1998: Delaware and Hudson (175th) - cont. We will also find the remains of Roebling's Neversink Aqueduct [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] - [/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]
Here is a couple of historical photos that shows it would have been similar to the one still standing
That is a very interesting support configuration. I think I see in the lower photo what may be an under-slung truss behind the vertical things. Though the vertical things have me stumped as to function.
Hank- I believe the underslung item you are seeing may actually be cable. The Roeblings were big fans of cable in their designs. Note the humps at each end of the structure, which could be anchor points for any cabling. The verticals are probably lateral supports for the trough.
Yes, that would be the "Wire Rope" that Roebling used in all the aqueducts which is what made them extremely strong... Here is one of the photos I took of the one still standing. Everything "Pink" is metal; either Bolts, "Wire Rope", Rods, etc. [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT] This next photo is me standing next to where Roebling's "Wire Rope" comes over the stones. The massive tonnage these aqueducts must be able to take is amazing. Towards the end of their usage, the D&H CC Coal Boats were carrying 100 tons of coal per boat plus all the weight of the water. To help put the photo into perspective, I am 6'5" and weighed about 250 lbs in those days [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica][/FONT]
Thanks Jim. After years of only reading about the history of the D&H it was a great trip to actually go there and see various locations where it all happened...
1998: Delaware and Hudson (175th) - cont. Well, that's my simple pictorial history of the D&H Canal (1828-1899) from our trip in 1998 so let me know move forward to the next area of D&H history; The D&H Gravity Railroad On April 5, 1886, Pennsylvanian authorized the D&H to build a railroad from Carbondale over the Moosic Mountains to Honesdale. John B. Jervis begins his survey for a Gravity Railroad which he presented his report on October 24, 1827. By Fall of 1827, the order to begin construction is authorized. Lisa and I would not get a chance to locate some of the sites but were able to obtain some photos as well as historical photos via postcards. If you don't understand what a Gravity Railroad is, vision a railroad built like a Cable Car system where the cars are pulled uphill by cable and downhill they somewhat/mostly travel freely via gravity. This means that it would be common to have a Uphill and a Downhill track with cable pulleys as well as sections where cars could just free-fall downhill like a Roller Coaster. The D&H would operate both Freight and Passenger service on such a system. The Freight was "Coal" being moved from the Mines, over the Gravity Railroad to the D&H Canal Boats
Fascinating, I heard about this when I was a kid, but never saw photos. It's interesting that only some of the tracks had cables. In the bottom photo, the two tracks on the right appear to be different gauges, with only the narrower having a cable. I'd love to know more about this operation. I remember seeing a gravity railroad in operation about 60 years ago at a marble quarry in Danby, VT. In that case the line had only a single grade with loads coming down the side of the mountain, pulling the empties back up to quarry.
The cars being un-powered, I am curious about the mechanical braking system employed for downhill trains.
Ken, IIRC the quarry used a brake band mechanism on a windless at the top, because the two cars were unmanned. I'd have no clue how Darren's trains were controlled, possibly a combination of on-car manned controlled and an at-capstan fail-safe mechanism. Which is why I would love to have more information.
On the Coal Cars a Brakemen rode on the back of the last car and had a lever that would raise a Brake Shoe (Wooden Block) between the 24" wheels. I believe (but not certain on this) the Brakemen rode on the back platform and turned the brake wheel. I've read reports that folks said this could be an "exciting" ride down the hills and into the curves! Keep in mind the Right-of-Way was about 16 miles. Carbondale is at an elevation of about 1,200 feet, the Gravity rose to 1,907 feet at Rix's Gap by means of five planes. From that elevation, the road descended on the east side of the Moosic Mountains by three planes and levels to Honesdale, elevation of about 975 feet. There were various Depots along the route that stops would be made at as well. In this historical photo you can see the "Brake Car" on the left that has the Levers / Chains pulls on it that would Raise / Lower the Brake Shoes between the wheels. The Brakeman would Ride / Stand behind that car to operate the top most lever. Can you believe the folks that operated these cars; in the WINTER!!!
Sheesh...I hope that guy is not the Brakeman. He's so skinny and light that the brakes would operate him...
1998: Delaware and Hudson (175th) - cont. Here are a set of historical photos to show the D&H Canal and D&H Gravity Railroad coming together at Honesdale, PA. Take a close look at the last photo as you will see the large 100 Ton Canal Boats as well as the D&H Office (below the label I added to the photo), Coal and other Freight Cars, and Passenger Cars. At this point if D&H history, Honesdale, PA was the hub of operations!
Great photos Darren. Honesdale appeared to be a thriving place during the mid-19th Century. It's fascinating how all the industrial towns in the Northeast during the 19th Century look the same. That could easily be Manchester, NH, or Schenectady, NY, or Naugatuck, CT, or.......you name it!
I'd guess there is little, if any trace of this ever existing in Honesdale? Or by some miracle does something still stand?
1998: Delaware and Hudson (175th) - cont. Why yes, the D&H Office itself is a D&H Museum today!!!!!!! [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] - [/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] - [/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] - [/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT]
