R. Thwaites and Co: Locomotive
Note: This is a sub-section of R. Thwaites and Co
1848 May. TRIAL TRIP OP A NEW LOCOMOTIVE[1]
On the afternoon of Thursday last, thousands of spectators witnessed the novel spectacle of a splendid new locomotive passing through the street, from the Albion Works of Messrs T. Thwaites and Co., Thornton Road, to the station of the Leeds and Bradford Railway. It was mounted on a track, drawn by twelve horses, and as it moved slowly along, the ground vibrated under its weight, which is about twenty tons. Workmen were engaged all Friday in moving it on to the rails, which they accomplished, without the least accident, early on Saturday morning. Preparations were then made for a trial trip with it on Saturday afternoon.
About four o'clock, a train of three carriages, drawn by the new engine, started from the Bradford station for Skipton. One of them was filled principally with the workmen of Messrs. Thwaites and Co., the other two with several of their friends, and others anxious to witness the issue of the experiment. Mr. Murgatroyd took up a position on the engine, and the train then started, probably with about a hundred passengers. The most sanguine anticipations of the builders of the engine were realised. The train reached the Skipton station (eighteen miles) within ten minutes of an hour from leaving Bradford, including several short stoppages by the way. The return trip was made in about the same time, without the slightest casualty, or the exhibition of any weak points about the locomotive. Mr. Murgatroyd, who closely watched the engine both ways, expressed himself highly satisfied with the result of the experiment.
This is the first locomotive ever made upon what is called the Cambrian principle, which is applied to its engine. The peculiarities of its construction consist in segmental cylinders, placed horizontally beneath and at right angles with the boiler; into which cylinders pistons are fitted, the centre parts or shafts of which work on separate bearings, between the front and centre wheels, and on the ends of these piston-shafts are placed double cranks or beams, from the opposite end of which pass connecting rods to the crank-pins on the leading and centre driving wheels, on each side of the engine. The pistons communicate an oscillating motion to the double cranks or beams, the lengths of which are so adjusted as to cause the driving wheels to make whole revolutions. By this arrangement the strain of the working parts is so balanced, and the pressure and resistance are so equalised, that the engine moves on with such extraordinary steadiness that all dangerous oscillation at high velocities is completely obviated. The vibratory piston-shaft and double crank, the two connecting rods, one end of which moving in an arc, the other describing an entire circle, present a beautiful mechanical movement, and give to the engine a novel and pleasing appearance.
We understand that the engine was further tested on the Leeds and Bradford railway on Monday, when those most closely interested in its success had ample reason to be satisfied with the result. But others besides Messrs. Thwaites & Co. have an interest in the success of their experiment. It is the opening of a new branch of trade in this borough; and we have no doubt that we give utterance to the feelings of the great majority of their townsmen in congratulating them upon what they have done, and expressing a hope that this is but the first of many locomotives which will issue from their establishment.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Bradford Observer - Thursday 18 May 1848