FARMERS AND CHEAP SUBURBAN ROADS.
Car structure.
The possibilities of this system of railway construction are immense. Small feeding roads may be built in sparsely settled districts, where the farmer of moderate means may build his own roads, and transport his grain and produce to town with but a trifling cost. A road sufficient for this purpose could be built for probably about two thousand dollars per mile, especially in districts where timber is readily obtainable. This would be a great boon for farmers, as at present some of their products scarcely pay for raising, and their only means of transportation to the large towns is by horses and wagons.
A very light rail may be used in this description of railroad by placing longitudinal timber underneath, which could be formed by a tree hewn or sawed on one side for the rail to rest on. Passing underneath is the cross-timber placed at right angles, to the side of which supports for the upper structure are fastened. Bicycle locomotives may be constructed weighing from two tons up to any weight according to the load necessary to be drawn.
Where the surface is moderately level, longitudinal timbers may rest on the ground. From their strength and stiffness the danger from washouts would be very little. These structures may be composed of lighter or heavier timber, as it all depends upon the weight which they are required to carry.
Track structure over a river.Elevated Double Track Georgia Pine Structure. Cost, $20,000 per mile.
Elevated Double Track Georgia Pine Structure. Cost, $20,000 per mile.
Elevated Double Track Georgia Pine Structure. Cost, $20,000 per mile.