Electric rail, Giants Causeway
[graphic]
| Main Creator: | |
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| Contributors: | |
| In collection: | The Lawrence Photograph Collection |
| Format: | Photo |
| Published / Created: |
[between ca. 1880-1900]
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| Subjects: | |
| Notes: | Featured in the exhibition entitled "Trainspotting" which took place in the National Photographic Archive in March 2000. Additional information about this photograph may be available on the National Library of Ireland's Flickr Commons photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland/5730438737/in/photostream/ Robert French was the chief photographer responsible for photographing three quarters of the Lawrence Collection. For more information, see the Dictionary of Irish Biography: http://dib.cambridge.org/viewReadPage.do?articleId=a3369 Physical description: 1 photographic negative glass 16.5 x 21.5 cm Geographic Coverage: Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Province of Ulster, Ireland. Caption on glassplate reads: Electric Rail. Giants Causeway. 3337. W. L. more |
NLI Ref.: LROY 3337
Comments
Pechristener
Giant's Causeway Tramway in front of Causeway Hotel terminus
This electric 3 ft railway operated between Portrush and Giant's Causeway between 1887 and 1949. It is one of the oldest electric railways in the world and was may be the first operating over a significant long distance of 9¼ miles. The power was generated by water turbines at Walkmill Falls, Bushmills and was fed by third rail to the train. The voltage was initially 290 V to 360 V, later reduced to 250 V after an accident killing a cyclist who came in contact with the third rail. In Summer 1899 operation was changed to overhead electric wire.
The postcard pictures must be taken between the opening in 1887 and summer 1899 since the third rail is visible behind the train.
More info see Wikipedia
Posted: 02.06.2011
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Thanks Peter! Have amended date to circa 1888 - unless of course, someone else knows different...
Posted: 02.06.2011
Foxglove
almost everyone has gone for the cheaper seats! ☺
Posted: 07.06.2017
suckindeesel
There is a story told re the initial BOT inspection of the line before its public opening. The official queried the safety of the exposed third rail, but the engineer was prepared for this and promptly sat down on the rail, with no apparent problem. However, it was later said that he was wearing rubber underwear and had the voltage lowered especially for this eventually.
Posted: 02.11.2019
