford and Perkins, of Peterborough (Stand No. 230); Thomas Green and Son, Limited, of Leeds (Stand No. 207); Ransomes, Sims and jefferies, Limited, of Ipswich (Stand No. 336); and Sharp's Auto-Mower and Tractor Company, of York (Stand No. 45).

The first-named company shows two water-ballast rollers, of which a large number are now in use for estate work, in public parks, and racecourses. The smaller model has been sold to Mr. John Brennand, of Baldersby Park, Thirsk, and the larger model, which weighs about five. tons, is for the Northtimberland County Council. There is also on this stand of Messrs. Barford and Perkins some very interesting steam-cooking plant ; this should interest contractors and others.

Thos. Green and Son, Limited, is showing a motor roller, in addition to three examples of its motor mowing machines.

Ransornes, Sims and jefferies, Limited, has only sent one of its motor mowers, although two are catalogued. The example on view has 3o-inch cutters and a 4b.p. motor.

The novelty in this class is the Sharp motor reaper, on Stand No. 45. The construction of this machine was described in our issue of the ist of August last, but it is being shown for the first time. There is a two-cylinder 14-16h.p. engine with atmospheric inlet valves, and this is fitted with a Universal carburetter in order to deal with either petrol or paraffin. The simple gearbox provides for one speed, forward

or reverse, of five miles an hOur.The cutter bar is 5 feet el inches long, and it is operated by an eccentric, the sheave of which rides loose upon the clutch shaft or may be coupled to it by the aid of a sliding sleeve and a driving pin. When used as a tractor, or when running on the road, the machine is steered by means of a wheel, with snail and quadrant, but, when employed for reaping, the snail can be thrown out of operation, and the leading wheels may then be controlled by a vertical lever, or tiller, in order to give the rapidity of steering which is required for the purpose of reaping. The machine is listed at .170; when used as a tractor, it can deal with gross loads up to three tons.

Steam and Petrol Wagons.

Steam wagons are much in evidence at Newcastle. Six makers are represented by one steam wagon each : Fodens, Limited (Stand No. 40); Leyland Motors, Limited (Stand No. 57); Mann's Patent Stearn Cart and Wagon Company, Limited (Stand No. 53); Savage Bro--tilers, Limited (Stand NO. 152); the SeahamHarbour Engine Works (Londonderry wagon, Stand No.. 37o); and Wallis and Steevens, Limited (Stand No 54). Two steam vehibles are exhibited bv the Yorkshire Patent Steam

Wagon Company (Stand No. 44), and it will be noted that three of these con cerns—Mann's, Savage, and Wallis and Steevens—are also showing in the tractor class, whilst the solitary petrol wagon is from Leyland.

Fodens' exhibit is a five-ton wagon (" Wearsider "), built to the order of Mr. Ralph Knox, Removal Contractor, of Dunning Street and Castle Street, Sunderland. It is one of that maker's standard vehicles, and its good points are too well known to require further comment.

The Leyland steam wagon is also a standard machine, such as we have before described, and of the chassis of this wagon, which is sold to Fairrie and Company, Limited, of Liverpool, we give a line-drawing reproduction on page 439. The near-side" driver " has in position a set of the Spurrier patent non-skid kttings, for use on snow or ice.

The Londonderry steam wagon has not been staged at any of the recent shows; it is by no means a new machine, althoughentered as a new implement. In its design,"There are ofsimilarity to an early Thornycroft

wagon, but many of the details that tended to make the latter wagon a successare absent. Thebearings Of the second-motion shaft are provided with spherical housings, and these fit into the radius rods so that the transmissiongear teeth are always at the correct meshing distance, but, with this form of construction, there must be very great strains induced in the wheel teeth, as, when one of the driving wheels happens to pass over an obstacle while the other wheel is on the level of the road, or even in a hollow,, the spherical housings cannot compensate for such a movement.

The boiler-feed pump, which is driven by the engine, is in a very accessible position, as also is the mechanical lubricator for the slide valves; these parts are clearly shown in a photograph which we reproduce.

