Special Outfit for Tram-rail Transport
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POSSESSING rather unusual features, the outfit which is shown in the accompanying picture was recently delivered by the Scottish branch of John I. Thomycroft and Co., Ltd., to Glasgow Corporation. It is for carrying tram rails. The outfit consists of a Sturdy-class normal-control 10-ft.-wheelbase tractor chassis with low-loading turntable, whilst the trailer, which is built up entirely from Thornycroft components. has a low centre of gravity, pneumatic brakes operated automatically by the -same brake pedal that operates the tractor brakes, and a screw-on brake provided for anchoring the trailer when uncoupled from the tractor.
On the trailer chassis, there is a compartment for accommodating the brake hose; and the chains, etc., for holding it up. Two lengths of hose are provided, a short length for use when the trailer is detached and a 40-ft. length when the trailer is used for the conveyance of rails.
There are also open boxes on the trailer chassis for housing the clamping gear, crow-bars, etc. The timber baulks on which the rails rest are faced with I-in. steel and have fulcrum pin holes bored through them for their entire length. Four front fulcrum pins are provided with a quick-lock attachment which can be shifted from hole to hole to act as a fulcrum for the lever for handling the rails. On the turntable, the arrangement for handling the rails is similar.
Lighting-wire connections, of a robust type, are provided for between the trailer and the chassis, so that the tail light and the stop light are all transferred to the trailer both when attached to the tractor and when carrying rails. A red lamp is also provided for attaching at the extreme end of the rails, a quick-action clip being used for this purpose.
The rear wings on the tractor and the wings on the trailer are of rubber, so that no harm can be done to them when the rails are being handled• during loading and unloading.