Part of cable car depot in Henderson Row still exists. Alex Dow reports
that most of it was demolished in the 1980's.
"There is a nice video about Edinburgh (electric) but there is a short
bit near the end that includes a visit into the remaining cable tunnels etc
underneath Henderson Row. These exist today. The 'tour' is conducted by
the (now retired) General Manager of Lothian Region Transport. The video
is UK format PAL/SECAM. There is a very small preserved section of cable
track in Waterloo Place (at the East End of Princes St) in Edinburgh. When
the trams ran, there was a good 100ft or more. This is/was at the "Post
Office" tram Terminus."
CHARLES BILLETTE
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Birmingham
Black Country Museum Transport
Group (BCMTG)
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Bank Road and the Tram has information about Matlock cable trams:
"At the turn of the twentieth century Matlock boasted the steepest tramway in the world.
For 34 years, from 1893 to 1927, a cable tramway connected Crown Square with Smedley Street
and Rutland Street. The single line tramway - with passing places - went straight up Bank
Road. Bank Road, or 'The Bank', was known as Dob(b) Lane before 1891.
"The idea of the tramway came from San Francisco. A local man, Job Smith, had seen the
one in San Francisco in 1862 (sic) and a few years later tried, unsuccessfully, to interest
John Smedley in the idea. It was not until 1892 that Sir George Newnes of Matlock Bath, who
had built a cliff railway in Devon, offered to finance the project. A limited company was
formed and the directors were:
"Sir George Newnes
Mr Robert Wildgoose of Matlock
Mr Job Smith of Matlock
Mr Charles Rowland of Matlock
Dr W Bell Hunter of Matlock
Mr Charles Hill of Bridge House, Cromford
Mr G Croydon Marks of Birmingham
"The building that housed the tram's depot and engine house is just below Rockside (the old
Hydro), on the corner of Rutland and Wellington Street. The waiting room has a clock on top and
was given to the town by Robert Wildgoose; the building was originally in the middle of Crown
Square but has been moved to the side of the Square into Hall Ley's Park.
http://www.matlock.ndirect.co.uk/Tramway.htm
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"SCREW SPINDLE GRIP -- PROVIDENCE R. I., CABLE LINE." From Street Railways: Their Construction,
Operation and Maintenance by CB Fairchild, 1892.
July, 2008 Picture of the Month.
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line: College Hill
opened: 11-December-1889. From x to x
powerhouse: x
grip: single-jaw side, wheel operated
gauge: 4'8 1/2"
cars: open grip and trailer trains
turntables: ?
crossings: N/A
notes: The Union Railroad provided horse-car service to most parts of
Providence (According to the 1887 Poor's Directory of Railway
Officials, it operated "58.855 miles of road, owned 1,850 horses and 272 cars."), but
not to the wealthy neighborhood on the east side of College Hill. The direct route over
the hill would be too steep for horse traction.
Walter Richmond, a resident of the East Side, organized the Providence Cable Tramway
and secured a franchise against the opposition of the Union Railroad (Proceedings of the
Rhode Island Historical Society, 1909, page 58).
The line was difficult to operate because the streets it covered were not straight.
The cable broke 17 times in the first six months ("Cables connect College Hill",
Karen Davis, Providence Journal, 25-January-1999).
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A former Providence cable car equipped for the counterbalance.
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"Mr. M. H. (Milton Howard - JT) Bronsdon learned the business
of his father (constructing
engineer). His first work of importance was done at the age of 21 years,
while foreman of construction of two cable railways at Los Angeles,
Cal. (The Second Street Cable Railway
and the Temple Street Cable Railway - JT),
and afterward as master mechanic of one of them. He remained in
Los Angeles from April, 1885, until May, 1889, when he went to Denver,
Col., as manager of the Denver Tramway for seven months. He resigned
his position in order to accept the office of superintendent of Providence
Cable Tramway of Providence, R. I. In March, 1895, the road changed to
electric motive power, and Mr. Bronsdon was appointed engineer-in-chief
for the Union R.R. Co. of Providence, R.I., which position he now holds. In
1895 he designed and built the Inclined Counterweight System (his own
patented invention) on the steep incline of College Street, Providence. In
1896, he built a similar railway at Morgan Park, 1ll. In 1898, he built the
Inclined Railway Systems on St. Anthony's Hill, at St. Paul, Minn."
(Bronsdon and Box Families: Part I. by Colonel Lucius B Marsh and
Mrs Harriet F Parker, 1902)
from Annual Report of the Railroad Commissioner, January Session, 1891.
REPORT OF PROVIDENCE CABLE TRAMWAY COMPANY.
