Re: Steepest train/tram line

["David Bennetts" <davibenn@pcug.org.au>]

David Martin <d_martin@mountains.net.au> wrote in article
<3667e077.0@news.camtech.net.au>...
> What is the steepest gradient used on a train or tram line? I refer to
> conventional adhesion, NOT cog or cable.
> 
> David Martin
> 
The line at Roaring Camp in the redwood forests near Felton, California
claims the steepest adhesion grades in North America.  It uses steam locos
of Heisler and Shay designs, hauling open 'gondola' cars , and incorporates
a switchback.  I believe it is about 1 in 12 (of course the yanks use a %
grade, just to be different.  I rode it last year, it's bloody steep and
most spectacular.  

As for trams, I think you can get about 1 in 8.  The tramways of Lisbon,
Portugal have very steep grades, I rode a line there a few years back, once
again a great experience.  Of course, their trams are fitted with track
brakes which screw down onto the  rails.  The steepest tram line in Sydney
was that down to Darling St wharf in Balmain, here trams pushed a dummy car
(connected to a counterweight hauled in a tunnel by cable) down the hill to
the terminus.  The dummy assisted the tram back up the hill.  Of truly
conventional lines, the Neutral Bay wharf one was the steepest, running
from Neutral Bay Junction on Military Road.  Old four wheel cars of the E
and K classes were retained to work this line, being fitted with track
brakes, until 1952 when an R1 class with dynamic brakes was used.  The K
class were then retained as backup cars. 

Regards

David Bennetts
Canberra