1870s High Speed Train

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Found this interesting story while surfing. It is an account of Engine #110 which appeard in the November 27, 1877 edition of Harper's Weekly



Take note how fast they operated this mail train. Bear in mind the automobile was at least 20 years away, and the fastest transportation on land (besides trains) was a mighty steed.



http://www.railroadextra.com/Page0004.Html



Vaughn

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The Iron Steam Horse

Here's another oddity appearing in the January 22, 1876 edition of Scientific American. It's supposed to run on trolley tracks and not scare the horses. Do you think the horses will be fooled?



This 4000 pound wonder was expected to put 5hp to the rails and hit a top speed of 20mph. Pretty cute, huh? No word on whether this curiosity actually went into production or not.

http://www.railroadextra.com/steamhrs.Html

Vaughn