- Synnestvedt 2-Ton Truck
Synnestvedt 2-Ton Truck. Synnestvedt Machine Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. BODY: Stake or van CAPACITY: 2 tons WHEEL-BASE: 87 inches TREAD: 52 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 4 in. TIRES, REAR: 36 × 5 in. BRAKES: On rear wheel and driving shaft SPRINGS: Platform FRAME: Channel steel MOTOR: Synnestvedt electric MOTOR SUSPENSION: In rear under body SPEEDS: 4 forward, 2 reverse DRIVE: Chain - Hercules, Model 140
Hercules, Model 140. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $2,350 BODY: Piano box SEATS: 2 or 4 persons CAPACITY: 1,500 pounds WEIGHT: 3,300 pounds TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 3 inches TIRES, REAR: 39 × 3½ inches STEERING: Irreversible type BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Full elliptic MOTORS: Double equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse SPEEDS: 4 ahead and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Hercules, Model 144
Hercules, Model 144. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $1,700 BODY: Heavy platform truck CAPACITY: 6,000 pounds WEIGHT: 3,525 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 73½ inches TREAD: 37⅜ inches TIRES, FRONT: 20 × 4 × ⅜ in. steel TIRES, REAR: 20 × 4 × ⅜ in. steel STEERING: Irreversible worm type BRAKES: Electric on motors SPRINGS: No springs MOTORS: Single equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse CHANGE SPEEDS: 3 speeds forward and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Hill Touring Car, 35 H.P
Hill Touring Car, 35 H.P. Hill Motor Car Co., Haverhill, Mass. PRICE: $3,000 BODY: Side entrance tonneau SEATS: 5 persons WEIGHT: 2,200 pounds TIRES, FRONT: 32 × 4 inches TIRES, REAR: 32 × 4 inches BRAKES: On rear wheel drums SPRINGS: Full elliptic FRAME: Pressed steel BORE: 4½ in.; STROKE: 5 in. CYLINDERS: 4 vertical cast separately VALVES: Mechanically operated MOTOR SUSPENSION: Direct from frame COOLING: Air IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Storage battery CARBURETER: Float-feed automatic LUBRICATION: Automatic MOTOR-CONTROL: Hand or foot CLUTCH: Multiple disc CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Bevel gear - Hercules, Model 121
Hercules, Model 121. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $3,200 BODY: Delivery truck CAPACITY: 4,000 pounds WEIGHT: 6,000 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 103 inches TREAD: 72 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 4 inches TIRES, REAR: 38 × 4 inches STEERING: Pinion and sector type BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Half platform front and rear MOTORS: Double equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse SPEED: 8½ m.p.h. CHANGE SPEEDS: 4 forward and reverse DISTANCE: 38 miles DRIVE: Double chain NOTE: With slight changes in price and specifications these trucks range in capacity up to 10,000 pounds: bodies to order - Hercules, Model 128
Hercules, Model 128. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $4,400 BODY: Stake platform with top CAPACITY: 10,000 pounds WEIGHT: 8,700 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 117 inches TREAD: 83 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 7 inches TIRES, REAR: 36 × 7 inches STEERING: Pinion and sector type BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Semi-elliptic MOTORS: Double equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse CHANGE SPEEDS: 4 forward and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Hercules, Model 139
Hercules, Model 139. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $2,250 BODY: Express wagon CAPACITY: 2,000 pounds WEIGHT: 3,200 pounds TIRES, FRONT: 34 × 3½ inches TIRES, REAR: 36 × 4 inches STEERING: Horizontal side lever BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Front, half platform; rear, full elliptic MOTORS: Single equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body DISTANCE: 50 miles MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse SPEED: 9 m.p.h. CHANGE SPEEDS: 4 speeds ahead and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Hercules, Model 106
