IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES FOR MOUNTAIN RAIL OR TRAM WAYS
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Francis Fairlic, of Gracechurch Street, in
the City of London, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES FOR MOUNTAIN RAIL OR TRAM
WAYS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Francis Fairlie
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 14th November 1867.
I, ROBERT FRANCIS FAIRLIE, of Gracechurch Street, in the City of
London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES FOR MOUNTAIN RAIL
OR TRAM WAYS," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists in certain improvements in the construction of
locomotive engines whereby they are adapted for the carriage of merchandise
and passengers, the weight whereof, in addition to the gravity of the loco-
motive itself, becomes effective as a means of obtaining adhesion between the
wheels and the rails under circumstances which render the same necessary or
desirable, as in the case of very steep inclines and for passing round sharp
curves.
The locomotive engines for the Invention of which I obtained Letters
Patent bearing date the 12th day of May 1864, No. 1210, and the 9th day
of December 1865, No. 3185, are especially adapted for the purposes of
this Invention by reason of the boilers of such engines being supported upon
bogie engine frames, which give perfect freedom of motion in passing round
sharp curves.

page_text: The principal objects of the present Invention are effected by means of a
long rigid frame, which may be termed the "carrier" frame, and which is
placed above two bogie engine frames, a pin or head being fixed at or near
to each end of the former for the purpose of connecting it with the latter.
The "carrier" frame rests on the centre of each bogie engine frame by means
of the before-mentioned pins or heads, which fit into corresponding sockets or
recesses in the latter, thus forming the centres on which the bogie engine
frames swivel in accordance with my said former Inventions, and thereby con-
necting the bogie engine frames at their proper distances apart from each
other. The pins or heads and carrier" frame are constructed of sufficient
strength to sustain any shocks or strains, whether of tension or compression,
which may occur between the bogie engine frames or from any other cause.
It will be observed that the result of these arrangements is that the power
of the one bogie engine is so transmitted to the other that could steam be
supplied to the cylinders by any other means than from a boiler the engine
would be perfect, so far as the power to pull or push is concerned, without
the boiler, which is simply supported by the "carrier" frame, and performs no
function whatever save to generate steam for the cylinders and to add power
to the engines by the weight which it gives to the whole mass for the pur-
poses of adhesion.
The cross stays employed in the construction of the "carrier" frame,
whether a double-barrelled boiler or a single boiler be employed, are curved
to the same radius as the boiler in order that the latter may fit into the frame
as into a cradle. In order to make use of the weight of the merchandize and
passengers for the purposes of obtaining adhesion when a single boiler engine
is employed the "carrier" frame is prolonged to any desired length behind
the boiler in the position usually occupied by the tender of an ordinary
locomotive. Upon this frame is erected a carriage body, the same being
constructed as low in height as circumstances will admit, and upon the top
of the last-mentioned carriage body is built or placed another, thus making a
double-storied carriage, access to the upper portion of the same being gained
by any suitable means. Over the boiler and upon the "carrier" frame is
built or placed a waggon or receptacle for the conveyance of goods. The
platform for the driver is placed between the compartments for goods and
passengers and upon the top of the fire-box, thus giving him command over
the train during its progress. A space is provided in the lower compartment
of the passenger carriage for the fireman, the same being so placed that he
may have easy access to the coal bunkers, which are placed with the water
tanks ou each side of the fire-box under the driver's platform.

page_text: In the case of very steep inclines the engine for which the said Letters
Patent bearing date the 12th day of May 1864, No. 1210, were granted to
me, and in which a double-barrelled boiler is employed, is especially appli-
cable. Upon the "carrier" frame before described two passenger carriage
bodies are erected, one over each boiler barrel, and compartments are arranged
alongside the boiler under the floors of the carriages for the reception of the
luggage of passengers. The fuel and water are carried on both sides of the
fire-box, the side on which the fuel is placed being reserved for the use of
the fireman, whilst on the other side is a tank which is of the same height as
the top of the fire-box shell. A plate is placed over the fire-box shell and on
the top of the tank, forming a raised platform for the engine driver to enable
him to see the line both in advance and in the rear of the train.
Although the carrier" frame has been herein mentioned as being used in
connection with the engines described in the Specifications of my said former
Inventions, yet the same, together with other portions of this Invention, can
be applied to engines as ordinarily constructed, and for the like purposes, such
adaptations and arrangements thereof being necessarily made (without
departing from the principles of the present Invention) as would be apparent
to any person acquainted with the construction of railway rolling stock.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Robert Francis Fairlie in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 14th May 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
FRANCIS FAIRLIE, of Gracechurch Street, in the City of London, Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her, Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Robert Francis Fairlie, Her special licence that I, the said Robert
Francis Fairlie, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Robert Francis Fairlie, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES FOR

