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I write an article about Switzerland's Glacier Express from St.Moritz to Zermatt. Can anybody provide me with a list of the 10 most magnificent Mountain Railroads in the world?
Posts: 1 | From: Zuerich Switzerland | Registered: Aug 2003
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Hello everyone, I am new to the group and I hope to be able to contribute information on Japanese railways. About this topic of mountain railways, the Hakone-Tozan Railway in Japan, while it does not have the impressive alpine scenery of the Swiss railways, does have some rather interesting features. The first 6.1 km of it's 15 km length is dual gauge. It is a subsidiary of the Odakyu Railway which is gauged at 1067mm, while the Hakone-Tozan is 1435mm. Some Odakyu trains run on that 6.1 km section. There are 3 switchbacks along the route from Odawara, near the Pacific coast, to Gora, not far from Mt. Fuji.
Posts: 2 | From: Portland, Oregon, USA | Registered: Nov 2003
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Have never been to Europe, so can't say about there.
I would say that one of the most outstanding mountain railways has to be the Alishan Forest Railway out of Chaiyi in Taiwan. (Taiwan is officially the Republic of China and is not now nor ever has been subject to the current government of the People's Republic of China.) It has at least two pairs of switchbacks, and a triple loop. It is a four hour ride that covers about 80 km. The track gauge is 762 mm (30 inches). There are several hotels at the top which mainly cater to tourists coming to view the sunrise. The viewing point is also reached by train. There is a nice park at the top. Some line extensions at the top are currently closed due to damage from the 1999 earthquake.
For other spectacular mountain trips here, there is the South Link between Kaohsiung and Taitung, and then you might as well go up the east side back to to Taipei. The central part of the south link was opened in 1992, and includes about a 5 mile tunnel at the crest. Taitung up to Hualien was built as a 30 inch gauge line but regauged in 1980 with significant alignment improvements. From Hualien up to Suao, 50 miles, is the North Link which was opened in 1980 and is now being double tracked. this has no significant grades, but is a spectacular railroad with the ocean on the east and mountains on the west. It contains numerous tunnels in the norther 30 miles. The rest of the ride back to Taipei ain't bad for scenery either.
[This message has been edited by George Harris (edited 02-02-2004).]
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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