Hercules, Model 106. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $2,350 BODY: Open delivery CAPACITY: 1,500 pounds WEIGHT: 3,500 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 77 inches TREAD: 65 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 3 inches TIRES, REAR: 39 × 3½ inches STEERING: Irreversible type BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Front, semi-elliptic; rear, half platform MOTORS: Double equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse CHANGE SPEEDS: 4 forward and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Hercules, Model 113
Hercules, Model 113. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $3,750 BODY: Platform truck CAPACITY: 7,000 pounds WEIGHT: 7,500 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 118 inches TREAD: 70 inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 5 inches TIRES, REAR: 38 × 5 inches STEERING: Pinion and sector type BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Semi-elliptic MOTORS: Double equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body SPEED: 8 m.p.h. MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse DISTANCE: 30 miles CHANGE SPEEDS: 4 forward and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Hercules, Model 120
Hercules, Model 120. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $1,750 BODY: Delivery wagon (closed) CAPACITY: 1,000 pounds WEIGHT: 2,300 pounds TIRES, FRONT: 34 × 2½ inches TIRES, REAR: 36 × 2½ inches STEERING: Side bar BRAKES: Band brakes on rear axle SPRINGS: Front, elliptic; rear, platform MOTORS: Double equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse SPEEDS: 4 speeds ahead and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Hercules, Model 102
Hercules, Model 102. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $2,000 BODY: Delivery wagon (closed) CAPACITY: 800 pounds WEIGHT: 2,576 pounds TIRES, FRONT: 34 × 2 inches TIRES, REAR: 36 × 2 inches STEERING: Horizontal side lever BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Front, half platform; rear, full elliptical MOTORS: Single equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse SPEED: 12 m.p.h. CHANGE SPEEDS: 4 forward and reverse DISTANCE: 40 miles DRIVE: Double chain - Hercules, Model 103
Hercules, Model 103. James Macnaughtan Co., Buffalo, N. Y. PRICE: $3,000 BODY: Delivery wagon with top CAPACITY: 3,000 pounds WEIGHT: 5,400 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 111 inches TREAD: 65½ inches TIRES, FRONT: 36 × 4 inches TIRES, REAR: 36 × 4 inches STEERING: Irreversible worm type BRAKES: Internal expanding hub SPRINGS: Half platform front and rear MOTORS: Double equipment MOTOR SUSPENSION: From body SPEED: 10 m.p.h. DISTANCE: 45 miles MOTOR-CONTROL: Westinghouse CHANGE SPEEDS: 4 forward and reverse DRIVE: Double chain - Pennsylvania, 35 H.P. Pennsylvania Auto Motor Co., Phil., Pa.
PRICE: $2,800 BODY: Mercedes SEATS: 5 persons WEIGHT: 2,550 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 111 inches TREAD: 56 inches TIRES, FRONT: 34 × 4 in. TIRES, REAR: 34 × 4 in. STEERING: Worm and nut BRAKES: Double on rear wheels SPRINGS: Front, 40 in. long; Rear, platform type FRAME: Pressed steel BORE: 4½ in.; STROKE: 5 in. CYLINDERS: 4 vertical, cast separate VALVE ARRANGEMENT: Same side MOTOR SUSPENSION: Direct from sub-frame COOLING: Water; cellular radiator IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Storage battery CARBURETER: Schebler LUBRICATION: Force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cone CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Selective system DRIVE: Shaft - Marion Model 7, 22–24 H.P
Marion Model 7, 22–24 H.P. The Marion Motor Car Co., Indianapolis, Ind. PRICE: $2,000 BODY: Runabout SEATS: 2 persons WEIGHT: 1,750 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 100 inches TREAD: 55 inches TIRES, FRONT: 32 × 3½ inches TIRES, REAR: 32 × 3½ inches STEERING: Worm and sector BRAKES: Hub, internal and external SPRINGS: Semi-elliptic front, and full scroll rear FRAME: Pressed steel BORE: 4 in.; STROKE: 4 in. CYLINDERS: 4 separate VALVE ARRANGEMENT: Opposite sides MOTOR SUSPENSION: From side members of main frame COOLING: Water IGNITION: High-tension CURRENT SUPPLY: Storage battery CARBURETER: Schebler or Holley LUBRICATION: Force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Multiple disc CHANGE GEAR: "Hassler" SPEEDS: 2 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Shaft - Wolfe, Model A, 24 H.P
