Babbacombe Cliff Railway facts for kids
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway, also known as the Babbacombe Cliff Lift, is a special kind of train. It helps people travel up and down a very steep hill! You can find it in Torquay, a town in Devon, England.
This railway connects a high area called Babbacombe Downs to a beach called Oddicombe Beach. It runs every day, but closes in winter for important repairs. The first ride starts at 9:30 AM. The last ride is at 5:30 PM. A bell rings before closing, so you know when to catch the final trip!
Contents
History of the Railway
How it Started
The idea for the Babbacombe Cliff Railway began in 1923. A company called Torquay Tramway Company asked Waygood-Otis Ltd to design and build it. Building the railway started in 1924. It officially opened for rides on April 1, 1926. The whole project cost about £15,648 back then.
Changes Over Time
The Torquay Tramway Company ran the railway until 1935. Then, the local government, Torquay Borough Council, took over. The railway had to close in 1941 because of World War II. It was important for safety during the war.
The railway reopened in 1951 after some updates. It also got more improvements in 1993. Then, a big three-year renovation project started in 2005.
New Ownership
In 2009, the railway's ownership changed again. It moved from the local council to a special group. This group is called a community interest company. It means they run the railway to benefit the local community. In 2019, this group became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This means they are a charity that helps the community.
How the Railway Works
The Babbacombe Cliff Railway uses two special cars. These cars can carry up to 40 people at a time. They travel on a track that is about 720 feet (220 meters) long. The railway moves at a speed of about 2.5 meters per second (8.2 feet per second).
The main engine that pulls the cars is at the top station. It uses a special electric system to move the cars. Strong ropes are attached to the cars. There are also extra ropes that help keep the cars balanced as they move up and down the steep track.
