Velocipede - Gavleston, TX
Posted by: jhuoni
N 29° 18.377 W 094° 47.875
15R E 325386 N 3243261
On display (inside an air conditioned railcar) at The Railroad Museum in Galveston.
Waymark Code: WMW2AX
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 06/30/2017
Views: 1
The sign on the seat reads:
Velocipede
Velocipedes (from the French for “swift-footed”) helped Railroad Track Inspectors check assigned sections of rail for damage or wear several times daily. The velocipede used foot pedals and handled moved through the combination of pushing and pulling, to travel forward and backwards on tracks.
Despite its odd look, the velocipede low frame allowed the Railroad Track Inspector to travel rapidly, while giving a closer view of the track’s joints, switches, and underlying gravel bed.
Three flanged wheels keep the velocipede on the tracks during use. The frame constructed mostly of wood, which kept the vehicle lightweight and easy to move. This was important to the Railroad Track Inspectors, who were often alone on assignment when they removed the velocipede from the tracks or changed direction.
Is this a display or a maintenance facility location?: Display
Are there any fees and if so how much? (optional): Adults: $10, Seniors $8, Children $5. (USD)
Website about this MOW waymark. (optional): Not listed
Additional site related to the MOW category. (optional): Not listed
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