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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVII, Issue 22, 1 December 1906, Page 38

An unusual “runaway" ».d some damage in Cathedral-square. ( hristcliureh. A steam tram locomotive, thathad apparently become tired of standing still, suddenly bolted at full speed. and clashed into an.empty ear stationed in a s led twenty yards away. The driver, who was on the ground shifting points, could not explain how the engine had fun away. It had been standing for Wine time, and there was no one in the ear.to turn on steam. Liability to side-slip, which causes so many accidents with motor vehicles, is *te< entuated by the action of the differential gear which enables the rear or driving wheels to rotate simultaneously tit different speeds. This is essential for turning purposes; but it is obvious that if the rear wheels were rigidly fixed to a Solid axle they would materially resist sudden deviations from a straight course, such as happen with side-slips. Two Glasgow gentlemen. Messrs. Reid anil (Rickie. well known for their improveincuts in locomotives, have patented and practically tested an improvement on the indiuary differential gear, whieh gives the effect of a solid rear axle as long as the steering-gear is set for a straight course. A slight motion of the steer-siig-wheel in either direction, however, (frees the outer radius rear-wheel, while the inner radii’< wheeel is still kept in rigid ■ mention with the driving-shaft. The apparatus consists of two locking devices engaging jtither side of the rotatable differential gear-case, whieh slide on keys Or projections on the two portions of the axle or shaft. The locking apparatus is operated by a simple arrangement of tains and rods worked from a lever on the steering spindle. -No separate mental or physical effort is required for manipulation. the movements of the steeringwheel doing all that i» necessary. • -