Cableless Cable Car...

[Densha]

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10208008

Discuss.

[JR 500系]

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10208008

Discuss.

 

Well... Mixed feelings:

 

1) Is this a cable car as in one that has a cable on top and the car hangs from the moving cable?

2) Or is this a tram like thingy that moves on tracks with a pantagraph on top?

 

Really mixed... If for point number 1, it feels way too spooky... As for point number 2, it looks more feasbile as there are plently of mountain climbing type of trains all over Japan and the world... (one classic example that comes into my mind now is the one at Hong Kong Victoria's peak hill climb train)..

[Densha]

I don't know if it's gravitationally possible to not have a cable or gear system.

That Hong Kong train also uses some sort of cable-like system so far I can see.

[Mr Frosty]

The Hong Kong system is a Funicular Railway. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funicular

The 2 cars are connected by a cable and counterbalance each other as they move. The cable lays on the ground and runs in pulleys. At the top, it is wrapped around a large drive wheel which powers the system. As one side decends, the other is raised. Due to the counterbalance effect, little energy is required to operate the system.

 

 

At bends, angled rollers are used to keep the cable in the correct position.

No cable visible yet, as it is attached to the rear underside of the car.

 

 

 

The model is in the "style" of a funicular, but instead of modeling the cable mechanism and second car, they have merely powered the coach.

[Densha]

The model is in the "style" of a funicular, but instead of modeling the cable mechanism and second car, they have merely powered the coach.

What I expected but couldn't confirm.

[john_ibw]

I have a Brawa funicular (#6310) in HO, which has 2 lighted cars, running on 2 rails and the cable moves the cars up and down the slope. I am yet to assemble the set, but happy to post some pics of the set not assembled if folks want it...:)