BICYCLE LOCOMOTIVE No. 2.
This locomotive was constructed at the same time as the No. 1, but not as an improvement over that machine, its principal advantage being that it was so much lighter in weight. This was particularly advantageous from the fact that we were using an old unused road not designed for heavy traffic, and with this light machine we could attain a much greater speed with safety on this limited road than with the No. 1. It weighs only nine tons, but by filling the tanks with coal and water the traction may be greatly increased. The driver is 6 feet in diameter. It has two cylinders 10 × 12 inches. The boiler is an upright containing 102 tubes.
This machine is capable of a speed of 90 miles an hour drawing three Bicycle cars, with seatingaccommodationfor 300 people, and an average consumption of coal of one-half a ton per day.[2]
We have used this locomotive constantly since the 16th of August, 1890, and have made the regular run of the road, one and three-quarter miles, in three minutes regularly. On special time trips, the same distance, in two and a quarter minutes, including starting and stopping.
Locomotive on rail structure viewed from the side.Bicycle Locomotive No. 2.
Bicycle Locomotive No. 2.
Bicycle Locomotive No. 2.