In the _Gentleman’s Magazine_ for June, 1830, it is stated:—“There are at
present exhibiting in Edinburgh three large models, accompanied with
drawings of railways and their carriages, invented by Mr. Dick, who has a
patent. These railways are of a different nature from those hitherto in
use, inasmuch as they are not laid along the surface of the ground, but
elevated to such a height as, when necessary, to pass over the tops of
houses and trees. The principal supports are of stone, and, being placed
at considerable distances, have cast-iron pillars between them. The
carriages are to be dragged along with a velocity hitherto unparalleled,
by means of a rope drawn by a steam engine or other prime mover, a series
being placed at intervals along the railway. From the construction of
the railway and carriages the friction is very small.”