Incorporated 1884. Road built in 1889. Began running January 1, 1890.
OFFICERS.
Walter Richmond | President | Providence, R. I. |
W. B. Talbot | Treas. and Sec'y | Providence, R. I. |
Milton H. Bronson | Superintendent | Providence, R. I. |
DIRECTORS.
Walter Richmond | Providence, R. I. |
George W. Butts | Providence, R. I. |
Henry G. Russell | Providence, R. I. |
F. E. Richmond | Providence, R. I. |
Alfred Stone | Providence, R. I. |
Joseph Banigan | Providence, R. I. |
Charles Fletcher | Providence, R. I. |
Returns for Six Months Ending June 30, 1890.
Capital Stock actually paid in (common) | $300,000.00 |
Capital Stock actually paid in (preferred) | None. |
Total amount of funded debt | None. |
Total amount of floating debt | 27,700.00 |
Total amount of receipts from passengers | 38,946.55 |
Total amount of receipts from all other sources | 123.76 |
Total receipts | 39,070.31 |
Total running expenses, including interest and taxes | 33,573.96 |
Total net earnings | 5,496.35 |
Rate of dividend paid to stockholders | None. |
Total surplus after paying dividend | None. |
Total surplus at commencement of year | None. |
Expended during the year for new rolling stock — for summer cars | 18,200.00 |
Expended during the year for repairs on rolling stock | None. |
Balance of rolling stock account at commencement of year | None. |
Balance of rolling stock account at close of six months | 49,625.98 |
Balance of construction account at close of six months | 145,769.17 |
Total number of passengers carried during six months | 778,931 |
Total number of tons merchandise carried during six months | None. |
Number of horses owned | 116 |
Cost of same as account now stands | 16,380.00 |
Number of passenger cars owned or leased — including eight motorcars | 48 |
Cost of same as account now stands | 49,625.98 |
Total length of road | 3 Miles. |
Miles of track in this State | 3 " |
Number of passengers killed during six months | None. |
Number of passengers injured during six months | None. |
*Number of persons injured at grade-crossings | 1 |
Number of employees killed | None. |
Number of employees injured | None. |
Rate of fare | 5 cents. |
* Mr. W. D. Watson was fatally injured Jan. 26, 1890, (and died within a week) from
attempting to cross in front of a grip car on Hope street, corner of Waterman.
from ACCIDENTS DURING 1890.
page 43
Jan. 26. WALTER D. WATSON, of Providence, while attempting to
drive in a carriage across Waterman street, in front of grip car No.
18, of the Providence Cable Tramway Co., was struck by the car and
so severely injured that lie died on the following Wednesday.
page 46
May 15. JOHN COYNE, a laborer in the employ of the highway department,
city of Providence, was struck by a car of the Providence
Cable Tramway Co. on Angcll Street, and received severe injuries
about the hips. He saw the car and stepped aside, but not far enough.
page 47
July 19. ROY EVERETT BRYANT, 7 years old, was playing with other boys on South
Angell street, Providence, and while running backward was struck by a grip-car of the
Providence Cable Tramway Co. and run over. He was taken to the Rhode Island Hospital,
and his right leg amputated below the knee. He was discharged from the Hospital cured,
on the 7th of August.
from CHANGES IN OWNERSHIP.
page 89
The Providence Cable Tramway, having accomplished its object and
secured direct transportation to the residents of the "East side," has
been absorbed by the Union Railroad Company, and is now operated
by that company. This I regard as a move in the right direction, as
whenever two or more rival companies use the same tracks, there will
necessarily be more or less friction between employees.
|
from Annual Report of the Railroad Commissioner, For the Year Ending December 31, 1893.
REPORT OF PROVIDENCE CABLE TRAMWAY COMPANY.
Incorporated July 24, 1884.
OFFICERS.
Nelson W. Aldrich | President | Providence, R. I. |
A. T. Potter | General Manager | Providence, R. I. |
C. A. Babcock | Treasurer | Providence, R. I. |
H. V. A. Joslin | Secretary | Providence, R. I. |
M. H. Bronsdon | Superintendent | Providence, R. I. |
DIRECTORS.
Nelson W. Aldrich | Providence, R. I. |
Benjamin A. Jackson | Providence, R. I. |
Charles H. Perkins | Providence, R. I. |
Gorham P. Pomroy | Providence, R. I. |
George W. R. Matteson | Providence, R. I. |
Nicholas Sheldon | Providence, R. I. |
Arthur H. Watson | Providence, R. I. |
Returns for Six Months Ending June 30, 1893.
