self-sustaining throughout. It is not a "square truck frame," so called, 

 but there are two side frames or bars, 4 by 1% inches, and having each 

 two pedestals welded on solid, as in Brandt's engines. The peculiar 

 feature of the truck is in the way in which these sides are cross braced to 

 each other. A tapering cross-beam, 7 by i}^ inches at the center, is 

 placed transversely across the frame, midway between the jaws, and is 

 bolted to the top of the frame. The cast iron center-pin bushing rests on 

 top of this beam and flanges coming down from the bottom of the bushing 

 embrace the sides of the beam. On the outside of these flanges, braces 

 of flat iron are bolted on, edge upwards, and are bent out to reach to the 

 backs of the several jaws. There are transverse braces extending across 

 to stiffen the jaws together. The springs and equalizing levers, and the 

 truss bolts and thimbles between the jaws are the same as in Eastern 

 engines. Glancing at random over the engine, the boiler is very low down ; 

 the pumps are of good capacity and with air chambers on the suction 

 and forcing sides; the rockers are of wrought iron, with two bearings to 

 each; the links are stout and well got up; the outside trimmings are in 

 good taste; the bolting is generally strong, the bolts being of good size 

 and turned and drove in reamed holes; the bearings are protected against 

 wear, generally by allowing large surfaces and by thorough case-hardening 

 at all points where that process is admissable. 



These engines were built after the designs and under the superintendence 

 of John L. Whetstone, Esq., assisted by Mr. Coleman Sellers and Mr. 

 O. H. P. Little. The workmanship throughout is highly creditable to the 

 skill and taste of the mechanics, as also to the the enterprise and liberality 

 of the proprietors of the works. 



These engines, we are told, have given a good account of themselves, 

 for speed and power, side by side, with other crack engines from some of 

 the first class shops of the country. Without detracting from anybody's 

 claims, the Niles engines are creditable to Western skill, and the talent 

 and resources of the works of these proprietors are such as Western men 

 may fairly be proud of. [From the Railroad Advocate (January 12, 1856), 

 vol. 2, p. 3.] 



NILES & CO. S NEW ENGINES 



The appearance, if not the quality of these machines, has improved of 

 late. The elegant lithograph recently issued by Niles & Co. does not 

 misrepresent their works. The engines embody various decided im- 

 provements, fully proving that one head cannot do all the invention. 

 Mr. WHETSTONE, the designer, draftsman, and practically the foreman, 

 is a very thorough and valuable mechanic and thinker. It is a very en- 



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