203

MODELS, DESIGNS, &c.

[Cl.ARS VII.

The model of the Britannia Bridge, contributed byMr. E. Clarke (107, p. 321), a gentleman engaged inits construction, and whose name is closely identifiedwith the work as the principal assistant to whom the in-vestigation of many of the scientific questions involvedin its construction, and the superintendence of the work,were intrusted. Of the first named, the works have beenexecuted some years, and have well answered the pur-poses for which they were intended. The peculiar modeof opening the bridges is well worthy the study of theengineer, and the application of the principles on whichthey are constructed may prove highly useful. Themodels are perfectly well made. Of the Britannia Bridgeit is unnecessary to do more than to name it. It is uni-versally recognised as one of the finest works of the age;but the object here exhibited can be considered only as amodel of the work, and is classed accordingly. In work-manship it manifests the perfection of the art of model-ling, and retlects great credit upon Mr. J. James, who isstated in the Catalogue to have executed it.

Under very similar circumstances may be classed anexcellently executed model of that great work, the Ply-mouth breakwater, contributed by Mr. W. Stuart (28,pp. 311, 312), who has personally superintended the exe-cution of the whole of these works, from the commence-ment in 1810.

To the exhibitors of the two models adjoining that ofthe Britannia Bridge, Medals have also been awarded.That of the Kief Suspension Bridge is contributed bythe engineer, Mr. C. Vignoles (K)5, p. 321); but thework is not executed, and therefore, although in courseof construction, can be considered only as a design. Themodel is by the same workman as that of the BritanniaBridge, Mr. J. James, and is a most elaborate and beau-tiful piece of work, exhibiting every minute detail.

The model of the bridge erecting over the Wye atChepstow, is exhibited by the contractors for the work,Messrs. Finch and Willey (9, p. 310). It illustrateswell the construction of the bridge, but is not highlyfinished.

In the American Division there is a full-sized model,or rather a portion of a bridge, illustrative of the prin-ciple of construction on which several large bridges havebeen erected in America . The principle is a modificationof the “ lattice bridge,” in which iron is skilfully intro-duced. The design, which is by the Messrs. Eider,exhibits that ingenuity and skill in construction forwhich the Americans are celebrated. It is sent by theNew York Iron Bridge Company (147, p. 1440).

Prize Medals have been awarded to Mr. Salter (p. 851)as the exhibitor of several most beautiful models ofengineering and architectural works; and to Mr. J. W.Lkeman (257, p. 1282), who has exhibited a very beau-tiful model of the Cathedral of Strasbourg : and of Mr. G.Michel, of Berne (248, p. 1282), for an exquisite modelof a Bernese farm-yard, with every detail both of interiorand exterior, the Jury make Honourable Mention.

Of geographical modelling, a most perfect specimen isexhibited by Captain Ibbetson (p. 851), being the modelof the Undercliff, Isle of Wight , from a trigonometricalsurvey, with every detail minutely and accurately given.

Mr. F. A. Carrington also exhibits several excellentmodels of various parts of England.

Before mentioning designs for mechanical constructionnot yet executed, it will be right to notice Mr. W. C.Wilkins’ revolving fioating-light (157, pp. 32G-328'), inwhich excellence of workmanship is combined with judi-cious contrivances for meeting the various difficulties ofobtaining a large steady burning revolving light, attachedto the mast of a floating-light vessel. These lights arein use and work well.

The designs for novel construction in engineering arenot numerous. Of these two have been selected as worthyof a Prize Medal, the breakwater and lighthouse of Mr.W. H. Smith (165, p. 328), and a bridge by Mr. J. T.Rose, of Leith (180, p. 329), in which an elegant andmechanical arrangement of timber is suggested.

Amongst building contrivances it is to be regrettedthat more numerous examples of heating and ventilatinghave not been found. But these having been generallyconnected with brandies of manufacture, are consideredin other Classes. Of the contrivances more or less con-nected with building, which have remained in Class VII.,Major Pratt (16, p. 311) has exhibited a model of a veiysimple and ingenious system of steps, for landing fromboats, which rise and fall with the tide, keeping at alltimes a complete set of steps, with a vertical rise andtread, and with a landing at the bottom, and the parts,being never covered by the water, may remain clean anddry. The model is small and unpretending, but the objectis by no means unimportant, and the idea promises to besuccessful and inexpensive in construction. No greatermerit can be ascribed to any plan, and the Jury haveconsidered it well worthy of a Prize Medal.

To both Mr. C. E. Heinke (53, p. 315) and Mr. A.Siede (1, p. 309) the Jury have awarded Prize Medals forcomplete sets of diving-dress apparatus, alike excellent inconstruction and well studied in detail; each has somepeculiarities, but both are goed in workmanship and welldesigned.

In contrivances for more domestic purposes to Messrs.J. Bennett and Co. (152, p. 326), who have exhibited aspecimen of their metal shutters, and several excellentwater-closets; and to Mr. T. II. Wilson (113, p. 328) fora very ingenious contrivance for a bolt for double road-gates, which gets rid of the objectionable stop that is nowused, which, rising in the middle of the road, is bothdangerous for horses and very unsightly, and for a systemof bolts and slides for doors, which renders them almostair-tight, and adds to their security against violence, theJury have also awarded Prize Medals.

Amongst several objects which were allotted at a lateperiod to Class VII., the Jury wish to draw particularattention to two sets of boring-tools from the Continent ,one contributed by Mr. J. F. Laue, of Wilderz, Switzer-land (65, p. 1270), constructed on a principle that hasbeen eminently successful, in which water is introducedby means of hollow rods, and mixing with the powder orsmall dust formed in the boring, is discharged throughthe tool by the blow of the latter, in descending or byother means, and thus carries with it the produce of theboring, keeping the bottom clear and fresh to receive thefull effect of the tool. A boring of 1,300 feet in depthhas been made with these tools, and with a facility ofwhich the old tools are not susceptible.

Messrs. Mulot and Son, of Paris (658, p. 1209\ havealso exhibited a set of powerful boring-tools, similar tothose with which they effected the celebrated “ Puit Ar-tesien,” of Grenelle, which exceeds 1,800 feet in depth.This result is sufficient proof of the excellence of theapparatus.

Among contributors of other objects, worthy of Ho-nourable Mention, but to which prizes have not beenawarded, the Jury desire to record the names of—

Mr. T. Bough (73, p. 317), the exhibitor of a model ofa railway ferry-boat.

Messrs. Bremner and Sons (95, p. 318) for their modelsof various apparatus for working in situations exposed tothe sea, and of that used to assist in getting off the“ Great Britain ” steam-ship.

Mr. J. Dobson (114, p. 323), for his model of a fine roofat the Newcastle Railway Station.

Mr. G. IIurwood (31, pp. 312, 313) for a simple appa-ratus for shutting and securing ships’ lights.

Mr. J. Lekmann (258, p. 1283) for a model of a foun-tain in the Market-place of Nuremberg , by the SculptorSebald Schonhofer. (Honourable Mention in Class XXX.also).

Alice Lowe and Co. (62, p. 316) for stink-traps.

Mr. T. G. Newnham (170, p. 328) for models of orna-mental roofs for churches and other similar buildings, ofterra cotta, and also of timber, and for a construction ofwindow-sashes, showing much ingenuity.

From Saxony some excellent models of roofs have alsobeen sent, which deserve mention.

I, K. BRUNEL, Reporter.

Westminster, OctvLer IS51.