THE PIER TRAMWAY OMNIBUS
Isle of Wight Observer September 17, 1864
As this carriage has been in operation for several weeks, we are in a position to give an opinion as to its merits, and most unquestionably, whether during the heat of August sun or now the equinoctial gales are set in, it has proved a great public convenience. When the fare (twopence and fourpence, according to class) is set against economy in time by men of business, or a drenching by parties of pleasure, the question of utility is at once solved. For which reasons, and because we receive many enquiries from a distance, we will give a more detailed account than heretofore of the carriage. The highest praise which can be given is to say that it is adapted to its end. It is elegant in appearance, light, and strong; and as roomy and lofty as is consistent with offering the least resistance to the gales it will have to encounter, consequently it has an elliptic roof. Its dimensions are, 22 feet long, 6 feet high, 8 feet wide, and only 1 ton 15 cwt. in weight. Its saloon is lined with blue cloth and holds 16 persons, and the second class 20, and is lined with black leather, and the platform at each end will carry 12 more; it is drawn by one horse easily, and runs its distance (over half-a-mile) in three minutes. There is a break at each end which can be acted upon and stop the carriages instantaneously, thus: on the handrail at each end is a wheel 10 inches over, and when turned it turns a drum which winds up a chain connected with the lever working the break; but there are two chains, so that if the wheel be turned to the right one acts, and if turned to the left the other acts, and nothing can be simpler or more effective. It was designed and constructed by Mr Ayshford, of the Britannia Works, Walham-green, Fulham, to whom we refer our correspondents for further information, and, we understand, he is about to introduce another novelty.
