The First Two-Foot Gauge Railroad/The Billerica & Bedford of Massachusetts, 1877. Railway Gazette (JD)

Originally printed in 1870 in The Railroad Gazette, this article was reprinted in 1950 by the Railroadians of America as Book No. 4. It describes the proposed railroad, its locomotives and rolling stock and its permanent way. The railroad, which finally opened in 1877, was unfortunately short-lived — it was bankrupt by 1878. It had two locomotives, four passenger cars and seven freight cars, all of which were sold to the Sandy Hook and Rangely Lakes Railroad in Maine. It is of interest because it is the first known 2-foot gauge railroad in the United States. Illustrated with schematic diagrams of the locomotives and rolling stock as well as line drawings of equipment, rail, and trackside structures. With maps and gradient profiles. 27 pages. Scarce.

Stapled binding and covers are sound, covers have partial heavy soot; some soot at page edges but no text or images are sooted. JD