Capital Stock actually paid in (common) | $300,000.00 |
Capital Stock actually paid in (preferred) | None. |
Funded debt | None. |
Floating debt | 420.00 |
Total gross debt | 420.00 |
Construction account | 167,810.27 |
Equipment account | 116,010.08 |
All other assets | 77,851.00 |
Total property and assets | 361,671.30 |
Receipts passenger department | 152,210.60 |
Receipts from all other sources | None. |
Total receipts | 152,210.60 |
Operating expenses | 72,744.07 |
Interest paid within the year | 88.23 |
Taxes paid within the year | 2,000.30 |
Salaries and wages of employees | 50,382.56 |
All other expenditures | None. |
Total expenditures | 125,210.15 |
Net earnings | 27,000.45 |
Rate and amount of dividend paid | None. |
Surplus | 61,251.30 |
Surplus at beginning of year | 34,250.85 |
Expended during year for new rolling stock | None. |
Expended during year for repairs of rolling stock | 4,295.29 |
Rolling stock account at beginning of year | 61,787.73 |
Rolling stock account at end of year | 61,787.73 |
Expended for maintenance of way | 7,443.04 |
How much of last amount charged to construction account | None. |
How much of same charged to expense account | All. |
Balance of construction account at beginning of year | 167,810.27 |
Balance of construction account at end of year | 167,810.27 |
Total number of passengers carried during the year | 3,044,212 |
Number of horses | 147 |
Number of motor or grip cars | 14 |
Number of passenger cars | 44 |
Total length of road in miles (main track) | 3.105 |
Miles of road in this State (main track) | 3.105 |
Miles of track in this State | 3.428 |
Tons of new steel rails laid during the year | None. |
Number of ties laid during the year | None. |
Number of passengers killed during the year in this State | None. |
Number of passengers injured during the year in this State | 5 |
Number of persons killed at grade crossings | None. |
Number of persons injured at grade crossings | None. |
Number of persons walking on or crossing the track killed | None. |
Number of persons walking on or crossing the track injured | None. |
Number of employees killed | None. |
Number of employees injured | None. |
Average number of persons employed in this State | 95 |
Rate of fare | 5 cts. |
from ACCIDENTS DURING THE YEAR 1893.
page 47
Feb. 26. Antonio De Angelis stepped from car No. 14, Providence
Cable Tramway Co., while it was in motion, but fell and
broke his leg. He was taken to the R. I. Hospital.
May 29. As car No. 40, Providence Cable Tramway Co., drawn
by horses, was passing up Dyer avenue, Johnston, a boy by the
name of Willie Williams fell from the car and one wheel passed
over his leg. He was taken to the R. I. Hospital.
|
from Annual Report of the Railroad Commissioner, For the Year Ending December 31, 1894.
REPORT OF PROVIDENCE CABLE TRAMWAY COMPANY.
Incorporated July 24, 1884.
OFFICERS.
Nelson W. Aldrich | President | Providence, R. I. |
A. T. Potter | General Manager | Providence, R. I. |
C. A. Babcock | Treasurer | Providence, R. I. |
H. V. A. Joslin | Secretary | Providence, R. I. |
M. H. Bronsdon | Superintendent | Providence, R. I. |
DIRECTORS.
Nelson W. Aldrich | Providence, R. I. |
Benjamin A. Jackson | Providence, R. I. |
Charles H. Perkins | Providence, R. I. |
Gorham P. Pomroy | Providence, R. I. |
George W. R. Matteson | Providence, R. I. |
Nicholas Sheldon | Providence, R. I. |
Arthur H. Watson | Providence, R. I. |
Returns for the year ending June 30, 1894.
Capital Stock actually paid in (common) | $300,000.00 |
Capital Stock actually paid in (preferred) | None. |
Funded debt | None. |
Floating debt | 330.00 |
Total gross debt | 330.00 |
Construction account | 167,810.27 |
Equipment account | 118,575.94 |
All other assets | 108,040.87 |
Total property and assets | 394,627.08 |
Receipts passenger department | 142,641.20 |
Receipts from all other sources | None. |
Total receipts | 143,641.20 |
Operating expenses | 60,240.21 |
Interest paid within the year | None. |
Taxes paid within the year | 3,351.36 |
Salaries and wages | 46,203.85 |
All other expenditures | None. |
Total expenditures | 109,795.43 |
Net earnings | 32,845.78 |
Rate and amount of dividend paid | None. |
Surplus | 94,097.08 |
Surplus at beginning of year | 61,251.30 |
Expended during year for new rolling stock | 18.265.91 |
Expended during year for repairs of rolling stock | 2,968.88 |
Rolling stock account at beginning of year | 61,787.73 |
Rolling stock account at end of year | 80,033.64 |
Expended for maintenance of way | 6,667.17 |
How much of last amount charged to construction account | None. |
How much of same charged to expense account | All. |
Balance of construction account at beginning of year | 167,810.27 |
Balance of construction account at end of year | 167,810.27 |
Total number of passengers carried during the year | 2,852,824 |
Number of horses | - |
Number of motor or grip cars | 29 |
Number of passenger cars | 29 |
Total length of road in miles | 3.105 |
Miles of road in this State | 3.105 |
Miles of track | 3.428 |
Tons of new steel rails laid during the year | None. |
Number of ties laid during the year | None. |
Number of passengers killed during the year in this State | None. |
Number of passengers injured during the year in this State | None. |
Number of persons killed at grade crossings | None. |
Number of persons injured at grade crossings | None. |
Number of persons killed | None. |
Number of persons injured | 1 |
Number of employees killed | None. |
Number of employees injured | None. |
Average number of persons employed in this State | 70 |
Rate of fare | 5 cts. |
CABLE TRAMWAY.
