1862 London Exhibition: Catalogue: Class VIII.: Brays Traction Engine Co
1805. BRAY'S TRACTION ENGINE COMPANY (Limited), 12 Pall Mall East, London.
A traction engine for common roads.
This engine was built at the Company's factory, to the order of Her Majesty's Government, and is intended for permanent service in Woolwich Dockyard. Its construction embraces many improvements, and the introduction of several appliances of great importance, but the feathering principle of the wheels, which is the great distinctive feature of this Company's patent, is preserved intact. This principle consists in the circumference of the wheel having small apertures through which, by means of an eccentric, "blades" or teeth can be protruded or withdrawn as required, according to the nature of the ground over which the engine is travelling. In many cases the ordinary surface of the wheel is sufficient to gain the requisite amount of tractive power; the blades can then be thrown out at the top, or on that part of the wheel not coming in contact with the road; while, in the event of the ground being soft or slippery, or of the engine having to ascend a steep incline, the auxiliary power of the blades can be brought into action, and the additional bite or grip on the road obtained, as may be necessary to gain progress. This system does no damage whatever to, but, on the contrary, tends rather to improve the roads, as the breadth of wheel of the engine has much the same effect on their surface as a roller.
Power is transmitted to the driving wheels by means of pinions . on the crank shaft, working in large rack wheels, which are fixed to the arms of each driving wheel near the peripheries. The engine having different gearing the speed or power may be altered as desirable. The engine exhibited is fitted with a drum which renders it available for driving any fixed or portable machinery of whatever nature a derrick or steam crane, with which it can load its own waggons, etc.; and a capstan or cone barrel, whereby a rope, such as the fall rope of a tackle, may be hauled upon to any extent; so that, in addition to its tractive powers, it is applicable to all the purposes of a stationary or portable engine, which renders it particularly suitable for the service destined in Woolwich Dockyard.
The other special features of construction to be noticed in this engine are the introduction of an improved steering gear, and of outside bearings for the driving wheels, which are mounted on springs on the inner and outer framings. By means of the first the engine is reduced to a state of the most perfect control, and can be guided with the greatest facility; and nearly all the jar, which involves extra wear and tear to the machinery, is obviated by the latter.
One of the Company's engines was employed in removing locomotive engines, the various castings, etc. for the large marine engines, and other heavy machinery, from different railway stations, manufactories, and the docks, into the Exhibition. The loads conveyed were sometimes as much as 45 tons, and reference can be made to the London and North Western Railway Company, Messrs. John Penn and Son, Messrs. Maudslays, Messrs. Humphreys and Tennant, and other eminent engineering firms, who employed the engine, as to its power and capabilities.
The above engraving represents an engine of still further improved construction, being built to the designs of the Company's engineer, D. K. Clark, C. E.
Further particulars respecting the engines, etc. may be obtained on application to S. H. Louttit, secretary to the Company, at the above address.