Development of the Diesel Engine.

The general design of Diesel engines is at present developing along well-defined lines, the weight per horse-power having been reduced to the low figure of 12lbs. The problem of transmission however, is still in the experimental stage. Five main methods are generally favoured, viz., clutch and gearing; hydraulic transmission; pneumatic transmission; electric transmission; and combined Diesel and steam, as in the Kitson-Still experimental locomotive. One of the most interesting types of Diesel locomotive in use in Europe is that designed by Professor Lomonosoff, and built for the Russian Soviet Railways. This employs electric transmission, and is of 1,200 horse-power. In Britain, Messrs. Beardmore and Co., of Glasgow, have under construction an engine of 3,000 horse-power. Another interesting development is the employment of the Diesel engine for rail cars. The London, Midland and Scottish Railway have in service a four-car Diesel-electric passenger train of about 500 h.p. The engine has eight cylinders (8¼in. by 12in.), and the drive is transmitted to the two axles at the trailing end of the power car by two motors rated at 280 h.p. at 580 volts. Accommodation is provided for 287 passengers, and the total weight of the train is 144 tons. For branch-line working, power units of this type promise to perform most useful service in time to come.