Note 155 — Chapter IX · PROPELLING MACHINERY

The Archimedes, with a 3-foot stroke engine which worked at 27 strokes per minute, was run against the Widgeon, the fastest paddlewheel steamer on the Dover station. Two points of importance were noted by the Admiralty representatives with reference to the propelling machinery of the Archimedes: the objectionable noise made by the spur-wheels, and their liability to damage and derangement. As, however, Mr. Smith proposed to obviate this objection “by substituting spiral gearing in lieu of the cogs” the representatives did not lay stress on these disadvantages.