Independent Engines and Pumps in Locomotives

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The able superintendent (Mr. Gregg) at Rome, N. Y., of the Watertown and Rome Railroad, who is always on the qui viva in respect to beneficial improvements in the machinery under his charge, has procured one of "Gatley's engines and pump," and placed them on the locomotive R. B. Doxtaler, where they occupy a space of only two and a half by one foot each way, just without ths "driver's cab," on a line with the engineer's bench, consequently they are always under his eye. The locomotive is of Taunton make. These auxiliaries require no alteration, and the pipe connections appear to be most readily adapted to them. I am not informed as to the expense, but so far as I am able to estimate, the advantages of them will afford full compensation for any extra outlay. If the ordinary pumps are dispensed with, the additional cost of the engine and pumps will be but trifling. The removal of the present pump fixtures, thereby leaving the other machinery more accessible, is, in my opinion, a very great advantage. To be able to transfer water from the tender to the boiler (which cannot be done by the present pump arrangement in use) while the locomotive is waiting at a station, or when detained in a snow-drift, is an advantage obtained by the independent small engine and pump, too obvious to require further remarks in their favor. X. X. W.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 13 Issue 27This article was published with the title “Independent Engines and Pumps in Locomotives” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 13 No. 27 (), p. 211
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican03131858-211b

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