This, however, was not the
maximum speed, as the level track was not long enough to permit
of its attaining the highest rate. It was the opinion of the
speaker, however, that the speed attained could not be exceeded
with prudence on the elevated structure.
The measurements of speed were made by dividing the track into
19 sections of 500 ft., each section being provided with a
circuit-closing plate connected with a chronograph which was
carefully tested. The indicator cards were taken at the central
station by Mr. Idell and his assistants, and the dynamometer
used was of the liquid type made by Mr. Shaw, of Philadelphia.
The diagrams prepared from the data obtained were then explained
by the speaker, who stated that there was not a marked
difference between the 10 ton motor and the 18 ton locomotive in
the initial effort on the level, as will be seen by comparing a
run observed by a railroad officer on March 9 with a steam motor
and a load of about 571/2 tons. The steam motor required 1 min.
and 29 sec. to make the distance from 14th to 23d streets, while
the electric motor with a train of 70 tons made the same trip in
1 min. and 50 sec.; the absence of power brakes compelled the
current to be taken off at 19th street, while it was probable
that the throttle of the steam locomotive was not closed until
it reached 23d street, this being the usual practice.
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