page_text: MOUNTAIN RAIL OR TRAM WAYS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said Robert Francis Fairlie, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my. or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Robert Francis Fairlie, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto
annexed; that is to say:-
This Invention consists in certain improvements in the construction of
locomotive engines whereby they are adapted for the carriage of merchandize
and passengers, the weight whereof, in addition to the gravity of the locomotive
itself, becomes effective as a means of obtaining adhesion between the wheels
and rails under circumstances which render the same necessary or desirable,
as in the case of very steep inclines and for passing round sharp curves.
The locomotive engines for the Invention of which I obtained Letters
Patent bearing date the 12th day of May 1864, No. 1210, and the 9th day
of December 1865, No. 3185. are especially adapted for the purposes of
this Invention by reasons of the boilers of such engines being supported
upon bogie engine frames, which give perfect freedom of motion in passing
round sharp curves.
The principal objects of the present Invention are effected by means of a
long rigid frame, which may be termed the "carrier frame, and which is
placed above two bogie engine frames, a pin or head being fixed at or near
to each end of the former for the purpose of connecting it with the latter.
The "carrier" frame rests on the centre of each bogie engine frame by
means of the before-mentioned pins or heads, which fit into corresponding
sockets or recesses in the latter, thus forming the centres on which the bogie
engine frames swivel in accordance with my said former Inventions, and
thereby connecting the bogie engine frames at their proper distances apart
from each other. The pins or heads and carrier frame are constructed of
sufficient strength to sustain any shocks or strains, whether of tension or
compression, which may occur between the bogie engine frames or from any
other cause.
It will be observed that the result of these arrangements is that
the power of the one bogie engine is so transmitted to the other that could
steam be supplied to the cylinders by any other means than from a boiler the

page_text: engine would be perfect, so far as the power to push or pull is concerned;
without the boiler,, which is simply supported by the "carrier "frame, and per-
forms no function whatever save to generate steam for the cylinders and to
add power to the engines by the weight which it gives to the whole mass for
the purposes of adhesion. The carrier frame is furnished with two strong
steel pins which extend downwards and fit into curved slots in the end of each
bogic next the fire-box, the said slots being struck from the centre of the
bogie frames. Elastic packing contained between steel plates may be inter-
posed between the bottom of the carrier frame and the top of the bogie
frames, and-between the bottom of the bogie frames and the nuts on the pins
just mentioned, in order to prevent shocks being transmitted fo the boiler.
Sometimes I employ coupling frames between the bogie frames. as described
in the Specification of my former Letters Patent, to give additional strength
or to allow the carrier frame to be made lighter; the coupling frames pass
below the carrier frame.
The cross stays employed in the construction of the "carrier "frame, whether
a double-barrelled boiler or a single boiler be employed, are curved to the
same radius as the boiler in order that the latter may fit into the frame as into
a cradle. The boiler is dropped into place and remains there without any.
fastening except bolts in the angle irons hereafter described; it has no con-
nection with the bogie framing except through the steam and exhaust pipes;.
it has thus free scope for expansion or contraction, so that liability to accident
is greatly reduced and the life of the boiler prolonged. The carrier frame is
also so constructed that the fire-box portion of the boiler passes through it.
until the angle irons, which are rivetted along each side of the fire-box shell
for this object, obtain a bearing and rest on the top of the carrier frame..
These angle irons may be firmly bolted to the carrier frame at each side of the
fire-box shell midway of its length, that is to say, the point from which-
expansion would commence outwards towards each end; additional bolts may
also be put in these angle irons and carrier frame extending from the centre.
bolt to the ends of the angle irons, the bolt holes being made oblong, gra-
duating from the centre outwards to about ths of an inch at the outside
bolt beyond its diameter to admit of free expansion. In order to make use
of the weight of the merchandize and passengers for the purpose of obtaining
adhesion when a single boiler engine is employed the "carrier" frame is pro-
longed to any desired length behind the boiler in the position usually occupied
by the tender of an ordinary locomotive. Upon this frame is erected a carriage
body, the same being constructed as low in height as circumstances will,
admit, and upon the top of the last-mentioned carriage body is built or placed,

