NEW ROAD ENGINE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6294, 14 April 1882, Page 3

NEW ROAD ENGINE.

The new load-engine referred to by us some time ago as having been built by Messrs Cutten and Co. to the order of Captain Scott, R.N., was tested yesterday, prior to being taken to the Christchurch Exhibition. The machine was designed by Mr R. J. Scott, jun., and as constructed the carriage consists of awaggonette capable of seating 10 passengers. A three-horse-power nominal engine and vertical boiler supply the propelling power, the whole being carried on four wheels so arranged that the weight on each shall remain equal, however uneven may be, the nature of the ground over which the machine travels. The engine is steered in the ordinary way by means of a large horizontally-fixed wheel carrying and acting on the front pair, while to the rear wheels is attached the driving gear, having a direct connection with the motive power. The gearing may be altered at pleasure, so as to adapt the machine to the class of work required, and the nature of the country through which it may traveV The cylinders are 3fin in diameter, with 6in stroke, and they are boxed in^wood, doors being provided for access to any part of the gear, this part of the machinery being carried on a framework of wrought iron. An improvement on the Field type has been introduced in the manufacture of the boiler, which has a, nominal pressure of 1601b to the square inch, but has been tested to double that Capacity. By a new method, the escape of exhaust-steam is entirely prevented, a portion being led into the water-tank, where it is condensed, while at the same time it assists "materially in heating the freed water. The remainder is passed over the fire, where it is superheated, and then discharged at the foot of the uptake. The engine is fitted with coaljooxes and water-tank, and is capable of travelling along an ordinary road at the rate of from 10 to 15 miles per hour, while it is well adapted to carrying or traction purposes. The invention should prove one of great value in the country districts, as a vast improvement on the slow, and cumbrous traction-engines now in use in some localities.

Yesterdayafternoon the enginewas run along Castle street and up the road to the Northern Cemetery, and found to work most satisfactorily in every respect. However, while it was being steered round for the return journey one of the main wheels slipped into a hole on the sidß of the road, and which had not been observed, and considerable delay was incurred before it could be again got out. The manner in which the workmanship has been executed as highly creditable to the builders. 'Mr Scott intends leaving with the engine for Christ■church on Monday morning, aiid it is intended iorunit along the piain road throughout the entire distance, which should, if successfully performed, prove a sufficient test of its working capabilities.