Steam Shovels and Steam Shovel Work

by Edward Adolph Hermann

Fig. 19.

It very frequently happens that the end of the cut joins directly on an embankment, as shown in profile, [Fig. 19]. In cases of this kind it would be necessary to widen the embankment for the reception of the side track, near the end of the cut, if the machine were to begin work at that point, C, [Fig. 18]. This is very seldom done; the usual method is to remove the section, A, [Figs. 19] and [20], to B by hand labor with wheelbarrows or with teams and scrapers. The excavated material is used to widen part of the embankment near the end of the cut for the reception of the side track. Section A is made barely long enough to provide a standing place for the steam shovel and clear cars on the main track; it is seldom over 50 ft. long, and averages about 30 ft. After placing the machine in this space it is ready for work. Strings of 10 to 20 cars are then drawn along the main track, and stopped opposite the machine for loading.

Fig. 20.

Fig. 21.