Katoomba Scenic Railway not steepest?

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

I have just received the following e-mail from the USA.....

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


I must beg to differ with your statement that the Katoomba Scenic
Railway is the steepest in the world.

Going up the side of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA is
the Incline railway.  It's grade is 72.5degrees at one point and has
been listed as the worlds steepest railway for over 50years...
I realize that the Guiness Book of World Records is your reference...
however, I believe a little research will prove that The Incline Railway
is the steepest (though not knowing the linear distance your railway
runs, it may be the longest at that grade.)

On further study of the data you list... The Incline railway travels a
linear 4,750 feet, climbing 1,700 vertical feet.

I suggest additional study but the railway you display is no less
attractive because of the misinformation.

If I ever get a chance to come to Australia, I intend to study as much
of your railroading history and sites as I can find.

Thank you

David W. Fields