Engineering Wonders of the World
Volume I

192 ENGINEERING WONDERS OF THE WORLD. as it is well patronized by tourists. Further- more, the system adopted is one that can be maintained at small expense. As the railway is operated upon the “ compensating ” system —that is, one car descends while the other ascends—the consumption of electrical energy is very small, and this makes for economy. Wear and tear is also thereby reduced to a minimum. Indeed, the Wetterhorn Electric Aerial Railway has shown to the world that this particular system simplifies transport up steep mountain sides, and reduces cost. It is there- fore gratifying to note that, though this is the first application, the already completing arrangements for its adoption in other parts of the Swiss Alps, where the pre- vailing conditions render a rack or other system of sur- face railway imprac- ticable at a reason- able outlay. Even in the case of the Fonderie de Berne are UPPER TERMINUS AT ENGE, SHOWING THE CARRIAGE AT LANDING-STAGE AND METHOD OF ATTACHING HAULING CABLES TO CAR TROLLEY. Wetterhorn this first stretch is but part of a more complete scheme for reaching the peak of the mountain, which will mean the attainment of an _ Future j t p , Developments. altitude of some 12,510 feet above sea-level. The preliminary surveys have proved that the project offers no insuper- able difficulties. As experience of working is gained, the projectors will become possessed of more reliable data upon which to pro- ceed. The present line, however, has em- phasized in no uncertain manner the celerity with which the system can be installed, as the construction of this line occupied only about two years. To the traveller the sys- tem possesses many attractive features. Transportation is rapid and comfort- able, since the cars travel with remark- able steadiness and smoothness ; and, owing to the cheap- ness of installation, fares can be propor- tionately reduced. MB