Re: Katoomba Scenic Railway not steepest?

[Matthew Tierney <tierney1@northnet.com.au>]

The Katoomba Scenic Railway may not even be the steepest in Australia.
The cable railway down the gorge to the Oaky Hydro-Electric Scheme, east of
Armidale in New South Wales, is steeper over part of its length and it has
customarily carried members of the public on tours of the site.

Matthew Tierney
Armidale, New South Wales, Australia

David Martin wrote:

> 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