The West Hill Train Funicular

The following information is from Wikipedia.
The West Hill Cliff Railway, or West Hill Lift, is a funicular railway located in the English seaside town of Hastings. It runs largely in tunnel, and provides access to Hastings Castle and St Clement's Caves from George Street, on the town's sea front. The West Hill overlooks the sea to the south, the Old Town to the east, and the current central business district of Hastings to the west.
The line is owned and operated by Hastings Borough Council and has the following technical parameters:
Length: 500 feet (150 m)
Height difference: 170 feet (52 m)
Gradient: 33%
Cars: 2
Capacity: 16 passengers per car
Configuration: Double track
Gauge: 6 ft (1,829 mm)
Traction: Electricity
Construction of the line was started in 1889 by a private operator, the Hastings Lift Company. The line met with local opposition, which meant that the work took longer to complete than originally envisaged, and construction costs were over 50% higher than envisaged. The line finally opened in 1891, and was originally powered by a gas engine.
The first operator went bankrupt in 1894, probably as a result of the construction delays and cost overrun. The Hastings Passenger Lift Company took over and operated the line until 1947, when Hastings Borough Council bought the line. It was converted from a water balanced system to electric operation in 1971. To mark the railway's centenary year, the line was fully refurbished in 1991.
The West Hill Lift is complemented by the East Hill Cliff Lift, giving visitors access to Hastings Country Park.
This lift is closed at the moment.
Further information
hastingssussex...
The West Hill Cliff Railway is a fascinating attraction offering a unique way to ascend the steep slopes of West Hill. This historic funicular railway provides a convenient and enjoyable means for tourists to reach the top of the hill and explore its captivating surroundings.
The railway, also known as the West Hill Lift, consists of two funicular cars that run on parallel tracks. The distinctive red carriages are a charming nod to the railway’s heritage and are a familiar sight in Hastings. They provide a memorable and nostalgic journey for visitors.
The ascent begins as you step aboard one of the carriages at the lower station, situated near the seafront. As the doors close, the railway starts its gentle ascent up the steep incline. The ride offers panoramic views of the town, the sea, and the surrounding landscape, allowing passengers to appreciate the beauty of the area from a unique vantage point.
The smooth ride is accompanied by the rhythmic sound of the railway’s mechanisms, adding to the sense of adventure and anticipation. The short but exhilarating journey provides an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photographs and soak in the scenic vistas.
Upon reaching the upper station, visitors disembark and find themselves at the top of West Hill. This elevated position offers breathtaking views of Hastings Old Town, the coastline, and the English Channel. It’s a perfect spot to take in the natural beauty of the area and appreciate the charm of the town below.
From the top of West Hill, tourists can explore various attractions and points of interest. These include Hastings Castle, which stands as a fascinating historical landmark, and the Smugglers Adventure, an intriguing underground experience that delves into the town’s smuggling past. The area also boasts picturesque gardens, picnic spots, and scenic walking paths, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls and peaceful moments of relaxation.
The West Hill Cliff Railway is not only a practical means of transportation but also an enjoyable tourist attraction in its own right. Its vintage charm, coupled with the stunning views it offers, makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring Hastings. So, hop aboard the red carriages, sit back, and enjoy the memorable journey to the top of West Hill.
Funicular
1.
(of a railway, especially one on a mountainside) operating by cable with ascending and descending cars counterbalanced.
Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: 5GD1WSL9YV7IJQ6T
Music by: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: KP7TRHY5OICWU1ON
James Hall
#westhills #hastings #funicular #lift #railway #cliff #victorian #travel #rider #carridge #railwaycar #railwaycarriage #visit #visitor #eastsussex

[@jeanblemings5352]

Just what we need on each and every Kevin's Rambles undulating walks!!

[@KevinsRambles]

Thank you Jean 🙂 Undulating do you say? we have never had one of those, Or have we 🤔

[@johnf4883]

Been to Hastings many times and been on the railway a few times. I love the fishing boats and the old town. Nice to see you in east Sussex Kevin 👍

[@KevinsRambles]

Thank you, John 😊. We had a great time in East Sussex. Hopefully, we will go back again.

[@diannehardwick950]

I do love a good funicular railway. So practical and fun!

[@KevinsRambles]

@diannehardwick950 Thank you, Dianne 😊. It's the first time I have seen one, and it was great taking a ride on it.

[@claire76leach]

Love the funicular railway in Hastings. That cafe was open the last time I went. But I haven’t been there in a while!

[@KevinsRambles]

Thank you Claire 🙂 It is a fantastic thing to have a ride on, I had never seen anything like it before.

[@daveevad]

A great piece of engineering, with no mention of Pavarotti... 👍🙃

[@KevinsRambles]

@daveevad Thank you, Dave 😊 It is amazing when you look at the steepness that someone can come up with a design to make the Funicular work.

[@fionahammond9396]

Hi Kevin and Steve great ride that brought back memories of the one down the west country , that one was worked with water was that or was it electric thanks for the ride see you all on Saturday I hope x❤

[@KevinsRambles]

@fionahammond9396 Thank you, Fiona 😊 I had never seen one before.

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Ey up me duck. I love feniculars but I always worry the cable is going to snap and we're going to go hurtling down and crash at the bottom, lol.

[@KevinsRambles]

Ey up me duck. Thank you Paul 🙂 Not something I had even thought about, Not a nice way to go lol

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

@@KevinsRambles Oh dear, well please try not to think about it the next time you're on one, lol. 🤦

[@KevinsRambles]

@@Adventures_with_Sog I will try lol

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

How does that one work, Kevin? Is it hauled up by cables, or is it on some counter balance system, where the one going down , pulls the other up? When you were going up, I didn't spot the other one coming down and I couldn't make out if it was just a single track. They really should have a cafe at the top.

[@KevinsRambles]

Thank you Lionel and Mary 🙂I think it was hauled by chains, there was a double side by side set of rails. One set of chains hauled you up while the other lowered you down. A great peice of engineering.

[@jeanblemings5352]

@@lionelmarytravels6003 I think sometimes they use water tanks as a counterweight but not sure if this is the case on this particular set up.