M.G. Bright and Coal Car

Description: This is the M.G. Bright, the original no. 634. She was companion to the Reuben Wells and worked the incline until 1895 when she was replaced by the new coal burner. The M.G. Bright was equipped with two sets of cylinders. The first set was for running on level ground, but to pull the hill a second set was installed. A shaft connected to rods engaged a cog system which in turn engaged a rack rail placed in the center of the track. This device, which was much more complicated than described here, made it possible for the M.G. Bright to climb the hill. This worked until the Reuben Wells came along and could handle the hill by simple adhesion.
Origin: 1885
Source: http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p4038coll5/id/413
Collection: River to Rail and Lemen Collection
Copyright: Permission to reproduce this image for other than personal use must be requested from the Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society. Please contact at 615 W. First St., Madison, IN 47250 (812) 265-2335.
Subjects: Railroads locomotives

Further information on this record can be found at its source.