The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-01-09
Langden Hanging Railway.

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inventor on the brink Of fortune,
because his invention has proved
success. He was sugar manufac-
turer, and he decided several years
ago TO connect mis- sugar works in the
valley Of the Wupper River with the
great industrial ccntors Of Barmen
and ElberGeld. He began with the
purpose Of building an electric surface
road. But the country is SO uneaven
that he found the cost would be enor-
nous. Besides, everybody objected to
the building Of such a road on ac-
count Of the danger at grade cross
ings.
"'If we cannot run cars up and
down the hills, said the sugar maker,
after prolonged spell Of thinking,
why not try to run cars above them?'
after two years of experiments
and consultations with electrical en-
sinccrs, he decided TO try the plan
which has resulted in the system now
in practical operation. Unhappily,
MIR. Langden died before his inven-
tion got beyond the experimental
stage. But his ideas we're carried &c
success by the engineering firms that
had been building under his instruc-
ton. The road is trife over eight
miles in length. Along five miles the
line lies above the Wupper River. re-
naming three miles follow the coun-
try road to Vohwinkel. The company
thus economized on the heavy expense
that usually confronts the railroad
builder '7hen he has to buy up private
land. The road cost $50 foot to
build, including stations. all erections
and equipment. The total cost was
50, 100000.
Looking at train from the street,
it seems to be hanging bottom upward.
The wheels roll above, instead of be-
meath the cars, and the undcrside of
each looks much like the top Of an
American day coach. The machinery
which we are accustomed to see be.
meath an electric car is located upon
the top and and remarkable fact is
that the wheels roll along single
rail, instead Of two.
1.-The capacity Of the cars is for 60
passengers each, and the interiors are
divided into frst-class, second d-class
and smoking compartments Incan-
| descent lamps furnish illumination,
while electric heaters warm the occu-
pants in winter.
Inside, the cars resemble the ordi-
nary coach with the aisles in centre
and plush lined seats on either side.
The passenger buys his ticket, hands
it to the gatekeeper and steps from
platform level with the car. When
the train starts it seems as if he we're
on steamer getting underway, except
that there is no changing of gongs or
jingling Of bells. The rumbling and
rattling common to travel on steam
railroad is absent. The feeling is as
if he were sailing through the air, for
beneath him the houses, factories.
people aud other objects appear to De
moving silently, but rapidly backward.
This is the only indication that the
train has started, except slight
swinging motion, which is increased
when going around the curves, of
which The road has number. Those
troubled with dyspepsia are liable to
become 'seasick,' but they should be
willing to suffer this inconvenience on
account of the novelty of the ride.
in the operation Of the Langden
suspended railway, as it is termed,
trains are made up Of two and of four
cars. Along the road are 1s stations.
The trip from one terminus to another
is made in less than half an hour,
as an average speed can be attained,
including stops, of 18 miles an hour.
The superstruoture is made unusually
heavy, as the system is double track,
or, rather, double rail; consequently
No head-cnd collisions can occur.
To avoid any other accidents. an auto
matte block system is in use by which
the motorman is notified whenever an
other car is within 500 feet in front Of
his car. As soon as this distance is
exceeded signal is shown allowing
him to 60 ahead full speed, if desired.
In addition to this nrecaution, each
car is fitted with an American air
brake, also with an auxiliary electric
brake.