West Cliff Railway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Cliff Railway |
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The beach, cliff railway and cliff-top hotels viewed from the Pier
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| Overview | |
| Status | in use |
| Locale | West Cliff, Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom |
| Service | |
| Type | Funicular |
| Operator(s) | Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council |
| History | |
| Opened | 1935 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 145 feet (44 m) |
| Number of tracks | Double track |
| Track gauge | 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) |
| Maximum incline | 70.4% |
The West Cliff Railway, also known as the West Cliff Lift, is a special type of railway called a funicular. It's found on West Cliff in the sunny seaside resort of Bournemouth, England. This railway helps people travel easily between the beach and the top of the cliff, where the town is.
Contents
How the West Cliff Railway Works
The local council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, owns and runs this railway. It has some interesting features that help it move people up and down the steep cliff.
Key Facts About the Railway
- Length: The track is about 145 feet (44 m) long.
- Steepness: It's very steep, with a gradient of 70.4%.
- Cars: There are two cars that go up and down.
- Capacity: Each car can carry up to 12 passengers.
- Tracks: It uses a double track system, meaning there are two sets of rails.
- Gauge: The distance between the rails is 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm).
- Power: The railway runs on electricity.
History of the West Cliff Railway
The West Cliff Railway first opened its doors in 1908. It was built by the Bournemouth Corporation, which was like the local government back then. This happened just a few months after another similar railway, the East Cliff Railway, opened nearby.
Early Days and Power
From the very beginning, the West Cliff Railway used electricity to operate. The main machinery, called the winding gear, was located at the top station. It was powered by a 25 horsepower (19 kW) electric motor. A driver at the top station controlled the railway, with help from an attendant at the bottom. The cars used to be made of wood.
Upgrades Over the Years
In the 1960s, the old motor was replaced with a stronger 28 horsepower (21 kW) motor. At the same time, the wooden cars were swapped for new ones made of aluminium. These new cars were designed to be used on all three of Bournemouth's cliff railways, making them easy to switch around. Later, in 1987, the railway tracks were completely re-laid. During the 1990s, the railway got another big upgrade: a modern electronic control system was installed, making it even safer and more efficient.
Other Cliff Railways in Bournemouth
The West Cliff Railway is not the only one of its kind in Bournemouth! There are actually two other similar cliff railways in the town. These are the East Cliff Railway and the Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway. All three of these fun railways usually operate during the warmer months, from April to October.
