Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1860-10-23
ELrcrRo.MAGSgTisM APPLIED TO THE DRIVING

ELECTRo-MAGSETiSN APPLIED TO THE DRIVING
WHEELS OF LOCOMOTIVE ESGISEs.-The re-
marks made by Professor Mason a few weeks
since on the above subject, at a meeting Of the
Polytechnic Institution, have attracted much
attention. 1t is well known that the weight
of a locomotive is the cause of its adhesion to
the rails. but that when they are wet, or COW
cred with snow or ice, the wheels will rerolrc
on their own axis, the engine remaining sta
tioncry. The difficulty is partially oblvated
by sprinkling sand OH the rails, but to this
remedy there are various objections. The de-
~liciency of adhesive power referred to, renders
the adoption Of heavy engines necessary under
many circumstance, especially on heavy grades
and steep i~nclincS, and even on levels with
trains of usual weight. Considering the de-
laws and dctentions caused by the inSilftlcicncy
of adhesive power, the expense OF proTluinS
heavy engines, and the wear and tear caused
by their running on the roads, the great value
Of Il simple means of insuring an increase OF
that power can scarcely be ov~er-stipulaed.
Nearly ten years ago this subject received
much attention in France. Mr.. NickleS con-
structed an electro magnetic apparatus, with n
view 10 convert the driving wheels into m cleo
tro-rnagnet, and so powerfully increase their
adhesion to the rails. This result was obtained
bv placing on the wheels q coil OF conductlnS
wires. technically termed 4 helix, in connec.
ton with an electromagnetic battery, carried
on the engine, so as 70 magnatlze either con-
stsntlv or when necessary the periphery oil the
wheels ut their point OF contact with the rail.
The great expectations entertained with regard
to this apparatus we're not realised, chiefly from
want Of power in the battery.
Last year an improved helix was patented by
Mr.. Fosmos, an engineer from Massachusetts;
but more recently, patents have been taken
ont by Professor Nergucs for a helix and q bat.
terry Of hitherto unknown power. from the
combined action OF which entire success is nm.
t~icipated.
Arrangements ere, we understand, in pro-
sress for IN early trial Of Professor Fersues'
apparatus on the Erie railroad, and If the
looked Tor success is realized. a material change
in railroad management must result.
On roads where heavy engines are n0w re-
quircd, it is said that the adoption OF the Pro.
lessons plan will insure Il very considerable
saving in the running expenses.
With the batteries ordinarily used to trans
init 4 Geographic message any great distance,
auxiliary batteries To increase or sustain the
electric current are necessary, or the message
is forwarded by apparatus unconnected with
that by which it was originally sent-causing
not only delay, but expense.
The new battery, rs we arc informed, Is nj
sufficient power to supcrccdc on very long
lines such auxiliary process, is free from the
serious objections presented by the acid fumes
arising from other batteries, occupies 4 smaller
space; and its operations are carried Oh a; a
less expense.
The subject above referred 10 is one Of deep
interest to the scientific world, and it is impos-
sible TO ~foretell what may be the issue Of fur
tier investigation in the same direction. ~.
\. JournaL Of Commerce.