[Illustration]
In the accompanying illustration we show a new design of hand car,
being introduced by the Courtright Manufacturing Co., of Detroit. It
will be seen that the apparatus for propelling the car is very
different from the mechanism generally used. An upright framework
secured to the platform carries a large sprocket wheel, which is
connected to a smaller one upon one of the axles by means of a chain.
The larger sprocket wheel is rotated by means of a triangular shaped
lever attached at the lower corner to the crank of the sprocket wheel
and having a handle at each of its upper corners. It is hinged upon a
fulcrum which slides upon the two vertical rods shown in the
illustration. It will be seen that this gives a peculiar movement to
the handles by which the operators propel the car, but it has been
found that the motion is an excellent one, and it is claimed that a
higher speed can be obtained with the mechanism here shown than with
any other now in use. There is practically no dead center, as in the
case where the ordinary crank and lever is used. A number of leading
roads have given the car a trial, and being well satisfied it, have
given orders for more. The company claim that a car with 20 in. wheels
can easily be made to attain a speed of 15 miles an hour by two
men.--_Railway Review_.
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