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Updated: May 6, 2025
The Alcomotive supersedes the locomotive first, in point of weight; second, in point of speed; third, in economy of operation; fourth, it is absolutely safe and easy to manage. "No complicated machinery nothing to slip and smash at critical moments perfect ease of control. Why, if that fellow really wished to stop here, now, at this minute "
"That doesn't look much like the old-fashioned, clumsy locomotive, does it?" "I should say it didn't." "Of course it's a little rough in finish just a trial Alcomotive, you know but it's going to do one thing to-day." "And that is?" "It's going to sound the solemn death-knell of the old steam locomotive," said Hawkins, evidently feeling some compassion for the time-honored engine.
Had I been able to render him any assistance, I should have stayed with him. But Hawkins was already trotting back to the cars, and, with a murmured benediction for the hapless mechanic who stood and trembled alone on the platform of the Alcomotive, I followed. We took seats in one of the cars. "Well, why doesn't he start?" muttered the inventor. "Maybe the fright has killed him," I suggested.
"Nope." "Well, then, try that small one at your left. Pull it back half way." The man obeyed. For a second or two the Alcomotive emitted a string of consumptive coughs. One or two parts moved spasmodically and seemed to be reaching for the engineer. The man dodged. Then the Alcomotive began to back! "Here! Here! Something's wrong!" cried Hawkins, as the accursed thing gathered speed.
"If we do by any chance have a collision, the railroad people are to blame. But we won't. I can stop this machine and the whole train in two hundred feet. That's another great point about the Alcomotive, Griggs the Alcobrakes. You see, when I shut off the engine proper, all the power goes into the brakes. It is thus " "Hey, mister," the engineer shouted again, "here's Newark!"
"It's enough " Bang! The Alcomotive had sprung into action once more. People slid out of their seats with the shock, others toppled head over heels into the aisle, the porter went down unceremoniously upon his sable countenance and crushed into pulp the plate of tongue sandwich he had been carrying. But the Alcomotive was going that was enough for Hawkins.
The Alcomotive is simplicity on wheels." "Yes, but I've got a wife and family " the unhappy man began. "Well," said Hawkins, icily. "And if the thing should balk " "Balk! Rats! Come, Griggs. It's time you started, my man. I'll wave my hand when we reach the car." Frankly, I think that it was a downright contemptible trick to play on the defenceless engineer.
The Alcomotive suddenly left the station. So, abruptly, in fact, did the train start that my last vision of the end brakeman revealed him rolling along the platform in a highly undignified fashion, while the engineer sat at my feet in amazement as I clutched the side of the car.
Even the next car was derailed and badly smashed. The Alcomotive, too, reclined upon one side and blazed merrily, a fitting tailpiece to the scene. But not a soul had been killed we learned that from one of the groups which swarmed from the express, after a muster had been taken of our own passengers. It was a marvel but a fact. Hawkins and I edged away slowly.
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