FLAPTEKST :

this paper , originally written by Leslie S. Robertson ( C.E.) , a consulting engineer with a wide experience in mechanical engineering , describes a variety of narrow gauge railways of two feet gauge and under , including Duffield Bank , Eaton Hall , Festiniog , Lynton and Barnstaple , Woolwich Arsenal and Darjeeling - Himalaya ; the paper summarised the reasons for the choice of the gauge , describes the locomotive types in use , and discusses the relative merits of four and six-coupled locomotives ; an analysis is provided of the haulage capacity of narrow gauge lines , the question of transhipment , and notes are provided about carriages and wagons and permanent way ; Robertson´s study is a priceless record of contemporary thought on the value of the narrow gaude railway ; as one of the best researched and cogently argued cases for narrow gauge railways put forward up to that time , it will invite comparison with that other classic work , Sir Arthur Heywood´s MINIMUM GAUGE RAILWAYS ; the paper is published in the new edition in complete and unabridged form , together with a record of the discussion which followed its presentation at the summer 1898 meeting of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers , plus much new material ; the new edition is complemented by an entirely new selection of scale drawings , diagrams , photographs and contemporary advertisements ...