Advantages

The Gibbon Double Girder Lap-Joint Track system claimed ten advantages, outlined below. Through correspondence with the Committee on Science and the Arts, it appears that the tenth claim, that of cost, was questioned. Thomas Gibbon and his consulting engineers offered further information, and asked the Committee to reconsider the tenth claim of superiority.

Advantages Claimed:

1. The durableness and permanence of an all metal system.
2. The smoothness and stability of a track absolutely free from weak joints.
3. Increased vertical and lateral strength with no increase of metal.
4. Freedom from torsional strain—the bearing surface being directly supported by the vertical webs.
5. Increased wearing capacity of head rail.
6. In renewal, the discarding of the worn portion only, and not the entire rail.
7. Perfect alignment and accurate gauge maintained, with required freedom for expansion and contraction.
8. Simplicity of construction which enables rapidity in track laying and a minimum disturbance of the public streets.
9. Maintenance of an absolute contact of metal, which obviates the necessity of "bonding joints" in electrical traction.
10. A reasonable first cost, and great reduction in track maintenance and repairs.

Clippings on the Gibbon Duplex Rail System, from The Mercantile and Financial Times and Engineering News, 11/15/1890 (1.3M)

Street Railway Journal, Ad for Double Girder Lap Joint Track, Gibbon Duplex Street Railway Tracks, 9/1891 (1.3M) | Page 2 (1.2M) | Page 3 (1.1M) | Page 4 (1.4M)