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Fell mountain railway system - Definition and Overview |
| Related Words: Olympus, Abundance, Acres, Alp, Bags, Bald, Bank, Bar, Barrel, Barrels, Bilge, Blain, Blister, Blob, Bluff, Boss, Bow, Bubble, Bulb, Bulge, Bulla, Bump, Burl, Bushel |
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The Fell mountain railway system or Fell incline railway system is a type of Mountain railway system that employs a raised centre rail between the two main rails to provide extra traction and braking needed for steep grade sections. Trains are propelled and braked by wheels pressed horizontally on to the centre rail by springs, as well as by the standard vertical running wheels. These horizontal wheels may be fitted to a specially designed Fell engine, or to self-propelled railcars.
History
The Fell incline railway system was designed, developed and patented by British engineer John Barraclough Fell. The first test application was alongside the Cromford and High Peak Railway's cable hauled incline at Whaley Bridge in 1863 and 1864.
These tests attracted the attention of the French Government, who conducted their own tests on the slopes of Mont Cenis in 1865. As a result of these tests, the Mont Cenis Pass Railway was built, to provide a temporary connection between France and Italy whilst the alpine tunnel under the pass was being completed.
Several other Fell mountain railways were subsequently built, as described below.
A list of Fell mountain railways
The following railways have used the Fell system. Of these, the only one still in operation is the Snaefell Mountain Railway on the Isle of Man.
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