Wolfe, Model A, 24 H.P. H. E. Wilcox Motor Car Company, Minneapolis, Minn. PRICE: $1,800 BODY: Side entrance, rear seat removable SEATS: 5 persons WEIGHT: 1,900 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 108 inches TREAD: 56 inches TIRES, FRONT: 34 × 3½ inches TIRES, REAR: 34 × 3½ inches STEERING: Worm and sector BRAKES: On rear hubs SPRINGS: Full elliptic FRAME: Pressed steel BORE: 4 in.; STROKE: 4 in. CYLINDERS: 4 vertical, tandem MOTOR SUSPENSION: On sub-frame COOLING: Air IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Battery CARBURETER: Float-feed LUBRICATION: Mechanical force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: Cone CHANGE GEAR: Sliding type SPEEDS: 3 forward and reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Side chain NOTE: Runabout body fitted to above chassis for a list of $1,700. Light delivery body also furnished on order. - Buggyabout, Model C, 14 H.P
"Buggyabout," Model C, 14 H.P. Hatfield Motor Vehicle Co., Cortland, N. Y. PRICE: $750 BODY: Piano box convertible to commercial wagon SEATS: 4 persons WEIGHT: 900 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 101 inches TREAD: 56 inches TIRES, FRONT: 38 × 1½ inches TIRES, REAR: 42 × 1½ inches STEERING: Chain and sprocket (patented) BRAKES: 2 on differential sprockets, 2 emergency SPRINGS: Full elliptical FRAME: Wood sill, reinforced by angle iron BORE: 4½ in.; STROKE: 4 in. CYLINDERS: 2 opposed VALVE ARRANGEMENT: Automatic intake; mechanical exhaust MOTOR SUSPENSION: From sills COOLING: Air IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Dry cells CARBURETER: Schebler LUBRICATION: Gravity feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle CLUTCH: None SPEEDS: 3 to 25 miles DRIVE: Friction drive (patented) - Aurora, Model 'A,' 14–16 H.P
Aurora, Model "A," 14–16 H.P. Aurora Motor Works, North Aurora, Ill. PRICE: $650 BODY: Runabout body SEATS: 2 passengers WEIGHT: 1,000 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 80 inches TREAD: 56 inches TIRES, FRONT: 34 × 2 inches TIRES, REAR: 34 × 2 inches STEERING: Wheel steer; pinion gear BRAKES: Rear hub band brakes and transmission brakes SPRINGS: Half elliptical, front; full elliptical, rear FRAME: Angle steel BORE: 4½ in.; STROKE: 4 in. CYLINDERS: Double opposed horizontal, under hood VALVE ARRANGEMENT: Inlet and exhaust on opposite sides of motor MOTOR SUSPENSION: 3 point suspension COOLING: Water; triangular tube special radiator; thermo-siphon IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Dry batteries CARBURETER: Holly LUBRICATION: Automatic force feed MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle on steering column CLUTCH: Cone CHANGE GEAR: Planetary transmission SPEEDS: 2 forward and 1 reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Shaft driven - Waltham-Orient, Model B R., 4 H.P
Waltham-Orient, Model B R., 4 H.P. Waltham Mfg. Co., Waltham, Mass. PRICE: $400 BODY: Runabout SEATS: 2 persons WEIGHT: 600 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 80 inches TREAD: 42 inches TIRES, FRONT: 26 × 2½ in. TIRES, REAR: 26 × 2½ in. STEERING: Tiller BRAKES: On rear hubs SPRINGS: Elliptical front and rear FRAME: Wood BORE: 3¼ in.; STROKE: 4¼ in. CYLINDERS: One in back VALVE ARRANGEMENT: Automatic inlet; mechanical exhaust MOTOR SUSPENSION: Rear on side members of frame COOLING: Air IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Dry battery CARBURETER: Orient LUBRICATION: Oil pump MOTOR-CONTROL: Throttle and spark CLUTCH: Friction CHANGE GEAR: Friction SPEEDS: 5 forward, 2 reverse CHANGE-GEAR CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Friction drive NOTE: Furnished with 2 cylinder motor for $50 extra. - Albany Run-a-bout, Model 2, 4–6 H. P
Albany Run-a-bout, Model 2, 4–6 H. P. Albany Automobile Co., Albany, Ind. PRICE: $300; with top BODY: Piano box SEATS: 2 persons WEIGHT: 500 pounds WHEEL-BASE: 62 inches TREAD: 52 inches TIRES, FRONT: 30 × 1¼ in., solid TIRES, REAR: 32 × 1¼ in., solid STEERING: Hand lever or tiller BRAKES: Foot brake on transmission SPRINGS: Full elliptic FRAME: Angle steel BORE: 4½ in.; STROKE: 4 in. CYLINDERS: 1, vertical, in front VALVE ARRANGEMENT: 3 port, side valves MOTOR SUSPENSION: From side members of frame COOLING: Water; pump IGNITION: Jump spark CURRENT SUPPLY: Dry battery CARBURETER: Universal; automatic mixture regulation LUBRICATION: Sight feed pressure MOTOR-CONTROL: Spark and throttle TRANSMISSION: Friction CHANGE SPEEDS: Slide of friction disk SPEEDS: 2 to 10 miles and reverse CHANGE-SPEED CONTROL: Side lever DRIVE: Center chain on differential sprocket - C. P. R. grain elevator at Fort William, Ontario