page_text: another, thus making a double-storied carriage, access to the upper portion
of the same being gained by any suitable means. Over the boiler and upon
the "carrier" frame is built or placed a waggon or receptacle for the con-
veyance of goods. The platform for the driver may be placed between the
compartments for goods and passengers and upon the top of the fire-box, thus
giving him command over the train during its progress. A space may be
provided in the lower compartment of the passenger carriage for the fireman,
the same being so placed that he may have easy access to the coal bunkers,
which may be placed with the water tanks on each side of the fire-box under
the driver's platform. The steam pipes pass from the steam dome in the
usual manner to the bogie frames near the cylinders, where they are connected
to T-shaped pipes, the cross arms of the T being curved to a radius struck
from the centre of the bogie pin or pivot, and free to slide in the ends of the
other pipes attached to the cylinders or steam chests, these last-mentioned
pipes, which are also curved, being fitted with stuffing boxes and glands to
prevent escape of steam at the joints.
In the case of very steep inclines the engine for which the said Letters
Patent, bearing date the 12th day of May 1864, No. 1210, were granted to
me, and in which a double-barrelled boiler is employed, is especially appli-
cable. Upon the carrier frame before described two passenger carriage bodies
are erected, one over each boiler barrel, and compartments are arranged
alongside the boiler under the floors of the carriages for the reception of
the luggage of passengers. The two boiler barrels are attached in the usual
manner to a central fire-box casing or shell into which two distinct fire-boxes
are placed; or one large fire-box may be used with a transverse water partition
across its centre, thus forming two separate fire-boxes, the products of com-
bustion from these fire-boxes being compelled to pass through the tubes in the
barrel connected with each box, and therefore keeping the draught from the
two boxes entirely distinct and separate from each other. The boilers may
each be furnished with a chimney or funnel and steam and exhaust pipes
situate at each end of the locomotive, or return flues or tubes may be fitted in
the steam space over the fire-box, so as to lead the products of combustion
back through the boiler to one central funnel, as described in the Specification
of my said Patent of 12th May 1864. The fuel and water are carried on the
two sides of the fire-box, the side on which the fuel is placed being reserved
for the use of the fireman, whilst on the other side is a tank, which is of the same
height as the top of the fire-box shell. A plate may be placed over the fire-box
shell and on the top of the tank, forming a raised platform for the engine driver
to enable him to see the line both in advance and in the rear of the train.

page_text: Although the carrier frame has been herein mentioned as being used in
connection with the engines described in the Specification of my said former
Inventions, yet the same can be applied to engines as ordinarily constructed
and for the like purposes, such adaptations and arrangements thereof being
necessarily made (without departing from the principle of the present Inven-
tion) as would be apparent to any person acquainted with the construction of
railway rolling stock. Instead of horizontal boilers vertical boilers may be
used resting on the top and in the centre of one or other bogie frame, and
bolted thereto; the cylinders may be fitted on the boiler in any convenient
form or to the bogie frames, and may drive direct one pair of wheels, from
which other wheels may be driven by coupling rods or other convenient
form of coupling; or a separate crank shaft may be driven, which in turn
would drive the wheels. The cylinders, boilers, steam pipes, bogies, and
all connections are all bolted together, therefore elastic or moveable steam
pipes are not required, as the whole would revolve together.
My Invention will be fully understood by the accompanying Drawings.
Figure 1 is a side elevation, and Figure 2 a transverse section shewing my
rigid carrier or cradle frame with a boiler and fuel and water bunkers or
tanks placed thereon; Figure 3 is a plan of the carrier frame by itself.
A, A, is the carrier frame, which as before mentioned is a rigid body from
end to end; it is supported on two bogies or swivel frames, the pivotting
centres of which are indicated at the points marked B, B; C is the boiler,
which is dropped into the frame A. The frame A is so constructed that the
fire-box portion C₁ of the boiler passes through it, as seen in Figure 1, until
the angle irons rivetted along each side of the fire-box shell rest upon the top
of the frame A, to which they may be bolted, as before described; that portion
of the frame A which extends under the barrel of the boiler is concave or
curved to the same radius as the boiler to receive the barrel as in a cradle;
the boiler is thus thoroughly supported at all parts, yet free to move by
expansion or contraction in any direction; D is the fuel bunker, which is
dropped or placed upon the after part of the frame A.
In Figures 4 to 7 I show the mode in which I combine a compartment for
merchandize or luggage and a passenger carriage with my rigid carrier frame.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section, Figure 5 a horizontal section partly through
the line 11, and partly through the line 2. . . 2, of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a
transverse section through the line 3. . . 3, and Figure 7 a transverse section
through the line 4. . . 4, of Figure 4. These Figures also shew the bogies and
the locking apparatus, also the spaces for containing a supply of water. A, A;B
is the carrier frame; B, B, the bogies turning or pivotting on the centres

