In addition to the compound locomotives already described, an early development of this type, known as the Richmond, or cross-compound, came into service. This engine differs from those already described in that it has only two cylinders, whereas those previously mentioned have four. In the cross-compound engine there is a high-pressure cylinder on the left side and a large or low-pressure cylinder on the right. The live steam passes from the boiler through the head and branch pipes to the high-pressure cylinder in the usual way. It is then exhausted into a receiver or circular pipe resembling the branch pipe which conveys the steam from the high-pressure cylinder across the inside of the smoke-box into the steam chest of the low-pressure cylinder. The steam passes from the steam chest into the cylinder and exhausts out through the stack in the usual way. The construction is such that the locomotive can be worked simple when starting trains. This type was never very largely used.
Table of Contents; Page 27; Page 35; Index
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