Minimum Gauge Railways:

THEIR APPLICATION, CONSTRUCTION,

AND WORKING.

Being an account of the origin and evolution of the 15 in. gauge line

at Duffield Bank, near Derby; also of the installation of a

similar line at Eaton Hall, near Chester; together with

various notes on the uses of such Railways, and

on the results of some experimental

investigations relating thereto.

BY

Sir ARTHUR PERCIVAL HEYWOOD, Bart., M.A.

THIRD EDITION.

PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.

Contents.

Preface to Second Edition.

In the year 1881, when the Royal Agricultural Society held their show in Derby, it was represented to me that, as many of the members were interested in the cheap transport offered by narrow gauge railways, it would be appreciated if I opened my experimental line at Duffield to inspection during the week.

In order to facilitate the comprehension of the objects of this little railway, the late Secretary of the Society suggested that I should draw up a short descriptive pamphlet to place in the hands of visitors. This was done with success and much saving of verbal explanation.

Thirteen years later, having added considerably to the rolling stock and improved many of the details, I decided to give a three days exhibition, and to issue a general invitation to all interested in the promotion of such lines, at the same time taking the opportunity to revise and amplify the first edition of this pamphlet.

A. P. H.

August, 1894.

Preface to Third Edition.

Some four years have elapsed since the second edition of this pamphlet was exhausted. During this period I have constructed and equipped at Eaton Hall, Cheshire, a line which has been in regular use since May, 1896, exactly similar to my own at Duffield. This railway having been made wholly for practical purposes and on strictly economic principles, I am in a position to present more reliable data, both in regard to cost and working, than I could obtain from my own experimental line, which has been continually altered and only irregularly worked.

I desire to take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the Duke of Westminster for the free hand accorded me in regard to the arrangement of all details of the Eaton Railway; a liberty which has resulted in a symmetrical and entirely successful carrying out of the work.

What I am now able to advance will, I trust, amply demonstrate the really solid advantages which, under suitable conditions, may be reaped from the installation of little railways of the kind described.

A. P. H.

July, 1898.

I.
INTRODUCTION.

At the outset I must offer an apology for making use, throughout this pamphlet, of the first person. I do so partly for convenience of expression, and partly because almost all that I have to advance is derived from my own experience.  In doing so I am far from desiring to undervalue the work of