The farmer sells his crop of wheat to the grain-dealer, and carts it, say, to Brandon, where the purchaser takes delivery of it at his elevator. Let us examine this thing somewhat minutely, taking by way of illustration one of the elevators belonging to the Canadian Pacific Railway Company at Montreal. It is a medium-sized one, having capacity for storing about 600,000 bushels of grain. The same company’s elevators at Fort William and Port Arthur are much larger, having capacity for 1,500,000 bushels. In Chicago and Buffalo there are elevators of three millions of bushels capacity; but, whether larger or smaller, in their main features they are all alike. The elevator is a wooden structure of great strength. Its massive stone foundations rest on piles imbedded in concrete. The framework is so thoroughly braced and bolted together as to give it the rigidity of a solid cube, enabling it to resist the enormous pressure to which it is subjected when filled with 18,000 tons of wheat. The building is 210 feet long, 80 feet wide, and 142 feet in height from basement to the peak of the roof. Including the steam-engine (built at the C. P. R. works) of 240 horse-power, the entire cost of this elevator was $150,000. It consists of three distinct compartments—for receiving, storing, and delivering grain. On the ground floor are two lines of rails by which the cars have ingress and egress. The general appearance of this flat is that of a bewildering array of ponderous posts and beams, shafting, cog-wheels, pulleys and belts, blocks and tackle, chutes, and the windlasses for hauling in and out the cars, for a locomotive with its dangerous sparks may not cross the threshold. Beneath this, in the basement, are the receiving tanks, thirty-five feet apart from centre to centre, corresponding to the length of the cars. Of these there are nine, enabling that number of cars to be simultaneously unloaded. This is quickly done by a shovel worked by machinery, with the aid of two men, the grain falling through an iron grating in the floor into the tank. The elevator has nine “legs.” The leg is an upright box, 12 inches by 24 inches, extending from the bottom of the tank to the top of the building; inside of it is a revolving belt with buckets attached 15½ inches apart. The belt is 256 feet long, and as it makes 36 revolutions per minute, each bucket containing one-third of a bushel, each leg is able to raise 5,250 bushels per hour. A car is unloaded and its contents hoisted into the upper regions in fifteen minutes. When all the legs are at work 30,000 bushels are handled in an hour. - The tunnels
The tunnels are passages for trains under mountains, hills and rivers. The tunnels are dark but the trains are well lighted. Electric motors are often used, this avoids the smoke of steam engines which is very unpleasant in the tunnels. - The Stage coach
The Stage coach is used in the country where towns are few. The stages meet trains at the stations and take on passengers to be carried to their homes away from the railroad. Some of the stage routes are several hundred miles long. - The Train Ferry
The Train Ferry carries entire trains across rivers where there are no bridges. Some of the largest train boats have several tracks and carry a train on each. The boats are tied in slips at the shore so that the tracks meet exactly those on the land. - An observation train
An observation train is often made up to follow the great college boat races, where the railroad runs along the river bank. Flat cars are used with seats fixed on them for the spectators. - The water tank
The water tank is seen frequently along the route of the railroads and plenty of water must be taken on and carried in the engine tender to make steam which is the power used to drive the big engines. - The Round House
The Round House is the place where the railroad engines are kept when they are not working. The engines are turned around on a big turn table so each can be run on the different tracks which all lead to the turn-table in the centre. - Horses in a heap, Leader down, Wheelers falling over him
I have twice had three out of the four horses in a heap, from a leader coming down and the two wheelers falling over him; but in such a case as this there is very little danger if the coachman has the presence of mind not to leave his box till there is sufficient strength at the horses' heads to prevent them jumping up and starting off frightened. - The Tube
The Tube - The first Railway Journey in England
