AN AMPHIBIOUS STEAMER.

Evening Post, Volume L, Issue 114, 9 November 1895, Page 1 (Supplement)

AN AMPHIBIOUS STEAMER.

An amphibious steamer is just about to be started (sajs Engineering) on some lakes a few miles distant from Copenhagen, the peculiar feature being that the steamer has to make a short journey overland, the two lakes being divided by a strip of land. Across this a railway has been constructed, crossing a high road, which necessitates a gradient on both sides of 1 in 50, the metals beiug ordinary rails. At the two ends the rails have been carried into and under the water on a wooden structure. By means of piles the steamer is guided on to the rails, which correspond in position with two wheels fixed on each side of the steamer. The steamer then goes on to the rails at " full spoed," and travels up the rails on the one side and down the incline on the other side into the water, where the propeller again takes over its function. The engine is comparatively powerful, and, in addition to the usual propeller shaft, there is another shaft which, by means of a chain, works the small wheelß on which the s6eamer crosses the rails. The boat also has a powerful brake to moderate its speed down the incline. The steamer is 44ft. long, capable of holding 70 passengers, and the engine indicates 27 horse power. All the trials passed off satisfactorily.