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Title: |
1904 Article-W. Tasker & Sons, Steam Road Locomotive |
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Source: |
English and American Steam Carriages and Traction Engines 1904 pgs 355-357 |
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Insert Date: |
1/31/2015 9:12:09 PM |
MESSRS. W. TASKER AND SONS
A few particulars are given of the firm's patent compound road locomotive specially adapted for haulage work, mounted on springs and fitted with the radial compensating bearings. The crown of the fire-box is stayed with wrought-iron bridges; the boiler is tested by hydraulic pressure and subsequently under steam, the final test being the haulage of a heavy load over a hill road with steep gradients. Fig. 216 shows the engine clearly. The gearing is arranged for three travelling speeds on the road, the changes being quickly effected by the speed-regulating gear. It is impossible for two speeds to be in at the same time. The starting-valve is placed as near the top of the cylinder as possible, and admits hot, dry steam to the high-pressure cylinder. An auxiliary valve is also fitted for admitting high-pressure steam into the low-pressure cylinder for starting and for emergencies. This is worked from the foot-plate. The pistons are of the Ramsbottom type ; the crank-shaft is accurately balanced. A front tank is fitted beneath the boiler barrel near the throat-plate, the diagonal steering-rod passing through it, as shown. The engine is provided with an awning, side protecting plates, and a disc flywheel. Messrs. Tasker are the makers of the Little Giant traction engine, constructed to come under the Motorcar Act of 1896. It is termed of four nominal horsepower; it will develop 16 horse-power on the brake. Fig. 217 shows the engine. The cylinder is cast in one piece with the steam chest and the steam jacket. To ensure perfect relative accuracy in the bearings and to minimize steam in the motor, the crank-shaft, intermediate shaft, and main axle are all carried on the horn-plates. The engine is geared to travel at two speeds. It is mounted on a complete arrangement of laminated and coil springs, which effectually control the jar and vibration while travelling on the road. The Little Giant is adapted for all kinds of light haulage work at moderate speeds. Being constructed to come within the requirements of the Light Locomotive Act, it is free from a multitude of restrictions with which traction engine traffic is surrounded. No licenses are required for it, and no limits are fixed for working hours. It is more under control than horses, and the fuel is much cheaper than horse-keep. The boiler is adapted for burning coal or coke. It is neatly cased in, and is provided with a disc flywheel. |
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1904 W. Tasker & Sons, Steam Road Locomotive
1904 W. Tasker & Sons, Steam Road Locomotive
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