Scenic Railway Expansion

["David Martin" <d_martin@mountains.net.au>]

Katoomba Scenic Railway Expansion Ideas

The Scenic Railway often operates at capacity. Consequently, the owners want
to supplement it with an aerial cable car running more or less parallel.

The SR train cannot be made longer, as it would lift off the track near the
bottom of the steepest section.

My idea, which I invite comments on, is to have two trains, with a passing
loop in the middle. I suspect that the existing haulage machinery could be
used.

This proposal would have less impact on the environment than a cable car,
and would also result in the elimination of the aerial counterweight.

I think this idea is obvious (it certainly isn't original), which makes me
wonder why it is not being considered. Am I missing some technical problem
here?

Comments?

There has also been a proposal for an aerial cable car along the old tramway
easement from North's Siding, which was rejected by council. Some people
have proposed trams, I will post an article on this later so stay tuned to
this channel.....

David Martin
Blue Mountains Railway Pages
Under renovation at http://www.mountains.net.au/plaza/rail/