Railway General Knowledge.

[D6130]

They all at one time had railway-owned hotels?

 

[Peterthegreat]

They all at one time had railway-owned hotels?

Sorry. I think only Saltburn had a railway hotel.

 

[Neo9320]

Is it miniature railway related?
Saltburn miniature railway, Scarborough north bay railway (think shanklin has one?)

 

[Peterthegreat]

Is it miniature railway related?
Saltburn miniature railway, Scarborough north bay railway (think shanklin has one?)

Certainly Saltburn and Scarborough have miniature railways. I can't see anything at Shanklin though.

 

[Calthrop]

Could it be, they all have cliff lifts -- sorta-kinda vertical railways??

 

[Neo9320]

Could it be, they all have cliff lifts -- sorta-kinda vertical railways??

Aha! good shout!!

 

[Peterthegreat]

Could it be, they all have cliff lifts -- sorta-kinda vertical railways??

Indeed it could. That's the answer I was looking for.
Over to you!

 

[Calthrop]

Thanks.

This question includes an element of hemispheres: Eastern vis-a-vis Western.

There is a rail gauge which, by sheer total route length, is one of the world's most extensive. However, it is found in -- relative to its extent -- only a few-ish countries of the world. Nowadays, and almost-totally for a long time past: there are / have been lines on the gauge, in only one hemisphere. However; up to a couple of decades ago, there was just one -- fairly short but not totally obscure -- route on the gauge, in the other hemisphere.

Please give the gauge concerned; indicate (generally) the parts of the world in which it now obtains; and say what and where was the mentioned, up-till-recent times anomalous line.

 

[Gloster]

I would presume that it is five-foot, which is found in Russia and various bits of adjacent countries (which Russia now wants to change the names of...to Russia). As to the last part, I will guess Australia.

 

[Calthrop]

I would presume that it is five-foot, which is found in Russia and various bits of adjacent countries (which Russia now wants to change the names of...to Russia). As to the last part, I will guess Australia.

Correct re the gauge; and indeed, in Russia and -- tactfully glossing over current unpleasantnesses -- other countries part of the one-time USSR but now independent; plus Finland (Russian up to 1918), and Mongolia (its railways inaugurated under the aegis of the USSR).

The "odd one" in the Western Hemisphere / New World: not in Australia, I'm afraid. Any other offers re this one?

 

[xotGD]

Russian influence? I'll go with Cuba.

 

[Calthrop]

An interesting thought; but, alas, erroneous. The influence -- overwhelmingly, anyway -- not Russian; and from a long time ago -- this rail route a very old one, in railway-history terms.

 

[DerekC]

Something in the USA? I think many of the original railroads south of the Mason-Dixon Line were 5ft gauge.

 

[Gloster]

I would guess that it is South America, possibly Argentina, which (I think) had a number of gauges.

 

[Calthrop]

Something in the USA? I think many of the original railroads south of the Mason-Dixon Line were 5ft gauge.

I would guess that it is South America, possibly Argentina, which (I think) had a number of gauges.

You're both, in different ways, on the right track; but neither, fully there. Not in the USA; but its 5ft gauge originating from the scene which you mention. And -- in Latin America, yes (one gauge which Argentina didn't have !).

 

[Gloster]

South of the border, down Mexico way?

 

[Calthrop]

South of the border, down Mexico way?

Go further in that direction; but not too very far !

 

[341o2]

Something in the USA? I think many of the original railroads south of the Mason-Dixon Line were 5ft gauge.

Which influenced railroad construction in connection with the Panama Canal

 

[Calthrop]

Which influenced railroad construction in connection with the Panama Canal

That's it ! The Panama Railroad, parallel with the built-and-opened-much-later Canal. Converted to standard gauge in 2000 -- 01.

@Gloster answered correctly re the Old World; @341o2 re the New. Could I suggest a tie-breaker for you two gentlemen, as to which sets the next question?

 

[341o2]

Happy with a tie breaker or to let Gloster have the floor, as I wouldn't have got the Russian part right, I was thinking 3'6"

 

[Gloster]

Well, I’ll try the tie-breaker, but this isn’t my area of knowledge.

 

[Calthrop]

How about the following tie-breaker -- definitely non-fiendish, I feel: it involves the year of opening of the (original 5ft. gauge) Panama Railroad. Whoever submits a year which is closer to the correct date, than the other's submission: sets the next question.

 

[Gloster]

I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, so I will just say 1900.

 

[341o2]

I suggest earlier, so 1850

 

[Calthrop]

I suggest earlier, so 1850

You're closer (by much): it was 1855. Your floor.

 

[DerekC]

As an aside, I note that there are one or two odd bits of five foot gauge elsewhere, off true railways - for instance the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), which I have ridden on and the the East Hill funicular in Hastings (UK) which I haven't.

 

[341o2]

can't think of a question so am declaring open floor

 

[EbbwJunction1]

I'll take this if I may - which television series covered the following:
The Lickey Incline;
Irish Narrow Gauge;
Southampton Docks;
The Wye Valley Line;
Fort William to Mallaig; and
The Brighton Belle?

 

[Peterthegreat]

I'll take this if I may - which television series covered the following:
The Lickey Incline;
Irish Narrow Gauge;
Southampton Docks;
The Wye Valley Line;
Fort William to Mallaig; and
The Brighton Belle?

Railway Roundabout?

 

[EbbwJunction1]

Railway Roundabout?

Yes, too easy wasn't it ... you have the Producer's Chair.