CATALOG OF THE AUTOMOBILE COLLECTION 49 



ing the grips of the handle bars, the left for spark timing, the right 

 for throttle opening. 



The loop-type frame of brazed tubing forms a cradle to support and 

 protect the motor. Tubular handle bars are attached to a steering 

 fork fitted with both main and recoil springs. The wire-spoked, 

 metal-rimmed wheels now mount 28-by-3-inch clincher tires, though 

 the original tires were 28 by 2I/2. A metal mudguard is located above 

 each wheel, and a stand is supplied at the rear of the frame. Beneath 

 the saddle is a metal tool box, and below the box is a muffler connected 

 to the exhaust port by a curved pipe. The wheel base is 57 inches. 



The rear wheel is driven by a double-reduction roller chain from 

 a sprocket on the engine crankshaft to a sprocket at the hub of the 

 rear wheel. This hub is equipped with a clutch operated by a hand 

 lever on the left side of the machine. Forward motion of the lever 

 engages the clutch. Metal guards cover the two chains. A pedal-and- 

 chain drive, incorporating a New Departure coaster brake, is provided 

 on the right side. With the rear wheel raised from the ground, and 

 the clutch engaged, the pedals are used to crank the motor for starting. 

 The brake is engaged by slight backward pressure on the pedals. 

 The pedals are not driven by the forward motion of the machine. 

 They can be used to propel it in an emergency, in which case the clutch 

 would be disengaged. 



RAUCH AND LANG ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILE, 1914 



U. S. N. M. No. 309622 ; original ; gift of Mrs. William C. Gorgas in 1929 ; photo- 

 graph No. 30987 ; plate 17, &. 



This vehicle, originally owned by Surgeon General William C. 

 Gorgas, represents the period when electric passenger automobiles were 

 at the height of their popularity. Its roomy interior, comfort-pro- 

 viding body, and quietness and smoothness of operation together cre- 

 ated an automobile especially suitable for city driving and for trips of 

 short distances and frequent stops. It was made by the Ranch and 

 Lang Carriage Co., of Cleveland, Ohio. 



The range of the vehicle on the most favorable speed, about 13 

 miles an hour, was readily 100 miles per charge, according to John H. 

 Hertner, the designer. Higher speeds cut down materially the mileage 

 per charge, the top speed being 19 miles an hour. 



The frame of the chassis consists of two parallel side members of 

 channel section separated by seven cross members. In the center of 

 the frame, suspended from two of the cross members, is the electric 

 motor, which propelled the vehicle. Rated at 80 volts and approxi- 

 mately 21/^ horsepower, the motor is connected to the worm-driven 

 rear axle by a short drive shaft with two universal joints and a slip 

 joint. This permits supporting the motor rigidly on the frame. 



