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FOREWORD

THE Climax Patent Geared Locomotive is now in successful operation in almost every part of the civilized world. When it is remembered that it is only ten years since this improved type of engine was placed on the market, its success must be regarded as the best, evidence of its superior worth. The great and increasing demand for this engine has necessitated the increasing from time to time of facilities on the part of the manufacturers, in the way of new buildings and special tools and machinery, until today their equipment is complete in every detail. The Climax Patent Geared Locomotive is made upon the most modern and approved principles, its center gearing, which is peculiar to this type of engine, furnishing and maintaining an equal distribution of power to both rails.

The design of this catalogue is twofold. First, to illustrate the superior construction of this locomotive, and, second, to show a number of views of the engine taken while in operation, all of which tell their own story of efficiency and ability to perform its task under the most difficult conditions. We have thought it best to show these illustrations in preference to printed testimonials, of which we have hundreds on file in our office, copies of which we shall be pleased to furnish on application.

The matter of greatest importance to a purchaser of a locomotive of our type is to know that he is getting the best. We fully guarantee the Climax Patent Geared Locomotive, both for workmanship and material, and invite a thorough investigation of its merits. An impartial trial will demonstrate its worth. Estimates and full particulars are cheerfully furnished on any size or type desired.

Yours respectfully,
CLIMAX MANUFACTURING COMPANY

 

Horizontal Style-Brief Description

THE Climax Patent Geared Locomotive has many points in its construction peculiar to itself that have earned for it such worldwide popularity for durability, strength and efficiency. It is the outcome of a demand for an engine that has great traction power and flexibility to adjust itself when running upon light and cheaply constructed tracks, on steep grades, sharp curves and rough and uneven roadbeds. It is built for any practical gauge, and to run on either wooden, steel or even pole roads, as desired. While we recommend the building of steel tracks wherever possible, yet the wooden stringer railroad is successfully and profitably operated upon by our locomotive weighing up to twenty tons.

The Locomotive is mounted on two four-wheel trucks which have a spring over each axle in addition to those between the bolsters, making them flexible on the road and able to adjust themselves to irregularities of the track.

A Horizontal Engine is attached to the frame on each side of the boiler and transmits the power to the square line shafts, which have universal couplings, extending to both truck line shafts, on which are steel pinions, meshing into the axle gears, transmitting the power equally to all wheels and with equal traction to both rails. The engine parts are all in open view, readily accessible and adjustable to wear. The cross-heads have phosphor bronze shoes. The rods have screw wedge adjustment, The links are made in halves of forged steel, case hardened, and with the link pins of hardened tool steel with phosphor bronze bushings. The reversing shaft is made of hammered steel with forged arms, and the valve motion is perfected by improved link motion, adjustable to cut-off at equal points and to back up as much as it will pull forward.

Side View of Geared Truck

The Boiler is mounted in the center of a steel frame, and is a regular horizontal locomotive style, having the tubes well submerged, permitting it to run up the steepest grades without baring either end. All boilers are tested, stamped and numbered as required by steam boiler insurance companies. Copper ferrules are on the fire-box end, preventing expansion and leakage. A water space is around the firebox, the crown sheet being securely fastened by stay bolts, screwed down from the top, and riveted at both ends. There are cleaning out plugs around the corners and a blow-off cock attached. A large steam dome is in the center, giving dry steam at all times, from which a dry pipe leads through the smoke box and saddle to the cylinders. The fire-box is large, giving plenty of grate service, and grates are provided for coal or wood. An extension smoke box with spark arresting screen is attached and suitable cinder dumps and poke holes are arranged so the cinders can be taken out without interfering with the gearing. A straight cast stack is used for coal, and a diamond stack, with improved spark arrester, when wood fuel is used.

The Ash Pan is strongly made, with a proper regulating damper. Dry steam is taken into the steam box in the cab from which the connections are made. The boiler is lined with asbestos and covered with a Russia iron jacket. A sand dome with lever and lead pipes to the rails are attached.

The Frame is made of steel channels with heavy steel liners reinforcing the center, large corner brackets being riveted to the channel and bolted to heavy oak end sills to which the drawheads are fastened. The frames are connected by double trussed iron bolsters. Two large truss rods stiffen the frame, having turn buckles in the center.

End View of Geared Truck, Showing the Adjustment of Gears

The Trucks, as shown in the engravings, are made on a new principle. The wheels are all driving wheels. Channels 12 inches wide connect the centers on which the center springs set, with an additional spring over each axle, making it easy and flexible on the track. The bolster is double trussed with rub irons on each end, and a wrought iron tic-bar connects the ends of the truck frames and supports the brake hangers. A steel gear is placed on the center of the axle, having the hub pressed to place, and gear rims made in halves, and are interchangeable, so that they can be renewed quickly when worn out. The line shaft runs over the top of the axle and is held in place by our patented cross-boxes and sleeves. The cross-boxes have interchangeable phosphor bronze liners made in halves and adjustable to wear. Sleeve couplings and bronze rings are fitted on the axle between the gear and the wheel on one side and the cross-box and wheel on the other, holding the gear in mesh and line shaft in position, and taking up the side wear. Steel pinions are placed on the outside of the axle gears next to the cross-box and adjustable collars are on the line shaft inside the cross-box, preventing the end play of the shaft and making them adjustable to wear. The power is transmitted by the line shaft pinions to the axle gears, thereby giving equal power to each wheel and equal traction on both rails, and permitting it to curve equally as well one way as the other.

