I have
preserved my model just as it was; and some of its features have
since been introduced with advantage into shipbuilding.[1]
The firm of Robert Stephenson and Co. having contracted to build
for the Government three large iron caissons for the Keyham
Docks, and as these were very similar in construction to that of
an ordinary iron ship, draughtsmen conversant with that class of
work were specially engaged to superintend it. The manager,
knowing my fondness for ships, placed me as his assistant at this
new work. After I had mastered it, I endeavoured to introduce
improvements, having observed certain defects in laying down the
lines--I mean by the use of graduated curves cut out of thin
wood. In lieu of this method, I contrived thin tapered laths of
lancewood, and weights of a particular form, with steel claws and
knife edges attached, so as to hold the lath tightly down to the
paper, yet capable of being readily adjusted, so as to produce
any form of curve, along which the pen could freely and
continuously travel. This method proved very efficient, and it
has since come into general use.
The Messrs. Stephenson were then also making marine engines, as
well as large condensing pumping engines, and a large tubular
bridge to be erected over the river Don. The splendid high-level
bridge over the Tyne, of which Robert Stephenson was the
engineer, was also in course of construction.
Pages:
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380