A Novel German Tractor-Trailer.

City collection and delivery services for freight traffic have for long been a feature of Home railway practice. On the continent, also, countries like Germany and France are becoming increasingly interested in combined rail and road movement. In Germany, there has recently been introduced an articulated tractor-trailer unit for hauling standard goods wagons along the road, and giving through door-to-door service. The tractor takes the form of a truck chassis with a 100 h.p. six-cylinder Diesel engine. Six wheels are employed on the trailer, four being mounted on a single axle serving as driving shaft, and the other two on a separate trailing axle. Within the frame of the trailer is a second inner steel frame carrying a pair of lifting rams, for tilting the loaded goods wagon and discharging its contents. A light steel ramp affords connection between the trailer and the railway tracks.