Abstract: A transport for a laser writing and reading system in which a carriage is propelled by a falling mass, either its own or an auxiliary mass. The falling mass works against a hydraulic cylinder and piston in which hydraulic fluid is displaced from the cylinder. A valve limits the flow of hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder so that the fall of the mass, and hence the carriage is braked to a uniform velocity. The system also includes a laser having a beam for scanning in a line transverse to the direction of motion of the carriage. A photosensitive medium is disposed to receive the scanning radiation. Either the laser or the photosensitive medium may be mounted on the carriage, with the other mounted in the fixed position in optical communication therewith. By controlling the rate of fluid flow through the valve, the mass will fall with uniform velocity, thereby propelling the carriage at a uniform, vibration-free rate.