Tests of Sleam Fire Engines.
Under a resolution of the Board, a test of engines took
place on November 9, 1880 of which the subjoined is a report:
The engines to be run for twelve (12) consecutive hours,
with at least two (2) cocks of water, the steam pressure to be limited
to 100 pounds per square inch; an accurate record of the steam and water
pressure, and the distance the water is thrown, to be taken at least each
fifteen (15) minutes; time of stopping, if any, of each engine, and its
cause, noted, but the test to proceed with the others, nevertheless. The
builders of the engines to have the privilege of running their own machines,
and having them put in thorough order at the Repair Shops before the trial.
In case the privilege of running their own engines be declined, the test
will proceed under the direction of the Department. Cannel coal furnished
by the Department to be used, and a record of the quantity kept. The Clapp
& Jones Manufacturing Company and the Ahrens Manufacturing Company
replied to the resolution and consented to run their engines. The Manchester
Locomotive Works declined to take part in the test, consequently their
engine was run by members of this Department. Engines 13 and 33 were taken
to the Repair Shops and examined by their respective builders, they, being
new engines, needed no repairs. No. 20, having been in service about nineteen
(19! months, it was deemed advisable to make a thorough examination of
the engine. A leak was found in the lap of the steam chimney; some of the
springs of the valves in the pumps were broken. The valves and springs
were all replaced with new ones, and the old leathers on the pump plungers
were removed, and replaced with new ones. All the steam and water gauges
were tested, to a uniform standard, by A. Schmidt & Brothers, of 41
Ccntre street.
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