Anyone model funicular railways ? Here's an interesting one.
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Dan: Have you been to Pittsburgh? There are two that face the city from the South Side that climb Mt. Washington. We just call them the "inclines" but the proper term IS funicular (from the Latin "funis" meaning "rope").
Before the Pennsylvania Railroad completed the climb over the Allegheny mountains at Gallitzin, PA through the Horseshoe Curve, there was a canal system that ran boats over the mountains using rails and pulling them up with rope attached to fixed steam engines at the top of the grade. Known as the Portage Railroad, it is now a National Park Service site. They had trouble with the ropes breaking and causing havoc. This led to the development of wire rope by John Roebling who later designed the Brooklyn Bridge (made from wire rope spun in place).
In Johnstown, PA there is a funicular railway that is big enough to take automobiles up the hill. At the top there are a couple of windows into the engine room where you can see all of the workings including a large gear system and a centrifugal governor. Very cool !!! 
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I have used the one in Johnstown several times, including taking my vehicles up and down. The restaurant at the top has changed hands several times, but always has a great view of the town.
Rode a funicular railway in Bergen, Norway many years ago. As we crawled up the side of the mountain, we passed the counterbalancing car coming downhill. That prompted the thought "if my car breaks free from it's tether, we will hit the concrete abutment down below at about 300 mph !!"
I often enjoyed a ride on Angel's Flight in LA.
Leo, I have been to Pittsburgh and rode the inclines. That was way back in '94. Holy moly Batman, has it been that long ? On that same trip, which was to visit Slippery Rock University for our eldest daughter, we stopped at Horseshoe Curve on the way home. It made the trip well worth it, for me anyway. I have to say that SWMBO did enjoy it also. She had ridden Amtrak around the curve and thought it interesting to see it from outside of the train.
Dan,
I believe the Carnegie Science Center O Gauge Train Layout in Pittsburgh has a working model of a Pittsburgh funicular (incline to us locals).
Bill
