As a producer of funiculars, we know the importance of the technology. To spread the word about this fantastic innovation, we are continuing our efforts to educate you about the amazing things funiculars have done and how they do it. Discover the magic of hillside lift systems with these four fun facts.
Similar to Elevators and Trains But Different
Funiculars use a number of design principles from elevators and trains, but differ in how they are used. Elevators use a cable and pulley to ascend and trains use wheels and tracks to move forward. Because a funicular must both ascend and move forward its design needs to be different. Unlike trains that rely on wheels and a track to ease forward motion, a funicular primarily relies on a cable. Wheels would be unable to climb inclines, which is why funiculars only use wheels and tracks to guide the cart up and down. The pulley and cable does all the pulling and lowering.
Where Were They Born?
The funicular was born in Salzburg Austria. The parentage of the invention is unknown, but many of the details about its origin still remain. The Reisszug funicular is still in use today. It was designed to pull people and supplies up a steep incline through fortress doorways and end at the summit where a castle stood.
Because power wasn’t available 500 years ago, the funicular used a counterbalance system to exploit the power of gravity. This way the descending car helped pull the ascending car. Unfortunately the use of gravity wasn’t enough to get heavy loads up the first funicular railway. Prisoners and animals were used to get loads up the hill until 1910 when modern sources replaced muscle power.
The Volcanic Funicular
Funiculars can be used to scale any steep incline, including volcanoes. When the first funicular was placed on a volcano in 1880, the idea was a novel one, which hasn’t been repeated often since. Because the volcanoes erupt numerous times, the prospect seems dangerous, but for tourists visiting the famous Mount Vesuvius, they are willing to take the risks. Fortunately the volcano hasn’t erupted for nearly 2000 years and is considered to be dormant for the time being.
For centuries tourists have been visiting the historic volcano. Before the first funicular came, they had to do it the hard way, which involved walking, horses, donkeys or being carried up by sedan chair. The funicular significantly eased the travel and more visitors were allowed up the summit to gaze into the deep crater left by the last eruption.
Riding a Funicular for Fun
Funiculars aren’t all work and no play. In GreenWood Forest Park located in North Wales, visitors can enjoy a funicular roller coaster. The roller coaster operates much like a traditional funicular, only the ride is made to be a little more thrilling.
We hope you enjoyed the fun facts about our favorite thing. To learn more about the funiculars we provide for your home, business or organization, contact us here.
