Techniques To Overcome Steep Hills
Some of the techniques that can be used to overcome steep hills include:
- dividing the load or splitting the train, which requires a siding at the summit.
- attaching additional banking engine(s).
- replacing the engine with a more powerful heavier engine for the duration of the steep grade.
- strengthening the track on or approaching the steep grade, allowing higher speeds, and allowing the train a run at the gradient.
- using two-in-one articulated locomotives such as the Fairlie, Garratt or Mallet locomotive.
- using a Booster engine, though this is usually limited to starting the heavy train.
- Zig Zags
- Spirals
- Horseshoe curves
- Rack railway
- Fell mountain railway system
- Elevators, cable railways, or funicular railways driven by stationary engines (cable haulage up and down inclines).
- Geared steam locomotives such as a Shay locomotive
- Atmospheric railway
- Cable car (railway)
- Rail surface treatment
- Compensation for curvature - the gradient is slightly eased on sharpest curves so that the tractive effort to pull the train is uniform.
Read more about this topic: Hillclimbing (railway)
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