Scientific American Supplement, No. 611, September 17, 1887 by Various
page 22 of 143 (15%)
page 22 of 143 (15%)
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Construction of tramway. 1 0.53 2.09
Motors, cars, etc. 1 1.63 1.21 Cars. 1 0.54 0.81 --- ---- ---- Totals. 5 7.55 7.86 Average. 1 1.51 1.57 Now this table must stand by itself for what it represents, and no more. It will be noted that I have not introduced the subject of men. This would unquestionably show favorably for both electricity and cable. Again, note, please, that this table does not represent your profits exactly as per ratios. I have to get them operated the same number of cars and under the same headway. Now with either electricity or cable a higher rate of speed can be maintained with but a very small proportionate increase of cost. This means quicker time, more trips, and greater receipts. Evidently, as a financial investment, even if cost of maintenance and operating is greater, the cable is to be preferred to horses. How is it with electricity? The ratios of expenses, etc., stand for themselves, the law of speed is far simpler than with cable, bringing even greater receipts, and again in practice the saving of coal in proportion to work done on track day or night is immensely more economical than with the cable. This point will be touched upon later. 6th. Individual characteristics and advantages. Under this head a few of the salient features of each system will be mentioned. As the possibilities and limitations of the horse railroad |
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