It has frequently been asked, could a person breathe going at that rate of speed? It is not necessary to say he could, as we are constantly traveling over 1,000 miles per hour, without suffering any inconvenience, as in either case the atmosphere is carried with us.
And again:—What would be the effect if a number of people were seated on one side of the car? Would it not throw it out of balance?
These narrow cars bring the weight of the passengers on one side within one foot of the center, the height being fifteen feet, the side strain overhead would be one-fifteenth of the weight of the highest number of passengers (36) possible to be seated on one side, and would only be about 75 pounds on each of the four overhead trolley wheels. This would only be a trifle, as they are constructed to carry from two to five tons weight. This is an extreme case, however, as the cars ordinarily would be about evenly balanced.
A DOUBLE TRACK ROAD OF EVERY SINGLE, AND A FOUR TRACK OF EVERY DOUBLE.
The illustration on the opposite [page] shows how this is accomplished. On the side of the structure where the Bicycle trains are shown, we have an ordinary standard gauge, four feet eight and one-half inches. This gives us four feet and eleven inches from center to center of each rail, and as shown, with cars four feet wide, we have eleven inches between trains. This is ample.
On places were the curvature is considerable, cars could be made still narrower to accommodate four in each compartment instead of six, and to allow more space to clear one another in rounding curves where the overhang is considerable.
On such a road as shown here, two rails could be used for through express trains solely, with no possible interference, and every opportunity would be given for a very high rate of speed.
The value of such a line to business men would be incalculable, giving them a rapid, comfortable and safe transit, and at one-third the cost to railroad companies of the present so-called express trains.
Any business man, to whom time is valuable, would pay almost any price to reach the various places in order to facilitate his numerous business transactions.