Radial-Axle Passenger Tramcar, by Mr. James
Cleminson
MR. CLEMINSON'S system
of three axles, forming a self-adjusting or "flexible" wheel-base,
complies with the conditions of the problem of a free passage along
curves in a satisfactory manner. The axles, with their axle boxes,
springs, and guards, are mounted in independent frames, one to each
axle, separate from the main underframe of the carriage. The end
frames are fitted with central picots, on which they swivel freely,
whilst the middle frame is so arranged that it can slide
transversely. The three frames are connected together by
articulated radiating gear, so that they act sympathetically, in
such a manner that when the carriage or the car, leaving a straight
portion of the way, passes on to a curve, the ended axles are
deflected horizontally, forming angles with the central axle, and
taking up radial positions coincident with the radii of the curve.
By means of such self-acting adjustment, the car rolls freely round
the curve. When, conversely, the car passes from the curve to the
straight line, the axles resume their parallelism, and the car
rolls on naturally in a straight line. The automatice action arises
from the translation of the middle axle and frame transversely on a
curve : the relative lateral movement of the middle frame in
communicated to the near sides of the end frames, causing them to
swivel on their pivots, and to turn the end axles into appropriate
radial positions.
Mr. Cleminson's radial-axle tramcar, Fig. 254, has
been at work on the Dublin and other tramways. The wheels are
placed widely apart under the body of the car, and the pitching
movement incidental to the working of tramcars constructed with the
ordinary contracted wheel-base, is extinguished. This car seats 18
passengers inside, and 20 outside ; total number, 38. The weight of
the car is 45 cwt., equivalent to 1.18 cwt. per passenger.
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Radial-Axle Passenger Tramcar, by Mr. James
Cleminson
