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Title: |
1904 Article-Birdsall Engine Co., Steam Traction Engine Details |
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Source: |
English and American Steam Carriages and Traction Engines 1904 pgs 393-397 |
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Insert Date: |
3/26/2012 5:40:23 PM |
THE NEW BIRDSALL CO.
The work required of a traction engine is so much greater than it was a few years ago that manufacturers have been obliged, from year to year, to build stronger and heavier engines. The result is that many of them are so very heavy, making it impossible to use them where the ordinary country bridge has to be contended with. Many of the American traction engines are much heavier than is really necessary, but the Birdsall Co. assert that their traction engine is equally serviceable in the mountains of Tennessee as on the great plains of the North West, and as serviceable in thickly populated New York and the New England States, where good roads and bridges are protected by State laws limiting the amount of load on the highways. A Corliss frame is used, and an over-neck crank with a balanced-disc. Motion is transmitted from the crank-shaft to a countershaft by means of a diagonal shaft; the countershaft and the axle are placed on the boiler front. Fig. 238 shows one of the driving-wheels. They are formed of angle-iron rings riveted to the open-faced tire, which allows the mud and sand to pass through; the spokes are crossed and riveted together; they are riveted to the bars also. A very large boiler is used; the makers state that the boilers are made on their own works under their supervision. Figs. 239 and 240 give sections of the boiler, showing the steam-pipe, the engine frame, and the steam-dome. The firm make double-cylinder engines, but not of the compound type, a rather unusual practice now. The engine is mounted on springs, and a spring-driving arrangement is used. A large tank is suspended beneath the boiler barrel. The makers say: "The Birdsall traction engine is constructed on different lines from those of any other manufacturer, and cost more than many of the other types to build." They have had twenty years' experience, and have reason for making this particular style of engine. |
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1904 Birdsall Engine Co., Steam Traction Engine Driving-Wheel
1904 Birdsall Engine Co., Steam Traction Engine Boiler
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