Our engraving illustrates a railroad in the coal districts of Wales, which is but two feet in width, and which has proved exceedingly useful for the conveyance of passengers, at a comparatively small expenditure, In the hilly country through which It runs. Its origin was as follows: To get, at a low figure, coal from the mines to the place of general deposit, a track of T rails, with unusually deep grooves, was laid, the rails being placed at a distance of only twenty-four inches from each other. For this track a locomotive, weighing five tons, and peculiarly arranged the piston being placed between the wheels was constructed. The wheels, it was found, had such a hold on the rails that the engine could, with a train of cars, run up plains that were inclined at an angle of about thirty-five degrees! This statement seems Incredible, but It is given on excellent authority. After a time, the miners and other employes of the company were permitted to ride on its cars to the works, without seriously checking its speed or calling for more than the usual consumption of coal. Subsequently, passenger-carriages, divided into three compartments, and capable of seating four persons in each, were put on the track, and have been found quite profitable. The road is said to be well patronized by the general public.
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, New York, NY, May 7, 1870
