Funiculars, Funiculaires, Funicolare, DFB (Michel Azéma) Scarborough04

The Central Tramway Company Scarborough Limited was created and registered in 1880.

The lift was designed for steam operation and first opened to the public in August 1881. Located in the real center of the South Bay to link the city to the shore just beside the Grand Hotel.

Below the track and about 60 feet from the top station the steam operated winch gear was housed. The driver of the lift had no view of the cars and relied on an indicator with other visual aids such as string tied on to the haulage rope, and chalk marks on the winch drums to indicate the arrival of the cars at the top and bottom stations. In 1910 the steam was abandoned and the gear converted to electric drive. In 1932 the cars were replaced and the motor placed under the top station. Control was from a driving position at the top of the station with full view of the cars. For emergency use each car is fitted with a screw on and wedge safety brake which operates on a safety rail down the center of each track and tha rail also carries the rollers for the support of the cables.

All fares are collected at the top station and except as period of very heavy traffic the staff consists of three men, one who drive, one take the fares and the third one controls the bottom station.

The Central Tramway Company Scarborough Limited still operates in its original corporate form

General vue of the entire line.

The 30p fare is taken at the top station.

Details of the tracks and the top station

Publicity on the cabins

Note the rail in the center of each track used for the emergency brakes, note also the small rollers on the center of this rail to support the cable.

The top station with the iron bridge. Under the tracks was located the first steam engine.

Vue on the South Bay and the Scarborough harbour.

The cabin at the top station in front the rear of the Grand Hotel.

The bottom station near the South sands.

The entrance of the top station.

At the rear, the Grand Hotel.

The top station which have kept all its charm.

Interesting vue of the top station ans its original turning gates.

Another interesting vue of the top station showing a cabin with its opened door waiting for passengers.
The other door is closed. Between the doors, the command center for the driver.

The bottom station with the cabin, on the left, waiting for passengers.

TECHNICAL DATAS

Start	1881
End	...
Type of funicular
Type of tracks
Type of energy	1881- 1910 since 1910
Bottom station	South Sands
Top station	City
Length	77 m
Gradient	57,8 %
Gauge	1,423 m