Foden steam waggon, around 1901, reference 6
Steam power competed with internal combustion for many years on quite equal terms, especially when steam vehicles, to increase their payload, were fitted with condensers to conserve water and to burn oil rather than coal. They differed in appearance throughout their development but at their most advanced stage they had become very similar as can be seen from the photo below.
Sentinel steam lorry, 1933: reference 4
However, whatever their merits, their starting procedure, as described below, put them at a great disadvantage when compared to simply turning the ignition key or even swinging the starting handle:
".....To begin with the ashpan and grate are dropped and swept clear of ash and clinker. Then the grate is replaced and the ashpan is left off to permit better air circulation. A rag soaked in paraffin is lit and dropped down the shute into the grate; this is followed by firewood in small qualtities until a depth of six inches is built up, when four shovelfulls of coal are added. More coal is added at frequent intervals to build up the depth of the fire. When the steam pressure gauge shows a reading of 10 psi the blower is opened so as to draw the fire. Coal is gradually added until 150 psi steam pressure is reached. The the drain valve on the exhaust and the throttle is opened slightly for two or three minutes to warm the cylinders and blow out any water. Full pressure is reached and the waggon is ready to drive off. This procedure normally takes from an hour to an hour and a half...." (Reference 6)
They began to melt away during the "30's with the introduction of more efficient and robust diesel engines although petrol scarcity during the Second World War gave them temporarily a new lease of life. They were an impressive and frightening presence on the road, at least for some children (I was one of them), with a whirring chain drive, billowing clouds of black smoke (the coal was of appalling quality), and boasting an impressively and enviably grimy driver.(back to trucks)
Have a look at this video to get an idea of what they looked like
