Modern Locomotive Developments.

Another interesting locomotive development is the building by the L.M. and S. Railway of a heavy-oil locomotive of unique design, intended principally for shunting duties. An existing 0—6—0 shunting engine has been rebuilt with a heavy fuel-oil unit as prime mover, and with transmission of the hydraulic type. The locomotive has driving compartments at each end, the controls being duplicated on either side of each cab. The total weight is 46 tons, and the engine, of the six-cylinder heavy fuel-oil type, has a brake horse-power of 400. The engine works on the four-stroke cycle, and has a normal running speed of 750 r.p.m. An page 18 interesting feature is the design of the transmission gear, which is capable of absorbing 400 h.p. continuously when running at normal speed. The main shaft of the motive unit is coupled directly to a pumping unit, the pump transmitting its power hydraulically to the transmitter.

The new locomotive has a self-starter, in the shape of air reservoirs maintained at a pressure of 3001b. per sq. in. by a 5 h.p. compressor. When running, this is driven from the main shaft, but a small petrol engine is installed to charge the reservoirs when at rest. Some 125 gallons of oil fuel and 134 gallons of water are carried on the engine, and the new locomotive is proving most useful for shunting duties in busy yards.