The Locomotive Of Today

THE LOCOMOTIVE OF TO-DAY. 159 Section IV — THE TENDER, BRAKES, Etc. ENGINES intended for suburban traffic and short runs are provided with tanks for water and bunkers for the coal upon their own frames, these tanks and bunkers being sufficiently large to carry water and coal for consumption between points where they can be replenished. Sometimes the water tanks are placed on the footplate on each side of the boiler, and connected together by a large pipe passing under the latter, with the coal bunker also upon the footplate behind the boiler, the cab being between them. Where more water is required than can be conveniently got into two side tanks, a third is made below the coal bunker, but in all cases the tanks are in free communication with each other so that the same level is maintained in each as water is drawn off for use, and the equilibrium of the engine preserved. To prevent the water from washing from one end to the other, as it would when the brakes are applied or released when the engine is running, wash plates are fitted, reaching from side to side, to break and steady the bulk of water. In smaller engines, and sometimes also in large ones, the tanks are made semi-circular in shape to fit on the top of the boiler, these are called “ saddle ” tanks ; they make a compact and neat engine, but give a top-heavy appearance if too large. Tank engines have the advantage of being able to run equally well in either direction, and do not therefore require turning after running into a terminal station, and for service where neither the speed is too high nor the runs too long, they are to be preferrecl. The tanks are made capable of carrying up to 2,000 gallons of water, and the bunker 3 tons of coal. When the quantity of water and fuel required exceeds these amounts it is usual to use an engine which has an independent tender attached. Tenders are constructed to carry up to some 5,000 gallons of water and 6 or 7 tons of coal, but about 2,500 to 3,000 gallons is a more common figure. Tender engines should only be run at great speed in one direction, viz., engine first, the necessity arises therefore of turning at the end of each trip. Fig. 33 shows a typical British tender capable of carrying about 2,500 gallons of water and 5 tons of coal, this being quite sufficient for all ordinary needs. It is carried upon six wheels, spaced an equal distance apart, the bearing upon the axles being outside the wheels as being more accessible than