SWITCHES FOR THE BICYCLE SYSTEM.
On page31we give an illustration of our switches. The standing vertical bar reaches from the tie or roadbed to the top of upper structure, with a crank top and bottom, thus operating top guide-beam and lower rail simultaneously. When full throw of the switch is made, the ends of the rail and guide-beam are brought directly opposite, making the joints similar to the old stub switch. These switches are thrown and locked the same as those now used. The length of the shifting guide-beam and lower rail is thirty feet. The swing of the guide-beam is eighteen inches, while that of the rail is about six. The difference between the two, twelve inches, gives the tilt to the car which facilitates the switching of cars or locomotives, leaning them to the right or left, thus reducing friction. We have two in use on our Coney Island road and have had no difficulty in switching our heaviest locomotive. Indeed the matter of switchingonly appearsto be complicated, whereas, in fact, it is very simple and safe. No contingency can possibly arise where these cars and locomotives could not be switched.
Railroad switch structure.Bicycle Railway Switch.
Bicycle Railway Switch.
Bicycle Railway Switch.