Page:Inland Transit - Cundy - 1834.djvu/72

 several experiments, in which the consumption of coke was actually observed; and these experiments, made at different periods, may be easily compared one with another. In the experiment made with the Rocket, constructed by Mr. Stephenson at the opening of the railway, the consumption of fuel was found to amount to 1¼ lb, of coke per ton per mile, exclusive of the weight of the engine and tender. This rate of consumption was reduced, by increasing the number of tubes in the boiler and other means, to 1 lb, per ton per mile; and more recent experiments have been made, which I have had the advantage of witnessing, and in which a further reduction was accomplished.

The load which the engines are capable of drawing in proportion to their weight, has also been found greatly to exceed that which at first was thought to be the limit of their power. An engine weighing 8 tons is now in ordinary cases loaded to the amount of about 100 tons gross; but even this is below its power of traction; as will appear by the following experiments which were made on the railroad during the present year.

"No. 1. Engine, Victory; weight 8 tons, 2 cwt., of which 5 tons, 4 cwt. are on the working wheels; cyl nder, 11 inches; stroke, 16 inches diameter; working wheels, 5 feet."

"5th May, 1832. This engine drew from Liverpool to Manchester (30 miles) in 1 hour and 34 minutes, 20 loaded waggons, weighing gross, 92 tons, 19 cwt. 1 quarter; consumption of coke, 929 lbs. net; was assisted up Rainhill plane, 1½ mile, by the Samson.

"N.B.—Moderate wind direct a-head; slipped on Chat-moss, and retarded two or three minutes.