Year: 1865

When railroad is built from point to point,
1t is one continuous unbroken iron way with the ex
ception OF those portions controlled by switches The
switch breaks road. and q switch is necessary.
the problem has always been how to obtain its advan
tages without its dangers. As 1t now IT, the switch Is
in the power Of one man, and ho generally stupid.
worked, halfpaid subordinate. He may switch
one train off track and BY neglect. absence
Of mind forget to turn the iron rod back to nd the
next train whirling and tumbng down a ravine- Prom
what we have seen of railroad disasters and their
causes it is very certain that IL by any system the
switch can be established without breaking the road and
placing every train at the mercy Of one abe bothered
man. will wonderfully lessen the number of accidents.
Mr. Wharton of Philadelphia thinks he has solved this
problem. model OF his invention may be seen at the
American Institute Fair. while 1t IL really in practical
operation on the Harlem Railroad near Ftsth-st In
this city. The main advantage Of Mr.. Wharon's plan


is that the two rails Of the main track continuous
and unbroken. without any movable rails or moving
switches. second point Is that his switch answers
every purpose and makes itself right II the subordn
ate is careless and neglects his business the switch will


attend to ITSELF We best elaborate its advantages
by giving something of a technical explanation. The
car wheels steam railways are over two inches wider
upon their surface than the rail upon which they
Consequently the wheels extend over and beyond the
outside OF the rail for that distance This extra width
oftwo inches more Is used by Mr.. Wharton for the
purpose of switching the off the main line in this
way. Another rail is arranged with regard to the
main rail that IL can be moved at will sideways
against the outside OF the main rail- and 1t ia at first Of
tho same hight but gradually inclnes upward. so that
when placed in position to act as switch, the cars
advance the wheels upon that side gradually and
gently elevated above the main rail little more than
the hight of the fange. bearing Only on tho switch
rail- and being entirely free from the control OF the
main rail- long stationary guard rail having quietly
drawn the wheels to that side they have OF course the
whole OF their extra width OF tread extending boyoad
the main rail and bearing upon the switch rail outside
Of it AT the time this stationary guard rail has
drawn the wheels upon the other side little away from
the main rail Of that side that their 1anges in
surcd to inside Of the point of another switch rail


which lies close up against the inside OF that main rail-


and they can not therefore ever touch strike against
the point itself These two switch rails, together with
another acting as movable guard rail- securely
coupled together By CLAMP bars in the usual way. aud
are moved parallel with each other and simu
tancousy. when the switchman operates the switch
lever The effect Of this mechanism is to take the ran
nv N rom tS way. unu Phc" IL 'in'"Hoi' uP"" ="
switch or connecting branch of railing track. The
switch. at Tifiohst 1t Is claimed. will even remove
considerable distractions placed against in addition
TO its own weight. No frost can interfere with


It's safety for travel; It will have time to freeze
up in the short time 1t is being used to switch train
of on tho siding. and the very instant the swtchman
goes away IL he does no, restore the switch II will 60
back Of its own accord with considerable power. NO
chnnge Of wheels Is needed for all railroads to adopt
this switch 1t is made entirely Of the usual 4 rails.
and no forging welding OF rails Is needed Provision
Is Of made to lock the switch lever when the
main track is clear but cannot be locked when Ia tie
other position. so far as machinery has power.
Mr. Wharton's contrvance seems to answer all the
requirements OF safety and convenience. There Is no
reason why 1t should no, be tried and sit should be all
,,n, H. maker claims will be blessing to the country
We recommend II 10 railway men. II the science OF
steam car management can be improved IN this respect
the railroad company ths. ncglects the opportunity is
guilty Of felony.