Re: Steepest train/tram line

["Ron BEST" <ronbest@bigpond.com>]

Bill Bolton wrote in message <366e7982.5717337@news.bigpond.com>...
>"David Martin" <d_martin@mountains.net.au> wrote:
>
>> What is the steepest gradient used on a train or tram line?
>
>The former single track Neutral Bay Tram line in Sydney had a ruling
>gradient of 1 in 8.75, which extended for several chains near the
>lower end of Wycombe Road, beyond Shell Cove loop.

Wasn't Hayes Street steeper?
>
>Even after the requirements for additional braking had been relaxed on
>others steeply graded parts of the former Sydney tram system,
>passenger carrying trams on the Neutral Bay line were restricted to
>types with additional braking facilities.  This was initially 4 wheel
>cars from the C, D, E, H and K classes which were equipped with extra
>mechanical track brakes.  In later years a single R1 (1999 on trial
>and later 2029 permanently) was fitted with additional resistors on
>the roof between the trolley basses to provide rheostatic braking and
>provide the regular service on the line.  A pair of single truck track
>brake equipped Ks (1295/1296) cars were retained for use when the R1
>was unavailable due to scheduled maintenance.
>
>Many years ago Modern Tramway ran a series of articles on steeply
>graded lines and I remember being surprised that there a quite a
>number of adhesion only lines in Europe which were steeper than
>Neutral Bay, but I have no recollection now of exactly where they
>were.

It was called "Mountain climbing sans rack"!
>
>Cheers,
>
>Bill
>
>