Residents of some cities in the world can boast that they have in their native land such attractions as the funicular.It is not just the vehicle.It can confidently be called attraction in which utilitarian function recovery combined with entertainment.
How does the funicular?
principal funicular device is characterized by its name (the word "funiculitis" is translated from Latin as a rope and Italian).It consists of the propulsion system and the cabins are usually moving in the opposite direction.This scheme allows you to balance the load.Engineering construction also includes rails, gears, actuators and braking system, including emergency actuating automatically if the rope breaks or other abnormality occurs.Construction funiculars varied in each of the cities they were built according to his own design, with unique architecture and design of stations rolling stock.
revived Odessa funicular
For example, in Odessa, near the Giant staircase (later renamed Potemkin), since 1902 operated the cable car, the first in the Russian Empire.In the 60-ies of XX century in its place it was installed an escalator, like those that work in the subway.The capacity has increased, but too bad modern look combined with the historical appearance of the southern city.In the end, modern "running stairs" worn out, and now in the same place once again earned the funicular.This building enjoys well-deserved success at Odessa and visitors to the city, with a wonderful view of the port and harbor, besides it facilitates the path to the Primorsky Boulevard, after climbing 192 steps for some people, especially the elderly, it's tedious.
Streetcar in San Francisco - a model for the cable car in Vladivostok
Funicular Vladivostok was conceived as one of the measures to transform this wonderful seaside town in the "Soviet of San Francisco."During his visit to the United States, held in 1959, the First Secretary of the CPSU Khrushchev was impressed by the urban transport system of the Californian metropolis, which has no equal in the world.As Vladivostok, San Francisco is located in the complex terrain and make the pedestrian walk on it pretty hard, we have to climb it, then descend the steep slopes.Ordinary urban transport some of the climbs might be beyond the power, and then was made an interesting solution.All trams San Francisco moving on rails, between which is laid a rope.To stop the car, the counselor should open the connection device and press on the brake, and the motion begins when the reverse action.It is difficult to pinpoint a funicular or tram is, but the system works fine, but as the rolling stock used to restore old cars without engines imported from different countries, which makes any trip fun filled adventure in nature.
Funicular - sight "Vlad»
possible that commissioned in 1962 in Vladivostok funicular and inferior in size and branching of the US, but it is also very good.Only in the Far East, it connects to the Golden Horn Orlinaya the street V. Sibirtseva.According to it, like to get to the School of Engineering students, tourists will certainly visit this landmark, and the inhabitants of the city overcome the steep hill, if they do not want to go upstairs, "one thousand and one step" (in fact, their 368, but it's a lot).Ascent by cable car to a height of 70 m lasts fifteen minutes, during which time he overcomes the 183 m track.Thus, the average slope exceeds 22 degrees, which is a lot.
Funicular in Prague - a way for lovers
Unlike modern and very useful for residents of Vladivostok funicular in Prague railway to the mountain Petrin is an extremely entertaining attractions, and the age of her venerable - she began to work in1891.At the same time it was opened another famous funicular in Prague Letna hill.The route of romantic and picturesque.In its 510-meter length of the car overcomes a small tunnel under the wall of the old fortress, and on the last stop of visitors, in addition to observation tower awaits sculpture devoted kiss.It is a favorite meeting place of young Prague residents.
Barcelona funiculars
«Tibidabo" - the oldest funicular in Barcelona (and all three of them).The route leads him to the top of the mountain, after which it is named, the other station is located on the street Dr. Andreu.On Tibidabo is another cable train - "Vayvidrera", which is sent from the station Peude, but it is much smaller, only holds about fifty passengers.Lifting height at both cable cars about the same, more than 160 meters, but the length is different (1152 and 729 meters, respectively), suggesting that the movement takes place at varying steepness of the slope.So flatter "Tibidabo", despite its venerable age (he operated since 1901), takes four hundred passengers, and his younger brother Peude - eight times less.
Funicular Montuika - urban transport and attraction simultaneously
third funicular - "Montuika" - is part of the public transport in Barcelona, it is automatic and fast.Its purpose - to connect the local cable car to the metro station "Parallel".The route is very beautiful, her 758-meter route runs between unruly thickets and lifts passengers to a height of 76 meters.Exemplary commitment of Barcelona city government to ensure that the attraction brought to the treasury as much as possible funds.Tourist attraction contributes to infrastructure, busy restaurants, cafes and other entertainment venues that create all the conditions for enjoying the beautiful views from the mountains Montuika.Built funicular in Barcelona on the occasion was held there in 1929 World Fair, but excellent technical condition allowed us to use it as an Olympic venue after more than six decades.
Kiev funicular - the idea and implementation
funicular in Kiev - one of the symbols of the city.He had experienced many historical upheavals.Revolution, civil war, directory Makhnovshchina, the Austrian intervention Ukrainian republic, ruin, Great Patriotic War and a couple of "Maidan" - that's just a partial list of events, through which passed the Kiev chair lift.But his life began in 1905 when, after two years of construction, "the Belgian company" made it into operation.Authors of the project, Russian engineers NI Baryshnikov and NK Piatnitski, planned length of a quarter of a kilometer, but the owner of a house at the bottom of the track refused to sell his property to the city authorities, and had to revise the plan, shortening the way to fifty yards.However, the general problem, namely facilitating the life of the people of Kiev who were forced to climb off the hem along the paths and stairs with hundreds of stages, has been solved.Tram on the steep hills of Kiev could not pass.After Odessa Kiev became the second city in Russia, improvement system that includes a electro miracle as St. Michael's rise (as it was originally called the technical innovation).
Rebirth of Kiev funicular
Kiev funicular worked in its original form until 1928 when, during routine maintenance was a failure of the trailer which, rolling down the steep rails, defeated the second.In this incident, fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the building required serious reconstruction.Replacement underwent rolling, rope lines and the braking system.In addition, the lower station was finally moved, and the route is extended for another 38 meters.The power unit, consisting of two DC motors in Switzerland (65 l. With., 1903 issue), as well as the drive pulley rope served until 1984.
In 1986 was completed the third major reconstruction which in its history has undergone Kiev funicular.This facility is now raises the car with hundreds of passengers to a height of 75 meters at a speed of 2 m / s.Greatly increased power available, installed power of 100 kW.The total length of the track reached 222 m. Carriages depart every seven minutes.Every day about 15 million passengers use this convenient form of transportation.
work on improving the funicular held regularly, they relate to improving the security and awareness of passengers.Much attention is paid to the aesthetic side, because this building has long been part of the historical appearance of the Ukrainian capital.
