Many modifications of the iron edge-rail might be enumerated, but as on a careful comparison of all of them, and after much reflection, aided by our own experience, and that of others, we are not enabled to improve on the T. rail, such as has been adopted on the Boston and Providence Rail Road-the Taunton Rail Road-the Stonington Rail Road and lastly on the second track of the Lowell Rail Road; we shall submit to you estimates of cost, on the supposition of its use. The construction of these several Rail Roads, vary essentially in no particular, save that on the Boston and Lowell Rail Road stone sleepers have been substituted for the wooden sleepers, which from necessity were elsewhere adopted. The eventual saving, we doubt not, will prove the exercise of a wise economy in imitating the example of the Lowell Rail Road where stone can be procured at a reasonable cost. We submit, however, the two following estimates. 1. Cost of a single track of Rail way, of a similar construction with the Stonington Rail Road, (which differs from the Boston and Providence Rail Road in its continuous longitudinal sills) the weight of the rail being 55 lbs. per lineal yard, or 86.42 tons per mile, to wit, 1. Foundations, $2993.46 528.00 2. 1760 sleepers 7 feet long x 8 inches thick, 3. 704 cast iron chairs (or splicing plates) 10 lbs., 352.00 4. 9,152 spikes at 8 cts. per pound, 366.08 5185.20 800.00 5. 86 tons of iron rails at $60 per ton, &c. $2 50 per rod, $10,224.74 To this must be added, the cost of transporting the materials, an estimate of which cannot, at this time, be made with accuracy. It will be perceived, however, that it will not affect the comparative cost materially. Our own impression is, that in the above estimate we shall be found to have amply provided for all expenses; that is, that the cost of foundations will be so much less than stated, (because they will by no means be required throughout the whole distance) that the surplus will suffice for all contingencies. 2. Cost of a single track of rail-way per mile, similar to the second track of the Boston and Lowell Rail Road, and based upon the actual cost experienced on that Road, 1. Foundations, (the longitudinal sill was omit- 2. 1760 stone sleepers, viz. 352 for the joints, 1408 for the intermediate ties, at $1.50 3. Fitting and moving sleepers at 50 cts., 4. Spikes as before, 5. Iron rails as before, 6. Laying rails at $4 per rod, $2,993.46 880.00 A similar remark may be made respecting the item of transportation, which has in this case also been omitted. It would be enhanced because of the greater weight of the materials, and we are much inclined to think, that the difference in cost per mile between the two modes would vary but little from the sum of $4,000. Detailed statements and specifications will be prepared and furnished whenever the Board shall require them, on which would be based the contracts for rails, and other materials. Respectfully submitted by WM. GIBBS MCNEILL, |