Railway General Knowledge.

[DerekC]

Woolwich Arsenal?

That's the one, @RDP. Your floor anyway, but any idea of the gauge?

 

[DerekC]

Beckton sewage works? 2 foot gauge?

Now there's one I hadn't even thought about. Did the Beckton works have a railway? Answer, judging by the 1890s map - yes, but not a very big one. It seems to be joined to the gasworks railway next door (which was quite extensive) and from there to the GER Beckton branch, so perhaps standard gauge, although it's hard to tell from maps because a mixed gauge line would appear to be a through connection!

Anyway - it wouldn't have had up to 45 steam engines, I think! So @RDP's floor.

 

[Spamcan81]

That's the one, @RDP. Your floor anyway, but any idea of the gauge?

18 inch gauge?

 

[DerekC]

Correct

 

[RDP]

As I can't think of a question at the moment I suggest Spamcan81 sets the next question for getting the gauge correct.

 

[Spamcan81]

As I can't think of a question at the moment I suggest Spamcan81 sets the next question for getting the gauge correct.

Thanks.
What is the only country to use a gauge of 891mm?

 

[Peterthegreat]

Sweden

 

[Spamcan81]

Sweden

That didn’t take long.
Control of the trefotbanor is yours.

 

[Peterthegreat]

Which country holds the world speed record for narrow (ie less than standard) gauge trains?

 

[McRhu]

Must be Japan I would think....

 

[Peterthegreat]

Must be Japan I would think....

Nope.

 

[D6130]

South Africa?

 

[Peterthegreat]

South Africa?

South Africa is correct. 152 mph was achieved in 1978 by GEC class 6E1 loco no 1525.

Your turn to beat the record.

 

[D6130]

Thanks. Next up:

What was the most memorable event on the opening day of the Snowdon Mountain Railway in 1896?

 

[Gloster]

Thanks. Next up:

What was the most memorable event on the opening day of the Snowdon Mountain Railway in 1896?

Ladas, like Jack and Jill, went up a hill but came tumbling down.

 

[D6130]

Ladas, like Jack and Jill, went up a hill but came tumbling down.

Indeed she did. Locomotive No. 1 'LADAS' derailed on the points at Clogwyn on the return journey and rolled over, falling several hundred feet down the mountain. Luckily the crew managed to jump clear in time and escaped with minor injuries but, sadly, a lady passenger suffered a fatal heart attack caused by the shock of witnessing the accident. The wreckage of the loco was eventually recovered and used as a spare parts donor.

Your turn to hit the rack!

 

[Gloster]

Who was CME of two of the LMS’ constituents and one of its most important subsidiaries?

 

[D6130]

Robert H Whitelegg?

 

[Gloster]

Robert H Whitelegg?

No. The LT&SR disappeared too early and never became a subsidiary, so it was only the G&SWR for him.

 

[D6130]

George Hughes?

 

[Gloster]

George Hughes?

No. The gentleman concerned died over thirty years before the LMS appeared, but the companies that employed him lasted to be absorbed by it.

 

[D6130]

Barton-Wright? (Can't remember his first name?)

 

[devon_belle]

.

edit: withdrew answer because it was wrong.

 

[devon_belle]

Hugh Smellie

 

[Gloster]

Barton-Wright? (Can't remember his first name?)

No. (It was William.)

Hugh Smellie

Correct. He seems to have been a very promising CME whose life was cut short.

To you to design the next question.

 

[devon_belle]

I will open the floor.

 

[xotGD]

If I may step in...

In which year did the first Class 60 locomotive enter revenue earning service?

For the avoidance of doubt, I am referring to the diesel locos, not some ancient steamer that happens to have the same class designation!

 

[devon_belle]

1990?

 

[D6130]

1995?

 

[xotGD]

1990?

Correct!