Practical Hand Book of Gas, Oil and Steam Engines / Stationary, Marine, Traction; Gas Burners, Oil Burners, Etc.; Farm, Traction, Automobile, Locomotive; A simple, practical and comprehensive book on the construction, operation and repair of all kinds of engines. Dealing with the various parts in detail and the various types of engines and also the use of different kinds of fuel.

by John B. Rathbun

(57) Two Stroke Cycle Rail Motor Cars.

A unique application of the two stroke cycle motor will be seen in Fig. 56 which shows a Fairbanks-Morse two stroke cycle motor direct connected to the driving wheel of a railway motor car. The three cylinders are mounted between the driving wheel with the ends of the axle terminating in the crank cases of the motors. Access to the bearings is had through a cover on the crank-case. The simplicity of this motor and its freedom from valves, cams, springs, gears, and other trouble causing parts makes it particularly adapted for the service that it performs in the hands of unskilled track laborers. As there is no water to freeze or leak, and as the lubricant is mixed with gasoline, the car needs very little more attention than the old type hand car.

The car is started by opening the gasoline supply cock, closing the ignition switch, and pushing the car along the track until the first explosion occurs. The speed is controlled in the usual manner by means of the spark advance and throttle. As the motor is of the two stroke cycle type, it may be reversed by simply changing the position of the timer without the use of the gears. The speed is the same in either direction. By the use of three cylinders, three impulses are obtained per revolution which gives a distribution of power equal to that of the ordinary six cylinder, four stroke cycle automobile motor.

Fig. 56. Two Stroke Cycle Fairbanks Motor for Driving Railway Section Cars.

For larger cars built for carrying large gangs of men, a three cylinder motor is used which drives through a clutch and gears, similar to that used on automobiles. It is located near the center of the axle and is supported on a frame that is independent of the car proper. This motor unit is easily removed from the car for inspection with all of the parts intact. A universal coupling is provided on the motor shaft to prevent strains due to changes in the alignment from being thrown into the motor. The motor of this car is started with a crank, and may be left standing with the motor running. As with the two cylinder car, the engine is reversible, and is lubricated by mixing the lubricating oil with the gasoline.