It was called the 'Locomotion.' George Stephenson stood ready to drive it as soon as the trucks, which a stationary engine was lowering down the slope by means of a wire rope, had been attached to it. In the first of these trucks came the Directors of the Railway Company and their friends, followed by twenty-one trucks (all open to the sky, like ordinary goods-trucks), loaded with various passengers, and finally six more waggons of coal. Such was the first train. A man on horseback, carrying a flag, having taken up his position in front of the 'Locomotion' to head the procession, the starting word was given, and with a hiss of steam, half drowned in the shouting of the crowd, the first railway journey ever made in England was begun. - Methods to get to the right place in a garage
When putting the car in place in the garage you must also maneuver carefully. The main thing is that you get in your place and as best you can. Too much brio results in broken walls and bent mudguards. If it makes you nervous, this twisting back and forth, feel free to leave it to someone else. It is not everyone's job and it is precisely with this shunting that small causes can have major consequences. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Overtaking a tram
When overtaking a tram, also pay attention to the possibility that someone will jump in front of or from the tram. Giving a good signal and leaving as much road width as possible between the tram and your car is required. To catch up with a steam tram that hurls its plume over the road, and you it obstructs the view, it is advisable to wait until the wind chases away the steam. For the distance required to overtake a fast-moving vehicle such as a tram is too long, that the chance would not become too great that, in time, it would take to catch up with the plume of steam and drive through it. , in the meantime, a road obstruction would arise from the other side, which you would not have been able to see approaching. If you come across such a vehicle, moderate your speed so that you can stop vehicles suddenly emerging from that plume of steam. Give a strong signaland if necessary, stop the car on the right side of the road, until the tram has passed. Because then you have the most certainty, because then only a vehicle moving faster or as fast as the tram can cause danger. And this danger can be averted by giving a signal and keeping the right side of the road well. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Parking
When you stop in a street, don't forget to reach out first, as a sign for the vehicle following you. Place your car neatly along the sidewalk, not crooked or in such a way that traffic is obstructed by it. You must intervene two vehicles or cars get into the car, then drive a little further, and then reverse between the cars. Do not drive straight over to the left side of the street, against the traffic, but drive to the right and then turn along the direction of the traffic, until you are in front of the house, where you want to be. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Room to pass
It is also important to know, if you have to go through or along somewhere close with your car, what width you need. That can become such a certainty for you that it will look like virtuosity to the uninitiated. It's a matter of routine, of course, but it can be extremely practiced. It must be started with calculating the extreme points of the fenders. Later on, even this aid is often redundant. The best way to learn this is to place two blocks of wood on the ground, or to drive two posts, which are measured just the width of the wagon apart. Riding on that is the means of learning to estimate a narrow passage. Is the width wide enough to pass, but what When measured tight, keep flat on the side of the traffic obstruction, which is on your and steering wheel side. After all, here you can see exactly how close you can get without the risk of a collision. The other side will then be free of itself. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Turn Signal
If you have to take a side road on the right, keep your arm stretched out in horizontal direction outside the car. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Stop Signal
With an open torpedo, the stop signal can also be given by sticking the arm straight up. In any case, account must then be taken of the somewhat higher rear of the car, or of the possibility that the passengers behind are masking the movement of the arm. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Swerving at intersections
