Baker Uniflow
Posted by:
Peter Heid (IP Logged)
Date: July 09, 2003 12:18AM
<HTML>I have been compairing the reign of steam tractors to that of the steam auto and I found an interesting agricultural steam traction engine with a single cylinder uniflow engine. It seems Abner D. Baker, known for his variation on the hackworth valve gear used on locomotives, built steam tractors and they were offered with DA uniflow engines if desired. In 1927 there were 3 uniflow models: 19-65hp, 8 3/4 by 10.25 inch bore and stroke; 21-75hp, 9 1/4 by 10 inch bore and stroke; and the 23-90hp with a 10 inch bore and stroke. The long, outside admission piston valve intrigued me. The exhaust was through the center ring of ports and through the inlet port on the inside of the valve. This extra exhaust was to prevent excessive compression on the uniflow and as the piston valve moved slightly it would block the inlet and allow some compression before admission.</HTML>