THE DESERET EVENING NEWS — SEPTEMBER 21, 1901
To Travel at the Rate of Ten Miles a Minute.
The object figured in the accompanying illustration may be termed either an aerial automobile or terrestrial aeroplane, for, while it derives its means of propulsion from gigantic air screws, or propellers, it travels along a double set of rails. It has an inclosing aeroplane, or horizontal shield, to maintain its equilibrium and support it in the air. It is cigar shaped, made of aluminium, hard wood and glass. Electricity will drive the propellers, and it is expected that the frightful speed of 600 miles an hour will be attained. The car, which is inclosed, is capable of carrying 25 passengers. The speed at which it is intended to propel this aerial train is great enough to take a passenger’s breath away, and, while the problem of propulsion has been a great one, that of bringing the train to a stop without smashing everything into smithereens is still greater.
The result of the trial trip is looked forward to with great interest, but the inventor, Dr. Adolph Broadbeck, declares that his “artificial bird” will have no more trouble in stopping than the eagle or the swallow, which he is to emulate and, if possible surpass. Of course, earlier inventors equally confident have been obliged to acknowledge failure, but the enthusiastic doctor in this case will not even admit that there is a doubt of success.
From—The Deseret Evening News. (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]), 21 Sept. 1901. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
