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Railroad drawbridge, 19th century
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Railroad drawbridge, 19th century
Railroad drawbridge, 19th-century artwork. This type of bridge is known as a bascule bridge. This one is near Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on the Erie Railroad Main Line. The Erie name is inscribed on the side of the steam locomotive at left. This bridge used a new system of counterweights that allowed the central section (9 metres long) to be raised by hand (two men shown operating the winding mechanism) to allow tall sailing boats to pass through. This railroad crosses various rivers and streams in and around Rutherford. Artwork from the 19th volume (first period of 1897) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6338927
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1890s 1897 Annual Volume Balanced Boat Bridge D River Engineer Engineering French La Science Illustree Locomotive Louis Figuier Lower Lowering Magazine Manual New Jersey North American Popular Science Pulleys Raise Raising River Rutherford Ship Steam Engine Train Transport Transportation Us A Water Way Weekly Workers Bascule Counterweight Draw Bridge Hand Operated Mono Chrome Railway Worker Winches
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This 19th-century artwork captures the essence of a railroad drawbridge near Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. Known as a bascule bridge, this engineering marvel was designed to accommodate tall sailing boats passing through the waterway. The monochrome illustration showcases the intricate details of this manual operation, with two men diligently operating the winding mechanism to raise the central section of the bridge by hand. The significance of this bridge is highlighted by the inscription of "Erie" on the side of a steam locomotive in the foreground. This particular railroad crosses numerous rivers and streams in and around Rutherford, serving as a vital transportation link during that era. The image originates from La Science Illustree, a popular French science weekly publication from 1897. It beautifully depicts how technology and human ingenuity worked together to create balanced systems using counterweights and pulleys. As we delve into history through this artwork, we are reminded of an era when manual labor played an integral role in technological advancements. The dedication and expertise exhibited by these railway workers exemplify their commitment to ensuring smooth transport for both people and goods across North America. This print serves as a visual testament to our rich past while also celebrating innovation that continues to shape our present-day infrastructure.
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