The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-06-10
AN Az MOTOR arREEr cAR.


syndicate that has swallowed up most
of the surface lines in New Y rk city as
well as in adjacent districts. This com
pany has acquired the right to use the
new motor On its lines, and heavy orders
for the equipment Of cars have been
placed. In a few months it is expected
that the 100 miles Of surface lines in
New York not already equipped with
improved motors VIII be operated by
compressed air and that the other and
more expensive methods, such rs the
cable and underground electric system,
viii be supplanted by the new one.
Chicago viii not be far behind, if
any, for Charles Z. Yerkes, the street car
magnate Of the western metropolis, has
been negotiating for the right to control
the use of the new motor IN that city
and has prepared to equip all his lines
with air cOmpressOrs as soon as possible
While there are several compressed
air motors which have been tested, the
one which is about to be adopted in
these two great cities is said to be the
first that has fully answered all the re-
quirements. Tt has long been known
that the method was not an lmpracti-
cable one, for several such lines are
operated in Trance. Tt is not the French
system, however, which IS to be adopted
IN this country, but one slightly differ
ent which has been invented by Joseph
7. Hoadley of Worcester, Mass, q mem
Der Of a well known engineering firm.
A syndicate of capitalists, among
whom are William @. Whitney, H II.
Vreeland, John D. Crinlznins and other
millionaires, has been formed to begin
the construction OF a large plant for the
equipment of cars with the new motor.
All this has been done with the utmost
secrecy, for most Of the men interested
in the air motor are also heavy share
holders in electrical concerns which
have many big contracts pending. By
the 1st Of September a big plant VIII
have been completed at Worcester,
where the work of preparation is already
proceeding with as much eIpediency as
night and day work can effect. The
heavy power machinery is being built
by Cramps with all possible haste, and
in New York the power houses demanded
by the new system are being constructed
Inventor HoadIey is an engineer of
long experience. He worked out his new
application of the old principle of air
compression while a resident of San
Francisco. He has made q thorough
study of street railway traction It IS
not claimed that his system is cheaper
than the trolley, but that it is less OBJ
jeotionable by far and is cheaper to in
stall and operate than cable or steam.
Its other advantages are cleanliness
speed power and ease Of control
A car equipped with a compressor
weighs 2, 600 pounds less than a trolley
tar Of equivalent power and carrying
capacity The compressor Is carried be
tween the trucks under the floor and is
operated by a simple mechanism on the
front platform. The propelling power
supplies the brake and can be applied so
as to reverse the wheels By simple
turn of the crank. IF we are to judge by
the extensive preparations now under
way, the trolley and cable cars viii soon
have to take a back seat and the COM
pressed air car viii 90 to the front.
CLARENCE p. SKINNER