Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-01-12
Rti5ge Structures, Old and New.

As illustrative of the changes ia bridge
structures, We herewith present cut Of
one formerly spanning the kennebec
at Augusta, and the one now spanning the
same river at the same point, also showing
a train of cars formerly in use, and the
vestibule train now run INTERCHANGEABLE on
the Maine Central and the Boston ( Maine
Railroads between Bangor and Boston
The wooden structure shown was good
one of its kind, and was of sbundant
strength to carry the loads then required oft.
But, by reason of continuous Increase of
the weight of rolling stock, this structure
was removed ard in its place, an iron s.ruc-
ture Of an approved design was erected,
which was deemed one Of the best known
at the time of its erection. This structure,
however, after being in use for several
years, was, on account of increase in weight
of loads to be carried, and the use of
heavier locomotives, deemed deficient and
was removed, and in its place, the oce
shown in the cut was erected. This one is
model structure and is calculated to carry
a losd equal to the combined eight of any
FIVE trains now being run. This, however,
is but one CT the many changes that have
been made in bridge structures on the lines
of the Maine Central Railroad ard other
railroads in this State, so that today, there
are but few rivers or streams that are
spanned by wooden structures.
We desire to call special attention TO the
fact that the cuts herewith presented show
the same number of feet of bridge structure,
and also the fact that three ears of the mod
ecn train take up more space than the en-
gine and four cars of the earlier train. In
This connection, we think we may properly
say in addition, that the modern train
here shown is in every respecs equal TO any
train run in regular service in the country.
These trains are made up of parlor cars and
passenger coaches of the latest model, each
having wide vestibules ard all the conven-
fences that may be found on any passenger
train a. this. time. To epumerate the i'm
proyements in this train over the old one
shown, would take more space than is rrsc-
teal here.
| As the certificates issued by the board,
and hereinafter printed, will show, equal
| improvements have been made in the road
bed and tracks of the principal railroads in
Maine.
| As further illustration of improvements
/ in locomotives and other rolling stock, we
present herewith q cut of the first locono-
tive used in the State, and also one of the
most modern now in use on the Maine Cen
trail Railroad. The enc first shown was
imported from England and was built by
Robert Stephenson & Co, at New Castle on
the Tyne, ia 1885. 1t made its first trip
over the Bangor, Old Town and Milford
Railroad, August 10, 1887. This road was
then generally known as the "Veszie road, :"
and the track wis made of wooden rails,
strapped with iron. The shackles used to
connect the engine and ears were made of
three thicknesses of sole or belt leather
riveted together with copper riyets, and
with hole in each end, so as to hook
over an upright stationary pin, bolted
or driven into rigid beam extending from