World's Steepest Funicular Railways
A funicular railway (aka funicular) is basically an inclined railway coach/coaches on rail tracks which are pulled by cable. It generally consists of a pair which are attached to each other by a cable, which runs through a pulley at the top of the incline. The prime mover system moves them up and down the slope and the ascending/descending vehicles counterbalance each other thereby minimising the energy needed to lift the ascending car.
There are many such systems around the world (Wikipedia List) but I am presently describing only two - which are World's steepest having an incline of more than 100%.
1. Katoomba Scenic Railway, NSW, Australia 122% gradient.
Located in the Blue Mountains region, the railway is listed in the Guinness Book Of Records as the World's steepest funicular. It has gradient of 122% and descends 415 metres. Its original purpose was to haul coal and carry coal miners. As most of the steep track is underground, inside a tunnel the mine, the impact of gradient cannot be visualised through the photographs.
Edit Note: I am thankful to anonymous who has made following comments on July 2, 2009.
Edit Note: I am thankful to anonymous who has made following comments on July 2, 2009.
The Katoomba Scenic Railway doesn't actually descend into a mine.
The town of Katoomba is located at the top of the cliff on a plateau.
The funicular serviced mines that were located in the base of the cliffs. The coal was brought up the cliff and transferred to trains for transportation to other areas.
The rails descend through a narrow crack in the rock which was widened out into a tunnel. The top and bottom are both in open air.
It is nowadays run by a private company (Scenic World) and is a big tourist attraction.
Image from Panoramio is by jonahjones
More info: http://www.scenicworld.com.au
2. Gelmer-Bahn, Handegg, Switzerland - Europe's Steepest Funicular Railway (106%)
Located just below the Grimsel Pass near Handegg, Switzerland, the Funicular railway known as 'The Gelmer Bahn' was built during the construction of the Gelmer dam and its Power Station. It started operating in 1926 and is 1,028 meters in length with an ascent of 450 metres. Once at the top one can enjoy the scenic beauty of lake Gelmer and surrounding mountains.
Source of Info: http://www.myswitzerland.com
3 comments:
Thank you for featuring my photo of the Gelmer funicular railway. The ride on that train is a great experience and the scenery is great. It's lovely to pick-nick or to take a walk around the power station on top. The scenery is awesome.
The Katoomba Scenic Railway doesn't actually descend into a mine.
The town of Katoomba is located at the top of the cliff on a plateau.
The funicular serviced mines that were located in the base of the cliffs. The coal was brought up the cliff and transferred to trains for transportation to other areas.
The rails descend through a narrow crack in the rock which was widened out into a tunnel. The top and bottom are both in open air.
Hi Anonymous - Thank you for the information. I will duly correct my post.
Thanks once again and keep on visiting my travelogue!
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