BICYCLE LOCOMOTIVE No. 1.
The illustration on the oppositepagedescribes our locomotive No. 1. It was built in Portland, Me., and is probably the first Bicycle locomotive ever constructed. At the first public trial, which took place in September, 1888, at Gravesend, L. I., were present some of the most prominent railroad men in the country. Its capabilities for speed were satisfactorily demonstrated, but owing to the shortness of the road, no especially high rate of speed was attained.
This machine weighs 23 tons. It has two 12 × 14 inch cylinders, and a driving-wheel 8 feet in diameter. It has a traction of about 300 tons. There is no doubt that this machine could easily maintain a speed of 100 miles an hour, drawing a train of Bicycle cars, with a seating capacity more than equal to that of the longest standard gauge train.
The steaming capacity of the boiler has been found to be very great, and entirely adequate to perform the work required of it. The extraordinary height of the fire-box, 6 feet from grade to crown sheet, forms a natural combustion chamber, causing great economy in the consumption of fuel.
This machine was found to be heavier than was necessary for the Coney Island road, and locomotive No. 2, a much lighter machine, is now used in its place.
Locomotive on rail structure.Bicycle Locomotive No. 1.
Bicycle Locomotive No. 1.
Bicycle Locomotive No. 1.