• Source: List of steepest gradients on adhesion railways

The inclusion of steep gradients on railways avoids the expensive engineering work required to produce more gentle gradients. However the maximum feasible gradient is limited by how much of a load the locomotive(s) can haul upwards. Braking when travelling downhill is also a limiting factor. There have been various solutions to hauling rail mounted vehicles up or down inclines. These include simple rail adhesion, rack railways and cable inclines (including rail mounted water tanks to carry barges). To help with braking on the descent, a non-load-bearing "brake rail" located between the running rails can be used, similar to the rail used in the Fell system, e.g. by the Snaefell Mountain Railway on the Isle of Man.
Tramways and light railways often have steeper gradients than heavier railways. This is because all wheels are usually connected to engine power in order to give better acceleration. Grades of 5% are not uncommon on them. Metros and pure commuter railways often also allow steeper gradients, over 4%, for the same reason. High-speed railways commonly allow 2.5% to 4% because the trains must be strong and have many wheels with power to reach very high speeds. For freight trains, gradients should be as gentle as possible, preferably below 1.5%.




Examples


The list below is of some of the steepest gradients on adhesion railways, in order of decreasing steepness:




See also






Further reading


Wellington, Arthur Mellen (1887). "X. The Relative Importance of Gradients". The Economic Theory of the Location of Railways: An Analysis of the Conditions Controlling the Laying Out of Railways to Effect the Most Judicious Expenditure of Capital. London & New York: J. Wiley & Sons. OL 20529157M.




References






External links


Sample Curve & Gradient Diagram, Page 5

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• List of steepest gradients on adhesion railways
• Adhesion railway
• Grade (slope)
• Rack railway
• Mountain railway
• Ruling gradient
• Steep grade railway
• Longest trains
• Mountain railways of India
• Uetliberg railway line