Swerving at intersections - Cars and Trams
Firstly, in the bends. Great tram cars, especially on narrow track, there are the annoying habit, not far off the path of the rails to swing, including the cars of the Amsterdam-Haarlem-Zandvoort-line, the ESM Guard is in such a bend on one approaching tram, or does one want passing in the bend, a car runs the risk of being crushed or at least damaged between the rails and the curb, by the swinging front or rear upper part of the car. [Translated online from the Dutch ] - Lady driving in a horse and cart
Lady driving in a horse and cart - Egyptian Ships in the time of Hatasu
The legal position which Hatasu occupied during the sixteen years that followed the death of Thothmes II. was probably that of regent for Thothmes III., his (and her) younger brother; but practically she was full sovereign of Egypt. It was now that she formed her grand schemes of foreign commerce, and had them carried out by her officers. First of all, she caused to be built, in some harbour on the western coast of the Red Sea, a fleet of ships, certainly not fewer than five, each constructed so as to be propelled both by oars and sails, and each capable of accommodating some sixty or seventy passengers. Of these thirty were the rowers, whose long sweeps were to plough the waves, and bring the vessels into port, whether the wind were favourable or no; some ten or twelve formed the crew; and the remainder consisted of men-at-arms, whose services, it was felt, might be required, if the native tribes were not sufficiently impressed with the advantages of commercial dealings. - A Chinese sedan chair and bearers
A Chinese sedan chair and bearers - A Steam Street Railway Motor
While in Paris, President Yerkes, of the North Chicago Street Railway Company, purchased a noiseless steam motor, the results in experimenting with which will be watched with great interest. The accompanying engraving, for which we are indebted to the Street Railway Review, gives a very accurate idea of the general external appearance. The car is all steel throughout, except windows, doors, and ceiling. It is 12 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, and 9 ft. high, and weighs about seven tons. The engines, which have 25 horsepower and are of the double cylinder pattern, are below the floor and connected directly to the wheels. The wheels are four in number and 31 in. in diameter. The internal appearance and general arrangement of machinery, etc., is about that of the ordinary steam dummy. It will run in either direction, and the exhaust steam is run through a series of mufflers which suppress the sound, condense the steam and return the water to the boiler, which occupies the center of the car. The motor was built in Ghent, Belgium, and cost about $5,000, custom house duties amounting to about $2,000 more. - Coaching
- The Farman Biplane
In July, at Rheims, there was to be the great flying meeting; and Farman had made up his mind to wait for this. Aided by the experience he had gained with the Voisin machine, he had designed a craft which should be generally more efficient and faster in flight, and more quickly responsive to its controls. The biplane he produced, marking as it did a step forward in construction, is a machine that needs description. The general appearance of the craft is indicated by Fig. 46, while an illustration of this type of machine in flight will be found on Plate VII. A feature of the Voisin that Farman discarded was the vertical panel fitted between the main-planes to give sideway stability. An objection to these planes was that they added to the weight of the machine and checked its speed, tending also to drive it from its course should there be a side wind. But in taking away such fixed balancing-planes, Farman had to substitute another device; and what he did was to work upon the same theory as the Wrights had done, and obtain a similar result in a different way. They, it will be remembered, had warped the rear portions of their main-planes. Farman kept his planes rigid, but fitted to their rear extremities four narrow, hinged planes, or flaps, which could be moved up and down and were called ailerons. Their effect was the same as with the Wright wing-warp. When a gust tilted the machine, the pilot drew down the ailerons upon the side that was inclined downward; whereupon the air-pressure, acting upon the drawn-down surfaces, restored the machine to an even keel. A. Elevating-plane; B.B. Main-planes; C. Pilot’s seat; D. Motor and propeller; E. Petrol tank; F.F. Hinged balancing-planes, or ailerons; G.G. Tail-planes; H.H. Twin vertical rudders; I. Landing wheels and skid - The Farman Biplane - top view
