Le Châtelard Funicular (1920), the steepest in the world with 2 carriages (87%)
Le Châtelard Funicular (1920), the steepest in the world with 2 carriages (87%) : Description Le Châtelard Funicular (1920), the steepest in the world with 2 carriages (87%) : Historical Record Le Châtelard Funicular (1920), the steepest in the world with 2 carriages (87%) : Characteristics
The Louis de Roll Company built the Châtelard Historical Funicular in 1920 for the consortium in charge of the transportation of the materials needed to build the CFF Barberine Dam at an altitude of 1800 m. The Funicular was kept in function for the maintenance of the pipeline that conducts the water to the Châtelard VS Electrical Power Station. First opened to the public in 1935, The Power Supply Department of the CFF used the Funicular for their running needs.
Following the construction of a road for the realisation of the new dam, The Châtelard Attraction Park was founded in 1975. To save the Historical Funicular from being demolished, the Small Scenic Train was created as an extra attraction. A complete renovation of the mechanism, which lasted from 25th September 1995 to the spring of 1996, was needed to abide by the technical regulations and to double the capacity of this unique attraction by increasing its speed. The 1920 machinery and the engine installed in 1953 have been rebuilt and can be seen in the Museum at Les Montuires.
The two Châtelard Funicular carriages passing each other in 1920 The new machinery of Le Châtelard historical Funicular with the 1920 traction wheels in the background. The cable winds round the weels three times to ensure adhesion.
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