J Lynch wrote to uk.transport.london on Mon, 25 Apr 2005:

Thank you for a very interesting synopsis of the history of the Place
Gates line. However I would suggest that the main reason that the
connection between Palace Gates and (the then) Alexandra Palace station
was not progressed, would be due to the difference in height between the
two locations. As you note, the original Alexandra Palace station was
part of the "Northern Heights". This building can still be seen on the
skyline from the station now known as "Alexandra Palace" (and provided
quite a spectacle when it caught fire a few years ago). The gradient
necessary for a link line would probably have required the use of rack
and pinion!

I thought the original (prospective Northern line) Alexandra Palace
station was at the bottom of the hill from the actual palace?

It has been a while since I had a look, but my recollection is that the
station was immediately adjacent to the main building. At that time the
platforms were still extant, although they may have disappeared since then.


Would that be the ice-rink end or the -er - other end?
--
"Mrs Redboots"
http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/
Website updated 3 April 2005