showing the span of main-planes, elevator, and tail, also the positions of landing gear and pilot’s seat. - The Curtiss Biplane
Of famous aeroplanes at Rheims, five types stood out by themselves—the Farman, the Voisin, the Wright, the Bleriot, and the Antoinette, all of which have been described. But there was one other, which few people had heard of before it appeared here. This was the Curtiss biplane, built by an American named Glenn H. Curtiss, and engined with a motor which also bore his name. Curtiss had experimented with many power-driven machines—motor-cycles, motor-cars, airships, and aeroplanes—and had won a prize in America with a small, light biplane, and it was a craft of this type—as seen in the figure —that he brought with him to Rheims, his idea being to compete for the speed prize. The machine had a front elevator and tail-planes, according to the practice in biplane construction; but an innovation was the setting of the ailerons midway between the main-planes—a position that will be noted in the sketch; another novelty was the way these ailerons operated. At the pilot’s back, as he sat in his driving seat, was an upright rod with two shoulder-pieces—by means of which, should he shift his body, he could swing the rod from side to side. Wires ran from the rod to the ailerons; and if the pilot leaned over, say, to the right, he drew down the ailerons on the left side of the machine. The merit of such a control was that it was instinctive; that is to say, should the biplane tip down on one side, it was natural for the pilot to lean away from the plane-ends that were sinking; and he operated the ailerons automatically, as he did this, and so brought the machine level again. A. Elevating-planes B. Pilot’s seat and control-wheel C.C. Main-planes D. Ailerons E. Motor and propeller F. Tail-plane and rudder. - The Curtiss Biplane making a turn
The Curtiss Biplane making a turn - Travelling workshop for the repair of military aeroplanes
There needs to be an equipment of spare machines also; and a number of travelling workshops with skilled engineers, which can be rushed from place to place for the repair of damaged craft. A sketch of one of these workshops on wheels, which are vital to the organisation, is seen in the figure - The Voisin Biplane
At the beginning of 1909 there were two types of successful aeroplane—the Wright and the Voisin. Bleriot had flown with his monoplane and flown well; but he was still in the process of evolving a practical machine, and several other inventors were in a similar stage. It was the Wright and the Voisin which had proved their worth; and the Wright, as has been said, was the better of the two. Of the Voisin, as flown in 1909, a reproduction is given in the figure. It was a heavier aeroplane than the Wrights’, owing largely to the weight of its alighting gear (250 lbs.) and of its big balancing tail (more than 100 lbs.); hence the necessity for using a 50-h.p. motor, which drove a two-bladed metal propeller at the rate of 1200 revolutions a minute. The Voisin brothers, and other French makers, did not approve of the two-propeller system of the Wrights: they preferred one screw, revolving at high speed. But there was no doubt—at any rate in this stage of aviation—that the Wright method was more efficient than that of the Frenchmen. It was calculated, indeed, that the Wright biplane, when actually in the air, could be driven at an expenditure of only 15 h.p.; whereas the Voisin, even with its 50-h.p. motor running at full speed, had only just enough power to fly. A. Elevating plane B. Pilot’s seat C.C. Main-planes D. Engine and propeller E. Landing chassis F. Balancing tail G. Rudder. - The Voisin Biplane - top view
The Voisin Biplane - top view - The Vickers
