224 POWER DISTRIBUTION FOR ELECTRIC RAILROADS.
tographs of the experimental section of track on ILong Is-
land. The apparatus here was on a considerable scale, as
high speed was attempted, without however, conspicuous
success.
Nevertheless, a glance at the cuts shows how readily
and neatly the system can be applied to cross country roads
with light cars operated at very moderate speeds. Under
these circumstances the upper supporting structure having
FIG. I16.
little strain upon it can be light and cheap, while a mere
row of short posts rising just far enough from the ground
to assist in the grading may serve to carrya light but rather
deep girder rail,quite strong enough for the traffic. The rails
would serve admirably as conductors since even a fifteen
pound rail is far more than the equivalent of the copper
required and the lower rail being off the ground would be
little troubled by snow in winter. ‘The supply of power is
thus very easy and simple and the cost of grading is in
great measure averted.
Another construction which can be carried out very
cheaply on the scale necessary for cross country roads is
the saddleback railway. The Meigs elevated structure is