: The back wheels appear to be on the light side. , The spokes are not deep enough, and the , rim overhangs the felloes by 4i inches, 4 inches of which derive some little support from an angle :ring, that is bolted to the felloes 'Mann's, Patent Stearn Cart • and -Wagon Company, Limited; had -in= tencla t6 shoW Three of its carts and -Wagons, bUt the laek of space for their proper display led to the sending' of only one wagon, in addition to the cOm:. pany's tractor. It is a standard " five-toriner," and has been built for Earl FitZwilliam's Collieries, Elsecar.

The Savage and the Walls and Stbevens wagons are both standard 'machines; the former, of the watertube boiler type, is designed for six-ton loads,_ whilst the latter, of the loco.boiler type, Can accommodate five tons on its own platform. •

Of the two Yorkshire sex11.03its',. one is a " six-tanner _" 'and the other is intended for three-tonloads We illustrate two Of the distitictiVe featured of these vehicles. One of these is the transverse -boiler, which has its fire box situated between two short barrels; the flames and hot gases from the furnace pass through two sets of fire tubes, to the smoke boxes at the outer ends of the boiler shell and from there to the central uptake, through double rows of "return " tubes. The exhaust steam is led to two castings, each of whose centres is on the same vertical axis as the hinge pin of its smoke-box door-whence pipes lead the steam to the blast nozzles which project into each of the two upper rows of boiler tubes. -This illustration shows a smoke-box door open, and steam issuing from the blast nozzles. lite other -distinctive feature of the Yorkshire design is the vertical engine. , Our illustration of this shows how accessible are all its parts from the foot . plate—a commendable feature. • The six-ton wagon has been sold to Messrs. Jos. Marston and Sons, of Otley. The " three-tonner " is of the most recent design, and all the. gearing is enclosed and runs in oil.

A Single Petrol Lorry.

The only petrol wagon that is exhibited is on the Leyland stand (No. 57). This vehicle is one of the company's 3-4ton models, and it has been built to the order of the Express Delivery Company, of Hinckley.

Merryweather's Fire Station.

Merryweather and Sons, Limited, of Greenwich Road, London, S.E., has its customary stand, at a central point within the showyard. On this stand (No. 382), the company has staged one of its steam-driven, self-propelled, fire engines, whose pumps are capable of delivering some 55o gallons of water per minute. Another exhibit on this stand is a petrol-engined, motor, fireengine, and this is always kept in readiness for despatch to any part of the yard in case of an outbreak of .fire; the 35-4oh.p. four-cylinder, vertical engine may be caused either to drive the vehicle, or the three-throw pump, which latter is capable of delivering about 300 gallons of water per minute, Other Interesting Stands.

Amongst the other stands on which owners or prospective owners of commercial motors will find interesting exhibits are the following :— Petrol, paraffin and lubricating oils. —The Anglo-American Oil Company, Limited (Stand No. 244), Pratt's Spirit, samples of illuminating oils, oil cabinets and tanks, and special oil drums; the British Petroleum Company, Limited (Stand No. 246), tins, cases, and other packages for the storage and transport of " Shell " motor spirit; and Price's Patent Candle Company, Limited (Stand No. 245), gas-engine and other oils, both light and heavy, and at prices ranging from is. 3d, per gallon upwards, together with a selection of testing apparatus.

Rubber goods, tarpaulins, steam-pipe and steam-joint packings, and beltings. —North British Rubber Company, Limited (Stand No. 265); J. II. Peek and Company, Limited (Stand No. 198); John Unite, Limited (Stand No. 130); George Angus and company, Limited (Stand Nc-). 285); and W. H. Willcox and Company, Limited (Stand No. 202). An illustration of the Willcox stand will be found on page 4.4oa, and a further reference to other Willcox exhibits is given on page 439.

Timber for felloes, panels, and other parts of van and wagon bodies' and for wheels.—Joseph Owen and Sons, Limited (Stand No. 209, which is illustrated herewith); and Remer and Company, Limited (Stand No. 2o1).

Trailers.—W. Rain forth and Sons (Stand No. 135).—The most interesting item on stand is a traction wagon, designed to carry a load of six tons. The trailer is sold for L:7o, and this price includes spring drawbar and attendant's seat.

Motor jacks. — Tang-yes, Limited (Stand No. 237).—A large variety of these useful accessories is exhibited ; the cheapest is priced at is. 6d., but larger sizes are dearer. Other fittings include a variety of boiler feed pumps.

Malleable-iron castings.--John Crowley and Company, Limited (Stand NO.

