(1) Leaving the unload platform of the elevated station
(2) Rounding the first corner of the cutting
(3) Approaching the steel trestle bridge
(4) Rounding the second corner in the cutting
(5) Entering the tunnel mouth
(6) Out of the tunnel, and climbing out past the driveway
(7) Looking back behind the train, note our 'big wheel' on the right
(8) Almost at the top of the grade at the back corner of the site
(9) Heading along the back fence now, note the cutting and steel trestle on the left (from photo 3)
(10) And finally we return to the loading station for more passengersThe SLSV's first track (completed in the '60s) is a long elevated track. By 'elevated', we mean the rails sit approximately 12" off the ground on concrete blocks, and the passengers' (and drivers') legs hang below the rails on a footboard.
This style of track provides easier operation of the locomotive, and lowers the centre of gravity for passengers, making for a smoother ride.
One of the Club's electric locomotives bring a train into the elevated station
The downside of this style of track is tracks cannot cross one another as they can on the ground level. As a result, our trackage does one loop before it descends into a tunnel, passes under our driveway, and then climbs back up along the side and rear fences of the property.
Due to modern safety constraints, we are not able to take the general public through the tunnel. On a public day, you may occasionally see a passenger on a train heading into the tunnel - this is a club member, usually riding the train to check the wagon or track if a driver has reported anything unusual.
To the right, we have compiled a series of 'passenger eye-view' photographs showing the journey around the tracks that the general public do not normally see. As you can see, it is an extensive distance which is why the locomotives seem to vanish for quite a while after you alight the train!