page_text: B', B'; C, the boiler; E, E, the locking apparatus for the bogies or curved
slot and steel pin herein-before referred to; F is a strong roofed framework
forming a compartment for luggage or merchandize and supported on the
rigid frame A; G is a carriage erected upon the after part of the frame A; it
is divided longitudinally into two compartments, it has also built over it a
second carriage or storey H, which may also be divided longitudinally.
The spaces I, I, between the main plates of the frame A, A, form water
reservoirs to supply the locomotive or otherwise; they are covered in and form
the seats for the passengers in the carriage G, as clearly seen in Figure 7;
they also form the foot plates for the driver and stoker.
Figure 8 is a detached view showing an arrangement for preventing violent
jolting or concussion. Instead of the boiler and carriages resting directly
upon the rigid carrier frame A, they carry springs a on their under side,
which bear upon other springs b on the bogies, which latter springs may
bear upon the axle boxes c, a plate d being fixed between every pair of
springs a, b, to allow for the swivelling motion of the bogies.
Figures 9 to 12 represent a double-barrelled boiler placed upon my carrier
frame. Figure 9 is a longitudinal section; Figure 10, a horizontal section partly
through the line 5. . . 5, and partly through the line 6. . 6, of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a transverse section through the line 7. . . 7, and Figure 12 a
transverse section through the line 8. . . 8, of Figure 9. A, A, is the carrier
frame, and B, B, the bogies, of which B', B', are the pivots; C, C, are the
two boiler barrels attached to each other at the fire-box end. There is one
fire-box K with a transverse water partition L, forming as it were two fire-
boxes, from which the products of combustion pass through the tubes of the
respective barrels C, C. A passenger carriage G is erected above each
barrel.
Figures 13, 14, and 15 represent an arrangement in which a double-barrelled
boiler (without passenger compartments) is mounted on a rigid carrier frame
A, and in which water spaces I, I, and fuel carries D, D, are carried on the
frame A at each side of the boiler barrels. The fire-boxes are bayed or
recessed at both sides (or they may be bayed at one side only), as seen at
M, M, in order to give more standing room for the driver and the stoker,
and to facilitate the supply of fuel to the fire; the fuel may be fed into the
furnace from both sides or from either side of the fire-box.
Figures 16 and 17 represent springs a, a, on the under side of the boiler
and resting directly upon the frame A, and with the same object as before
described in reference to the springs shown in Figure 8.
t
In Figure 15 N, N, are apertures at the sides of the fire-box through

page_text: which the fuel is fed. In Figure 18 I represent a novel mode of feeding
the fuel at the top of the fire-box through apertures O, O, in a dome P,
these apertures being provided with doors. Figure 19 is a horizontal
section of the dome.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,-
First. The combination with bogies or swivel frames of a rigid carrier or
cradle frame, constructed and arranged substantially in the manner and for
the purposes herein-before described and represented in the accompanying
Drawings.
Second. The combination with the bogies or swivel frames and rigid carrier
or cradle frame of a boiler which is dropped into its place and secured to the
rigid frame at the fire-box only, substantially as and for the purpose herein-
before described and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
Third. The combination with the bogies or swivel frames, the rigid carrier
or cradle frame, and the boiler of a fuel carrier, substantially as herein-before
described and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
Fourth. The combination with the bogies or swivel frames, the rigid carrier
or cradle frame, and the boiler of a luggage or merchandize compartment
substantially as herein-before described and represented in the accompanying
Drawings.
Fifth. The combination with the bogies or swivel frames, the rigid carrier
or cradle frame, and the boiler of passenger carriages or compartments,
substantially as hierein-before described and represented in the accompanying
Drawings.
Sixth. The con bination with the bogies or swivel frames, the rigid carrier
or cradle frame, and the boiler of water spaces, arranged substantially as
herein-before described and represented in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Francis Fairlic, have hereunto
set my hand and sea!, this Twelfth day of May, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
ROBT. F. FAIRLIE. (L.S.)