Already, anticipating war in the air, a fighting aeroplane has been evolved; and a machine of this type is shown in Figure. The body, in which pilot and gunner sit, is armoured lightly with plates which will resist the penetration of a bullet. Such armouring was found necessary after the use of aeroplanes in Tripoli and the Balkans. When flying unavoidably low in these campaigns, and when fired at from the ground, the wooden bodies of machines were pierced by shot, and in several instances their occupants wounded. A fighting aeroplane A. Machine-gun projecting from opening in bow B. Gunner’s position C. Pilot’s seat D.D. Side windows for observation E. Engine and propeller. - The Bleriot Monoplane
A. Propeller B. Motor C. Sustaining-plane D. Pilot’s seat E. Landing chassis F. Combined tail and elevating-planes G. Rudder. - The Bleriot Monoplane - top view
The Bleriot Monoplane - top view showing its bird-like shape and the position of the pilot. - The Antoinette Monoplane
At the beginning of 1909 a new monoplane made its appearance in France—a powerful, finely constructed, and very stable machine. It was the Antoinette, designed by a famous engineer, and it was this craft which interested Latham. M. Levavasseur was the designer of it and of a specially lightened motor, first applied to motor-boats, and afterwards to the experimental biplane of M. Santos-Dumont and also to the aeroplane with which Farman first flew. The Antoinette, which M. Levavasseur also fitted with one of his motors, was a large monoplane—far larger than the Bleriot; and built not with the idea of being a fair-weather machine, but to fly in winds. The span of its wings was 46 feet, and they contained 365 square feet of sustaining surface, while the total weight was 1040 lbs. A. Propeller B. Motor C. Sustaining-plane D. Pilot’s seat and controlling wheel E.E. Vertical rudders F. Elevating-plane G. Landing gear. - The Antoinette Monoplane - top view
showing the spread of the planes and tail, and the delicate taper of the long, canoe-shaped body. - The Curtiss Biplane in flight
The Curtiss Biplane in flight - The Curtiss Biplane front view
showing the chassis and the position between the planes of the two ailerons (A.A.). - The Cody Biplane
Another ardent worker in England, and one destined to become famous, was Mr. S. F. Cody. After developing a system of man-lifting kites which the British War Office acquired, he joined the military aircraft factory that had been established at Farnborough. Here, after tests with dirigible balloons, he began the construction of experimental biplanes—all machines of large size. Early in 1909 he made brief flights—the longest being one of about 250 yards. Then, after alterations to his machine, he managed in July to fly a distance of 4 miles. This he increased afterwards to 8 miles; and then on 1st September flew for 1 hour 3 minutes, rising to a height of 300 feet. Cody’s biplane was a very large machine, having 1000 square feet of lifting surface—twice that of the Farman or Voisin. Driving it was an 80-h.p. engine, which operated two propellers on the system used by the Wrights. With its pilot on board the machine weighed 2170 lbs. A. Elevating-planes and vertical-plane B. Pilot’s control lever C.C. Main-planes D. Motor E. Propellers F. Rudder G. Landing gear H. Rear skid. - The Cody Biplane from above
showing the large size of the elevators, the position of the pilot, and the placing of the propellers. - Semi-rigid Airship
But as airships were built larger, and greater speeds were obtained, it became necessary to strengthen the envelopes with some form of keel; and this led to a type which is known as the semi-rigid, and is developed successfully in France. The figure illustrates an airship of this build. Along the lower side of its envelope is placed a light, rigid framework or keel, and from this is suspended the car which contains engines and crew. A. Gas-containing envelope B. Strengthening keel C.C. Stabilising-planes D. Rudder E. Car carrying engines, propeller, and crew. - Santos-Dumont’s Airship
When petrol engines became available, they gave an impetus to the building of airships; for, like the aeroplane, the airship needed a motive agent which gives a high power for a low weight. One of the first to use a petrol motor in an airship with success was M. Santos-Dumont, whose name has been mentioned in connection with aeroplanes. He tested small, light airships, driven by petrol engines and two-bladed propellers—as illustrated in figure; and with one of these, on a calm, still day, he flew over Paris and round the Eiffel Tower. A. Gas envelope B. Wheeled framework which carried motor, propeller, and pilot’s seat C. Elevating-plane D. Horizontal rear-plane E. Rudder.