Wheels for wood or steel rails are used as desired. The axles and line shafts are made of special hammered steel and are very large to avoid breakage. Journal boxes of approved pattern are used with heavy brasses, having deep oil cellars filled with waste.

A Brake Cylinder is attached to the center of the channel iron on each truck, and the brake lever is connected to the piston rod of the brake cylinder, making the brake complete on each truck, swinging with the trucks on curves, and holding the brake shoes as tightly as on a straight line, without corner binding. By this arrangement the long brake rod and chain is obviated and double security is had. The truck frames are made strong and substantial, and lock nuts are an all bolts, preventing the parts from loosening.

The Cab is of hardwood, with sliding windows and doors opening onto the running boards on each side of the boiler. An adjustable ventilator is in center of cab roof. It has wide back corner ends with window lights, and is fitted with seats for the engineer and fireman.

The Tank is horse shoe shaped, with flaring top, and is securely braced and fastened to the frame. The locomotive is equipped complete with all tools and fittings for its operation, including steam brake, steam syphon and suction hose for taking water, two injectors, sight feed lubricator, water gauge try cocks, steam gauge headlight, bell, whistle, pop valve, machinist hammer, pipe wrench, monkey wrench, chisel, punch, oil cans, clinker bar and poker. It is painted, varnished, lettered and numbered as desired.

 

Upright Style—General Description

WE also build lighter locomotives, having same style of trucks, with our patent gearing. These locomotives have a frame made of Southern pine or oak.

A Pair of High Speed Double Acting Engines are located in the center of the main frame, made of the best material and workmanship. Phosphor bronze shoes on the cross-heads are adjustable to wear. Links are made in halves of hardened steel. The main rods are solid forged, and the brasses are adjustable to wear by wedge, and all the working parts are made interchangeable as well as adjusted to wear. A pair of steel spur gears are on the engine shaft, meshing into a corresponding pair on the center shaft, which gives two powers or speeds, either of which may be used, giving the advantage of doubling the power when necessary to overcome a steep grade, or where an exceptionally heavy pull is to be made, which is not used on any other geared locomotive built.

The Center Shaft is made of Steel, on which the main gears are fitted. Universal couplings and square line shafts connect to the trucks, permitting each truck to curve independent of the other.

The Boiler is T shape, having horizontal tubes, a water space around the firebox, extension smoke box, large steam and water capacity, and is a very economical steamer. Grates are furnished for coal or wood.

The Tank is round, carrying plenty of water. The Cab is canopy shaped, with open sides, and can be arranged for curtain or enclosed with sliding windows on sides of engine and end doors, as desired.

It is equipped with all standard fittings and tools for its operation. We furnish detailed specifications, giving fully all dimensions of each size locomotive that may be desired with every proposition that we make.

Double High Speed Vertical Engine, Used in Upright Style Locomotive

Upright Locomotive, Style "A"


Horizontal, Style "B"

Horiztonal, Style "C"

 

Logging Car, without Springs

Logging Car, with Springs

Photograph 1
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Photograph 3
Photograph 4
Photograph 5
Photograph 6
Photograph 7
Photograph 8

 

Duplicate Parts

A complete record of each locomotive is kept, as an important feature of our construction is the system of duplicate parts. All the working parts of each locomotive are interchangeable with others of the same class and kind, and blue prints showing all the working parts numbered and lettered are furnished to every purchaser.

We keep a stock of fitted duplicate parts for all sizes and kinds, so that orders for repairs are accurately and promptly filled.

Special Sizes and Styles

This catalogue contains many sizes and styles of locomotives from which to select, but we are able to make any change in the general construction to suit the special requirements of the customer. We wish the following information in order to submit proposition and specifications of an engine that we would recommend and warrant to do the work:

1. Gauge of track and length of road.
2. Steepest grade and sharpest curves on said grade.
3. Weight of load and number of cars to be hauled up the grade.
4. Kind of fuel.
5. Weight of rail.

We will appreciate all the information regarding traffic desired to haul daily, and number of miles expected to run, as we may be able to make valuable suggestions regarding the most suitable engine.

 

Export Orders

We have been exporting many Locomotives in the past few years where they come in competition --ith the best European builders, as well as with our home competitors, but the simplicity of design of the Climax Geared Locomotive, the ease with which it is cared for and handled, and the wearing parts kept up and renewed, make it very easy for the foreigner to run and operate successfully. The Climax Geared Locomotive is able to overcome the steep grades and sharp curves over the rough and uneven roadbed, upon light rails, with greater traction power than other locomotives requiring much more expensive track.

We have them in Hawaiian Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and South America, as well as Alaska, and in nearly every one of our own States.

Great care is exercised in taking down, boxing and packing all parts for protection against damages during ocean voyages.

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