Heater Keeps Developer at Proper Temperature
Having had trouble with developer cooling down and failing to work properly, while developing in the dark room, I constructed the apparatus shown. A small light-tight box was made slightly larger than the tray, with a removable top having an opening to hold the tray. An electric-light socket was fastened inside at one end of the box and a lamp fitted to it. A wire was attached across the middle of the lower side of the box, so that the latter and the tray could be rocked. The box was lined with black paper and varnished black. The edges of the opening in the top were fringed with felt to guard against light leakage. A thermometer is used to determine the temperature. When the developer cools, turn on the light until it reaches the required temperature.—John Hoeck, Alameda, California.
Steam-Propelled Motorcycle Made by Mechanic
By L. L. VOELEHERT
As an example of the application of steam power to the propulsion of a vehicle, the motorcycle shown in the illustration is interesting. While it does not embody the many refinements of gasoline motorcycles manufactured commercially, and makes no pretense of competing with them, the machine has a striking individuality. It was made by a mechanic in his spare time, with only the facilities of a small machine shop. Tests and hard usage over typical roads have shown it to be easy riding, partly by reason of its weight, and to give very steady power. The machine can be reversed quickly and no clutch is used. It has a wheel base of 75 in., and weighs about 350 pounds.
The upper portions of the frame are made of 1-in. steel tubing, strongly riveted at the fork and other joints. The lower section, from the fork to the rear axle, is made of a double bar of 1¹⁄₂ by ¹⁄₂-in. steel, spread and braced to carry the tank, engine, and boiler. The fork is forged from strips of steel, and fitted to standard motorcycle wheels. The handlebars, seat, transmission chains and gears, as well as other fittings, are of the ordinary motorcycle type. The seat may be moved and clamped at various places along the upper bar of the frame, and an extra seat may be installed, or a bundle carrier may be fitted behind the driver.
Gasoline, with which to heat water for the generation of steam, is carried in the long round tank, hung below the frame at the top. The water supply is contained in the square flat tank under the lower part of the frame. The engine is supported on the frame immediately above the water tank, and drives a shaft, which is geared to the rear wheel by a chain and sprocket.
This Motorcycle is Propelled by a Steam Plant and was Built in a Small Shop by a Mechanic in His Spare Time
The round boiler, with gasoline burners beneath it, is carried on the lower part of the frame, which is spread, immediately behind the front wheel. The boiler is 16 in. in diameter and 12 in. high. It is fitted with valves, whistle, water gauge, and the usual fittings of a boiler. The engine is of the horizontal type, and the working parts are largely inclosed, so as to protect them from dust and to avoid possible danger to the operator.