Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-08-27
TWO NEW ENGINES TESTED.

Trial Of the Amoskeag Monsters ON the
River Front-OmciaIs Delighted With
the Work Done.
y The two new Amoskeag engines, built by
the Manchester, n. H., Locomotive Works,
were tested at o'clock last evening on the
Monongahela river front at the foot of
Wood street. No. 8 engine arrived here
only last Friday, and was set up on Satur-
day in tube warehouse on Second avenue.
1t will be put into No. house on Seventh
avenue No. 2 engine has been here nearly
four months. 1t was tested shortly alter its
arrival, but the test was interrupted by an
explosion of gas in a manhole over which
the engine stood.
A large crowd attended the test. Super
intendent Evans and First Assistant Super
intendent Steele were present to direct the
operations. Superintendent Wier, of the
Police Bureau, was also spectator, while
Captain Dan Silvius was on hand with q
squad of policemen to keep back the crowd.
Upon the arrival of the engines on the
ground, Superintendent Evans ordered the
opening of the manholes over the gas mains,
so that any gas in the conduits might escape
and be dissipated.
Both engines were attached to the water
plug at the corner of Water and Wood
streets. Superintendent Evans said that at
the last test the plug exerted pressure of
about 80 pounds. That much force was not
given yesterday, the maximum being hardly
more than 20 pounds. This prevented full
test of the strength Of the enormous engines.
Captain Hannigan, of No. 2. and Captain
McFadden, of No. 8, were out with the full
force of their companies Engine No. 2
was run by Daniel Eccles, and No. 3 by
George Brenneman. The engines were
fired up at o'clock, and in three minutes
there was good pressure of steam. Two
lines OF new hose, each 100 feet long, were
attached to each engine. On each line of
hose a nozzle with IL inch aperture was
fixed. The hose was manned by all the
available force, and the men had to brace
themselves firmly and hold on tightly TO con-
troll the nozzles with the immense pressure
exerted.
Streams were thrown O little over 100 feet.
The water burst forth with loud roar. The
high wind blew the spray for down the
wharf, and the setting sun caused beauti-
tul and very distinct rainbow. The gigantic
engines throbbed violently. Many specta-
tors were alarmed at the manner In which
they pulsated, and moved back to a safe
distance.
1t was found that the water pressure In
the plug was not sufficient to supply the
four hose lines to their capacity, and the
engines were stopped, All four hose were
then attached to a compound nozzle, with
and aperture of an inch and seven-eighth;.
On this both engines were exerted. An enor-
nous stream of water was thrown far down
the wharf. Murmers of admiration and as
tonIshment were heard on every side. No.
engine was soon slowed up Its bearings
were somewhat rough and became very hot
Engineer Brenneman treated all the bear
ihgs to good dose of oil.
Each engine then compounded its two
lines into one nozzle, with an aperture of
an inch and half. Two streams were thrown
to an estimated distance of $50 feet. This is
the longest stream ever thrown in this city,
and will reach the top Of the highest build
ing easily.
Chief Evans and all other officials ex-
pressed entire satisfaction with the tests
Captains Hannigsn and McFadden were
well pleased. No. 2 worked like charm.
Captain McFadden said that his new
monster needed only little work and a good
supply of oil. Assistant Superintendent
Steele said that, as matter of fact, the en-
giues can exert more pressure than can
properly be liberated by the nozzles. 1t will
never be necessary to run them to their
maximum strength.