Steam Wagons Demonstrated
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T AST Tuesday, the first day of the
demonstration of steam wagons, held outside the Houses of Parliament, by the Coal Utilization Council, greatiinterest was aroused. Two of the latest Sentinel lorries, having automatic stoking apparatus and water feed, and an example of the Foden Speed-Six were on view, under steam, and a large number of short runs was given to Members of Parliament and others.
Several internal-combustion-engined lorries and tankers bearing placards to the effect that they were running on "oil from British coal" were kbrought by Colonel Bristow, of the Low-Temperature Coal Distillers Association, to take part in the demonstration. He was, however, unable to obtain the necessary permission to do so.
The member for Morpeth himself actually took the wheel of oue of the Sentinels and drove it a short distance. We learn that during the first afternoon of the demonstration, Sentinel Waggon Works, Ltd., received over 150 inquiries from persons of consequence, including members of both Houses.
A further demonstration took place on Wednesday, and the series concluded on Thursday with a rally of pneumatictyred steamers ,aent by users from all parts of the country. These were driven through the streets hearing appropriate notices advertising the fact
that they run on British coal or coke.
One of the chief objects of the demonstration was to show how silent, clean and smokeless the modern steam lorry is, and to bring to the notice of Members of Parliament the facts that, although they cost in fuel less than id. per mile, the total consumption of the steamers in this country amounts to something in the neighbourhood of 1,000,000 tons of coal per annum. Therefore, to increase the taxation on vehicles burning coal and its by-products would be to throw many more miners out of employment.
The pleasing appearance of the paleblue-finished Sentinels and the cream and green Foden, their smooth and noiseless motion, the entire absence of smoke, and the smart appearance of their drivers, should certainly have done much to create the desired impression, and to dispel any prejudice against steam lorries that may have existed.
The modern steam wagon is designed to burn Welsh smokeless coal, lowtemperature semi-coke, or ordinary coke. It is practically smokeless and inoffensive. Where an automatic stoker is used, the fuel passes straight to the furnace without being handled, and, on the way, is mechanically crushed to the correct size. The mileage of the pneumatic tyres used is said to be 50,000.