page 39
When the Union horse system was changed to an electric that
portion of the Providence Cable Tramway line which had been
operated by horse power was also transformed. Within the past
year authority has been given the company to substitute electric
power for the propulsion of cars upon the cable portion. The
operation of cars upon the excessive grade on College Hill is to be
assisted by a system of counterweights similar to those in successful
use in the cities of Seattle and Portland. Without some such
device it would be unsafe to make the ascent and descent of so
heavy a grade, and this provision is being made by the company
so as to preclude to the greatest extent any possible liability to
accident.
from ACCIDENTS.
page 41
February 6. Herbert Dyer of Providence, while coasting down
Grand Avenue, was struck by cable car No. 30, Providence Cable
Co., and somewhat injured.
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images
F Scott Fitzgerald grew up in the Summit Avenue area.
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Istanbul, Turkey has a 5000 meter funicular subway called the Tünel. The
Tünel is north of the Bosphorous. It connects the waterfront Karakoy area
(also called Galata) with the hilly Beyoglu area. French engineers built
the Tunel in 1873 to allow foreign diplomats and business people to reach
Karakoy from their homes in Beyoglu.
The Tünel offers frequent service between its two stations.
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London's Tower Subway ran under the Thames from Tower Hill to
Pickleherring Street (great name) on the south bank. The tube through
which it ran was
built by engineer Peter William Barlow and his assistant, James Henry
Greathead. Greathead developed the Greathead Shield, an iron cylinder about
8 feet in diameter with a square door at the front to allow the miners
access to the clay work face. The miners used hand tools to dig away the
clay in front of the shield, and then hydraulic rams pushed the shield
forward. Then iron tunnel lining was bolted into place to form a tube.
The tube was not suitable for steam traction and electric traction was
not sufficiently developed, so it opened with cable traction on narrow gauge
rails. The cable system used a single car permanently attached to an
an endless cable, which was driven by a stationary steam engine at one
terminal. The line opened on 02-Aug-1870, but it was not reliable and
and the tube was converted to a pedestrian walkway by November, 1870.
When Tower Bridge opened in 1894, the tube walkway was closed to the
public and the tube was used as a water pipe conduit. Today it also
carries fiber optic cables.
In 1886, Greathead used a larger version of his shield to dig a tube for
the City and South London Railway under the Thames near London Bridge.
Greathead proposed cable traction for the City and South London,
but it was built as an electric line and was the first
successful tube railway.
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Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania - Mauch Chunk
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/escapes/101399.htm
http://www.tnonline.com/archives/news/2001/05.26/community.html
allegheny portage
http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/23allegheny/23allegheny.htm
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The wharf at Balmain on Sydney Harbor is at the bottom of a steep grade.
Electric trams reached the wharf with the help of a counterbalance.
A dummy car, built from an old cable grip car, sat at the top of the hill.
An electric tram would gently nose up to it, and push it down the hill.
The dummy and the tram were counterbalanced by a heavy weight that
ran on narrow gauge tracks that ran in a conduit under the tracks.
As the tram and dummy went down the hill, the rising counterweight would
slow their descent. When tram was ready to return to the top of the hill,
the dummy would rise behind it, giving it a push, and the counterweight
would descend to the bottom, stopping against a hydraulic buffer.
The dummy is on display at the Sydney Tramway Museum.
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http://www.nps.gov/alpo/
When Philadelphia capitalists saw the benefits that New York City derived from the Erie
Canal as part of a direct water connection to the Great Lakes, they decided that Pennsylvania
needed a similar project.
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http://mikes.railhistory.railfan.net/r059.html
The Brazilian port of Santos is separated from the interior of São Paulo state
by a steep range of mountains.
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