Rectory Steam Wagon.
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We are now in a position to give a short description of the Rectory steam lorry, which is made by the Rectory Engineering Company, Limited, of Fulwell Road, Sunderland. The fact of another company's entering the lists of steam commercial motor manufacturers goes to prove that steam is regarded by many practical engineers as being the ideal form of propulsion for self-propelled vehicles designed to carry heavy loads. The general design of the Rectory lorry combines good proportions with strength, whilst the general outlines look dean and workmanlike. Simplicity of construction, ample strength and power for the heavy work required of it, and wearing parts capable of prolonged use, are points which have received attention. The vehicle is the outcome of experiments carried on for a period of seven years by Mr. J. K. Walton, the works manager.
The boiler is of the vertical fire-tube type, constructed to work at a pressure of 2201b. per square inch. It is tested under water pressure to 35o1b. per square inch. All the mountings are of gun-metal, and a special water gauge is fitted. The fire-grate and ash-pan are separate from the boiler, but hinged to it at one side, and controlled by a chain revolving on a shaft actuated by a handle, ratchet, and pawl. This provision enables the driver, should he find the boiler short of water, to drop his fire and thus prevent the boiler tubes from becoming scorched. The feed water is supplied to the boiler by a feed pump driven from the gear shaft, and is always in operation. The water, before entering the boiler, is first of all passed through the feed-water heater, and so enters the boiler at a comparatively high temperature. A steam pump is fitted for supplying water to the boiler during the time the wagon is standing idle. The steam, before passing to the cylinders, is superheated by the waste gasses passing to the funnel, and thus enters the cylinders of the engine in a dry condition.
The engine, which is of the horizontal compound type, has three-point suspension. This is generally conceded to be an important feature in wagons made to carry heavy loads over the average highway, as any twisting motion transmitted by the road wheels to the frame does not tend to strain or otherwise interfere with the true alignment of the various parts of the machinery. The whole of the working parts run in an oil bath and are enclosed in a dust-proof casing. Transmission of the power from the differential shaft to the road wheels is by two roller chains, and these are of such a strength that should one break the remaining chain is capable of propelling the vehicle. The two chains and the differential gear are contained in a dustand mudproof casing which is connected to the crank and gear case. The chains and their respective sprockets are thus effectively protected from mud, dust, and other extraneous matter which is so destructive to both.
The main frame is composed of channel steel of heavy section, strengthened where necessary by transverse members of the same description. The springs are of extra length, thus conducing to easy running and freedom from shock. The wheels of the standard wagon are built up of steel throughout, and consist of two sides and a rim, which are stamped out of separate steel plates ; these are riveted to the treads and bosses. The makers claim that the system which they have adopted for the support of the fore part of their frame is an improvement upon that adopted by the majority of makers. The steering-wheel axle is rigidly guided Literally, but is sprung from a pivot under the centre of the frame; the wheels are thus capable of rising or falling to the extent of 18in. without affecting the frame of the wagon. This makes the steering remarkably easy, and also permits of the vehicle running over rough roads without excessive shock. The price of the lorry complete is We shall publish a photograph and some further particulars of this vehicle in an early issue. The system has been standardised throughout, all work being done to gauges and templates, but pressure on our space this week prevents further reference in this issue.