Weighbridges.—W. and T. Avery, Limited (Stand No. 29).

Small combined petrol-engine and dynamo sets for lighting purposes.— Crossley Brothers, Limited (Stand No. 233). Steel winding rope.—William Cooke and Company, Limited (Stand No. 186), has a fine collection of wire cable for all purposes, as well as different rolled sections for incorporation in solidrubber tires ; also specimens of shackles. Another good collection of wire cable is shown, on Stand No. 197, by Messrs. George Craddock and Company. A simple nut-locking device.—Fastnut, Limited (Stand No. 326), of whose washer we give throe sketches herewith, The left-hand one shows the washer before its being put on the bolt; the right-hand one shows it as it would be in use; the centre one is another view before use.

Sundry exhibits.—A collection of engineers supplies, which is in many re

sports similar to that on the stand of W. H. Wilicok and Company, Limited, is shown on Stand No. 203, by Messrs. William Eddington and Company," of Plaistow, whilst anybody who desires to obtain a sprayer, that will quickly

apply whitewash or other liquid, cannot do better than visit Stand No. Si, where Messrs. R. Borland and Sons, of Wigan, are showing their wellknown sprayers in a variety of sizes.

Willcox. • " W. H. Willcox and Company, Limited, of Southwark Street, London, SE., in addition to showing its display of lubricating oils, also shows, on Stand No. 202, a very complete as sortment of engineers' stores and tools, and amongst these is an interesting device for the removing of soot, ash, and other deposit from the insides of fire tubes. We illustrate one of the numerous models in which the apparatus is made and sold under the name of the " Willcox-Ramoneur " hot-air

impelled, boiler-tube cleaner. .Jt....„ ,con sists of a s-peciagy-designed nozzle, through which a jet of stearn is 'caused to pass; as the steam issues from the nozzle, it is Mixed with ten times its own volume of air. The coffibined hot air and steam then strikes against the spirally-shaped -partitions inside the coned head, and, by the united action of the issuing steam and therprtitions, it is given a rapid whirlingaiqon; and in this manner the deposits -ire driven Out at the opposite end of the tube:

which is being cleaned. As the 'steam

is thoroughly dried during the mixing process, there is no tendency for the soot to adhere •through the -introduc tion of moisture. . . _ New ImpIe ments.

Of 40 entries for the Society's silver medals, which are offered annually for " New implements "for agricultural or estate purposes, six are from members of the motor industry. These are : portable engine (See page 439) and a fieVir 3oh.p. tractor, by H. P. Saunderson and Company, Limited, of Bedford (see page 436); a motor mower and reaper (see pages 435 and 436), by Sharp's Auto-Mower and Tractor Company, of York ; the transmission gear of its petrol wagon and the " Spur_ rier " patent non-skid tire, by Leyland Motors, Limited, of Leyland ; and a 3011.p. agricultural motor, by Marshall, Sons and Company; Limited, of Gains_ borough (see page 436).

The arrangements for the judging do not, we regret to say, enable us to include the awards for the new implements in which our supporters are interested, as they are not to be an • • nounced until after this issue has been sent to press. The value of the Society's silver medal is of great assistance in furthering trade, and We hOpe success will attend the five -Makers whose names and special entries are quoted -above.

Conclusion.

A noticeable improvement has this year been effected in the catering arrangements, which are entrusted to Letheby and Christopher, Limited, of 24, Railway Approach, London Bridge, S.E.,and Dorman's Park Hotel, SurrcY: This company does the catering at Ascot races, so its qualifications are undoubted.

There is, of course, an exceptional strain upon the hotels in the Tyneside city, and that of the North-Eastern Railway Company, at the Central Station, in common with other leading estab

lishments, have been "-booked full for months. With Durhani, Darlington and York" at no great distances, visitors to the show will do well, if they can finish their inspection in one day, to sleep out of Ne'ikea-stle:_ ghere are, however, a number of smaller places, such as Whitley .Bay, .where accommodation earl be found at normal rates: An official list of apartments may be had from Mr. Charles P. Barkas, 45; Blackett Street, or Messrs. T. B. Sanderson and Son, 5, Mosley Street, both of Newcastle-on-Tyne, -The garage at the main . entrance is conducted by Messrs. R. E. Hale and Company, of 27, Pilgrim St.


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