|
Title: |
1904 Article-C. M. Russell & Co., Compound Steam Traction Engine (part 1) |
|
Source: |
English and American Steam Carriages and Traction Engines 1904 pgs 408-414 |
|
Insert Date: |
8/29/2011 8:03:33 PM |
THE RUSSELL COMPANY — A few years ago many of the American makers were pushing compound traction engines, but there is a falling off in this line. The Russell Company say: "We have been building the compound farm engine for the past nine years. We sell three compound engines to one single-cylinder engine. The Russell compound traction engine effects a saving of one-third in fuel and water. Increased power without additional weight is obtained." Fig. 248 shows the Russell compound traction engine; the cylinders are of the tandem type—one piston-rod, one cross-head, one crank are used. A balanced slide-valve is arranged in the compound engine. The working pressure is 160 lbs. per square inch; the hydraulic test pressure is 225 lbs. per square inch.
It will be seen from Fig. 248 the usual Corliss frame with a disc prevails. A long-stroke pump is worked from the cross-head. The two cylinders are placed a little apart, giving room enough to pack the piston-rod glands. The cab is a better protection to the engine driver than that afforded by the ordinary roof canopy. A clutch is used in connection with the flywheel. The makers say: “A clutch which requires the stopping of the engine to engage or disengage it, is utterly useless. A clutch, which must be driven apart by a hammer, is worse than useless. A good clutch is an indispensable feature of an American traction engine. It makes an engine strong to help itself where otherwise it would be weak. Where starting is particularly difficult, the engine may be given high motion, then be instantly thrown into gear, the momentum gained giving power at starting largely in excess of the ordinary power of the engine. This contact, though so effective, is yet gradual, so that the breakage of gearing has never occurred.” Tables of dimensions of the compound traction engines are inserted on pages 410-413, and results of trials carried out of the traction engines. |
|
1904 C. M. Russell & Co., Compound Steam Traction Engine
1904 C. M. Russell & Co., Compound Steam Traction Engine Tables
1904 C. M. Russell & Co., Compound Steam Traction Engine Tables
|
|