872 EEPORT — 1887. 



Steam engines of this revolving type have been in continuous regular work tor 

 more than a year, and much useful experience acquired in their use. 



In these engines governing is accomplished hy varying the rate of expansion, 

 with a result that great economy in fuel is secured with a high speed. Their 

 dynamic balance is perfectly adjusted ; they work smoothlj' and quietly, and drive 

 with remarkable regularity. 



4. An improved Steel Raihvay Sleeper, ivith Chairs pressed out of the Solid, 

 By Henry White. 



The author's object has been to produce out of steel plate, or, still better, strip, 

 rolled to a trough-like section, a sleeper which shall have chairs, solid with it, to 

 suit any ordinary type of rail, thus avoiding bolts and rivets. 



To accomplish this he has special dies, which are fitted to a suitable hydraulic 

 or other press, or pair of presses, if it be desired to make both chairs at the same 

 time. The trough steel being first cut to the required length, is heated and inserted 

 between the open dies of a first or preliminary press or pair of presses, which 

 roughly form two corrugations at each end corresponding with the jaws of the 

 chairs. The metal for this is gathered up endwise, thus shortening the original 

 length of the piece of steel operated on. Another heat being taken upon it, the 

 partly made sleeper is placed between the dies of the finishing press or presses, 

 which give the jaws their final form. The lower dies in this case have two hinged 

 pieces which project upwards, and when the upper ones descend they close inwai'ds, 

 causing one of each pair of jaws to assume the • undercut ' form necessary to fit the 

 rail and hold it firmly in its place. A loose piece resembling the lower part of the 

 rail is inserted between the jointed pieces, to form a resistance-block for them to- 

 close against. 



The paper is illustrated by a sectional drawing showing the action of the dies, 

 and also by a model made on the scale of 1^ inch to the foot. It is claimed that 

 sleepers so formed gi\e a larger base to the rail, hold it more firmly, and are stifier 

 than any others hitherto used. 



5. Speciviens of Steel produced hy skiddiiig Bailway Wheels.^ 

 By Jeremiah Head, M.Iust.G.E. 



Where a heavy gradient or incline occurs upon a railway, necessitating the 

 frequent and severe use of brakes to prevent too rapid descents, pieces of metal of 

 a peculiar form resembling the leaves of ferns have frequently been found alongside 

 the rails. 



Close examination of the specimens will satisfy the observer : — 



1. That though differing in size and colour, they have all the same origin and 

 the same cause. 



2. That being found on steep inclines only, they are probably due in some way 

 to the action of the brakes of descending trains. 



3. That being (as will hereafter be shown) of steel, they must have come fi-om 

 the tyres or rails, and not from the brake blocks. 



4. That in assuming their present form, they have undergone considerable 

 pressure, and at a temperature higher than ordinary. 



It is the purpose of the paper to consider, and determine if possible, how these 

 specimens have been produced, and how far their existence has significance ; either 

 practically as an element of destruction or danger on railways, or scientifically 

 as indicating what may happen when the power of metals to resist pressure or 

 abrasion has been exceeded. The following table of analyses made by Mr. 

 Iloutledge, chemical analyst to the North Eastern Railway Company, makes a 

 comparison between the composition of the specimens and that of tyres and rails. 



The author proceeds to give the opinions of certain authorities connected with 



' This paper will be found in extcmo in the Ewjmccr for Sept. 9, 1SS7, and alsoi- 

 iu various other technical journals. 



