THE ADVANTAGES OF THE STEAM MOTOR CAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1978, 14 January 1907, Page 3

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE STEAM MOTOR CAR.

The selection of tlio motor power lor public sorvico vehicles must be considered (says Engineering) in its relationship to the public safety aiul convenience, as well as with respect to tlio ‘state of the art/’ or in relation to the development of any particular type of motor. It has been commonly supposed that steam was unsuitable for omnibus propulsion, and if ono assumes tlio ordinary methods of steam generation and ap. plication to bo used, this conclusion is piobably correct. The question arises: Is one justified in assuming that tlie ordinary methods of steam generation and application represent its highest practical possibilities ? Jins is by no means tho case, and that recent developments in the methods of harnessing steam for public servieo have entirely altered the situation, and- have brought within one’s grasp the important advantages peculiar to steam, apart from the question - of tlieir realisation are generally admitted. The advantages of steam for public service work may be generally summarised as follows : —Tiie employment of a safe and cheap fuel; freedom from noise and vibration; absence of smell; smooth and silent action of the machinery • c uick acceleration without jerkincss ; flexibility of drive and simplicity. of control; large reserve of power for mils and for overcoming the inertia qf starting; entire absence of changespeed gears; entire absence of clectric ignition; and entire absence of friction-clutch. To realise those important advantages a very perfect steam-generator is necessary. It is that tlio principal engineering difficulty has boon encountered. The usual methods for the generation of steam are characterised by smoko, 1 dirt, sparks, ashes, almost constant attention to tho water-feed and to stoking, trouble from priming, from incrustation, and from leakage. therefore, 1* is safe to conclude that the usual methods of steam-genera-tiou are unsuited for tlie purposes. To produce a generator free from the above vices, which is regular and reliable in action, lias proved a most serious problem. It is surprising to many engineers to find that steam can be generated automatically as required, without any of tho preceding drawbacks; and that tlie generator, instead of being a delicate thing needing careful handling and attention, lias been made robust and healthy, and, for all practical purposes, “fool-proof.” The cost of running and maintaining in satisfactory repairs, and allowing for depreciation is given as 11.19 d per mile for the first year and 8.89 d per mile for the second year in tho case of a steam single-deck ’bus working in Devonshire. The fuel consumption averages one gallon to 4 1-3 miles. The tires cost 1-Jd per mile.