| From the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph |
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| January 12, 1861 |
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| For the Telegraph |
| Science and Invention |
| ***** |
| Railroad Sleeping Cars |
| An ingenious plan has been
devised, by which railway cars can be used with the ordinary seats in
the day time and converted into a comfortable and convenient sleeping
car at night. The seat is made separate from and independent of the
backs and their supports, and in the form of a box, so as to carry
blankets and pillows therein, and run backwards and forwards on guides
affixed to the sides of the car. |
| The backs are affixed to the
sides of the cars and to permanent supports on the central aisle. When
the car is to be arranged for sleeping, the screw pin or spring which
holds the seat in place during the day time is withdrawn, and the seat
slides into the place occupied by the passengers' legs when seated,
and the back, describing the arc of a circle, takes the place occupied
by the seat, the back and the seat forming a continuous plane, from
end to end of the car. Drops from above, like those of a canal boat,
are let down, and hence the backs and seats of two adjoining seats
furnish beds for two persons, and the drops from above furnish two
separate or single beds. In the day time, these drops are fastened to
the ceiling without any inconvenience. |
| The advantage of this
arrangement are, that during the day the car can scarcely be
distinguished from the ordinary car now in use; the seats can be
reversed as is usual in day cars, and passengers relieved from riding
face to face, as in other sleeping cars when used for day travel. As
bulkheads are not necessary, both the view and ventilation are
unobstructed during the day time, and the latter at night. |
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