The engine, on this occasion, was not examined before or after the journey, but was presumed to be in good working order.
II.
On Tuesday, the 8th of May, the same engine performed the same journey, with 20 wagons, weighing gross 90 tons 7 cwt. 2 qrs., exclusive of the unascertained weight of the tender. The time of the journey was 1 h. 41 min. The consumption of coke 1040 lbs. net weight, estimated as before. Rate of speed:—
| Level | 17-5/8 miles per hour. | |
| Fall of | 4 feet in a mile | 22 |
| —— | 6 | 22-1/2 |
| Rise of | 8 | 15 |
On this occasion there was a high wind ahead on the quarter, and the connecting rod worked hot, owing to having been keyed too tight. On arriving at Manchester, I caused the cylinders to be opened, and found that the pistons were so loose, that the steam blew through the cylinders with great violence. By this cause, therefore, the machine was robbed of a part of its power during the journey; and this circumstance may explain the slight decrease in speed, and increase in the consumption of fuel, with a lighter load in this journey compared with that performed on the 5th of May.
The Victory weighs 8 tons 2 cwt., of which 5 tons 4 cwt. rest on the drawing wheels. The cylinders are 11 inches diameter, and 16 inches stroke; and the diameter of the drawing wheels is 5 feet.
III.
On the 29th of May, the engine called the "Samson," (weighing 10 tons 2 cwt., with 14-inch cylinders, and 16-inch stroke; wheels 4 feet 6 inches diameter, both pairs being worked by the engine; steam 50 lbs. pressure, 130 tubes) was attached to 50 wagons, laden with merchandise; net weight about 150 tons; gross weight, including wagons, tender, &c., 223 tons 6 cwt. The engine with this load travelled from Liverpool to Manchester (30 miles) in 2 h. and 40 min., exclusive of delays upon the road for watering, &c., being at the rate of nearly 12 miles an hour. The speed varied according to the inclinations of the road. Upon a level, it was 12 miles an hour; upon a descent of 6 feet in a mile, it was 16 miles an hour: upon a rise of 8 feet in a mile, it was about 9 miles an hour. The weather was calm, the rails very wet; but the wheels did not slip, even in the slowest speed, except at starting, the rails being at that place soiled and greasy with the slime and dirt to which they are always exposed at the stations. The coke consumed in this journey, exclusive of what was raised in getting up the steam, was 1762 lbs., being at the rate of a quarter of a pound per ton per mile.
(94.) From the above experiments it appears that a locomotive engine, in good working order, with its full complement of load, is capable of transporting weights at an expense in fuel amounting to about 4 ounces of coke per ton per mile. The attendance required on the journey is that of an engine-man and a fire-boy; the former being paid 1s. 6d. for each trip of 30 miles, and the latter 1s. In practice, however, we are to consider, that it rarely happens that the full complement of load can be sent with the engines; and when lesser loads are transported, the proportionate expense must for obvious reasons, be greater.
The practical expenditure of fuel on the Liverpool and Manchester line may, perhaps, be fairly estimated at half a pound of coke per ton per mile.