To reach this speed, curves must be abolished

April 19, 2003 12:32 AM

Train Oddities & Curiositiesfeatures stunning illustrations and articles from late 19th/early 20th century science magazines. Read about the Chase-Kirchner Aerodromic Railroad, the beautiful Meigs Elevated Railway, or the history of the "Rainmaking" car. Be sure to check out the other sections for more fascinating train lore.
posted by snez (6 comments total)

I love the lillliputian train ride - everyone on it looks so unhappy!
posted by iconomy at 5:36 AM on April 19, 2003

Great link, wonderful illustrations.

The Aerodromic Railway is pretty hare brained. Love it. Said to reach speeds of up to 150mph, however, to reach this speed, curves must be abolished, as the centrifugal force will be too great to be withstood. Accordingly, as far as possible, the line will go right across country from point to point, without regard to grade.

Hang on to your hats!
posted by alicesshoe at 6:24 AM on April 19, 2003

The Meigs Elevated Railway rocks.
posted by SisterHavana at 9:05 AM on April 19, 2003

The Chase-Kirchner Aerodromic Railroad just aches to be in a steampunk novel.

Entertaining stuff, thanks for the links.

i just like saying 'aerodromic'. aerodromic, aerodromic, aerodromic...mmmmm...
posted by Slithy_Tove at 10:36 AM on April 19, 2003

The gyroscope railway sounds like a darn good idea, I want one. Riding across the country balanced on one rail, no side shakes.. now of course there must be some reason why it didn't catch on....
posted by Pink Fuzzy Bunny at 3:30 PM on April 19, 2003

Damn, this is good snez! Great stuff.
I also enjoyed the generous section on RR related advertising.
posted by madamjujujive at 5:11 PM on April 19, 2003