The Development of the Electric Mine Locomotive

The paper traces, largely by means of pictures, the course that has been followed in developing the mine locomotive to its present condition. The paper is limited to locomotives for operation in coal mines. The two main factors which have directed the development are, first, the demand for increased entry capacity, and second, the exploitation of thin seams. The early machines were high, and of irregular outline, whereas later machines are compact and strong, yet accessible, and easily inspected and overhauled. Various types of framing are illustrated. Locomotives with two and three axles in rigid wheel base, and also tandem locomotives, are shown and described. Reference is made to various methods of connecting the motors by which the adhesive weight is used to full advantage. Gathering locomotives, with vertical and horizontal reels, both axle-driven and with independent electric drive, are illustrated, and some of the problems of gathering work are briefly discussed. There is also brief reference to various types of motors with different methods of lubrication, as well as some reference to sleeve vs. frictionless bearings. The paper closes with a few tendency curves, and attention is called to the lines of future development which these curves apparently indicate.