NAIRN’S PATENT ROAD STEAMER.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 868, 16 November 1870, Page 2

NAIRN’S PATENT ROAD STEAMER.

A new patent road steamer by Mr Nairn, engineer, Leir.h, was recently practically tried under steam. The main features in this are its neat, compact form, and the tires of the driving wheels, which are formed of an iron rim covered with a thick layer of flat rope, which gives great traction power. These tires flatten on the ground, and so enable the engine to ascend gradients and draw heavy loads, and they have the additional advantage of being very inexpensive. By an ingenious arrangement- which is self-acting, it is unnecessary in turning corners to throw the wheels out of gear, so that np delay i 3 caused, and inexperienced workmen can manage the engine. The engine started from Leith-walk with a load of upwards of ten tons, which it conveyed to Carberry Mains, a distance of nine miles, without the slightest accident. A gradient of 1 in 12 was ascended with the greatest ease, and the speed obtained was five to six miles an hour. The absence of noise, which is the great desideratum, was very noticeable. The engine was constructed by Messrs. Tod and Son, Leith-walk ? under the direction of Mr Nairn. A new omnibus drawn by this engine is now running between Edinburgh and Leith. It is large and commodious, being seated foy 100 persons. On the top of the omnibus is an awning for the protection of the passengers in inclement weather. The vehicle is well patronised and attracts much attention as it passes along the streets,