Robin Matthysen
November 23rd, 2000, 08:03 PM
The original CPR line from Field to Lake Louise was a dangerous 4.5 percent grade.
The two spiral tunnels were completed in 1909 and this reduced the grade to 2.2 percent. You can imagine the difference this made to safety and efficiency of load hauling. This picture shows a train proceeding through the lower spiral tunnel. It can be seen going into the upper portal and then exiting below.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=123788&a=9829776&p=33771451
I drew this map in MS paint and hope it gives an idea of the size of this engineering marvel.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=123788&a=9829776&p=33813134
If you have the opportunity to travel the highway between Lake Louise and Field, look for the turnout so you can see railroad action around the lower tunnel. Well worth the stop. Its like a helix in full scale.
------------------
Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.nbci.com/Matthyro/index.html)
[This message has been edited by Robin Matthysen (edited 24 December 2000).]
The two spiral tunnels were completed in 1909 and this reduced the grade to 2.2 percent. You can imagine the difference this made to safety and efficiency of load hauling. This picture shows a train proceeding through the lower spiral tunnel. It can be seen going into the upper portal and then exiting below.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=123788&a=9829776&p=33771451
I drew this map in MS paint and hope it gives an idea of the size of this engineering marvel.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=123788&a=9829776&p=33813134
If you have the opportunity to travel the highway between Lake Louise and Field, look for the turnout so you can see railroad action around the lower tunnel. Well worth the stop. Its like a helix in full scale.
------------------
Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.nbci.com/Matthyro/index.html)
[This message has been edited by Robin Matthysen (edited 24 December 2000).]