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Old June 4th 10, 04:59 PM posted to uk.transport.london,misc.transport.urban-transit,uk.railway
E27002 E27002 is offline
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Default North London Line - Caledonian Road to Canonbury

On Jun 3, 11:42*pm, "Peter Masson" wrote:
"E27002" wrote



The down tunnel was particularly interesting because the trains
literally came up Hotel Curve, into the platfrom, on the suburban side
of Kings Cross. It was a sight to behold. *I remember feeling some
regret when the service ended.


The Hotel Curve must have been particularly horrible for loco crews in steam
days. As well as the suburban passenger service there was a heavy
cross-London freight service. The Hotel Curve was on a 7 chain radius, with
part of it climbing at 1 in 35.


That must be close to the maximum in the UK.

If the loco slipped, the only way the crew
could tell which way it was actually moving was to stretch out a hand and
feel the tunnel wall.

This accident report gives an indication of conditions in the Hotel Curve in
the 1930shttp://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_KingsCross1932.pdf

Thank you for sharing.