Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 February 1914 — IS EASILY CROOKEDEST LINE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

IS EASILY CROOKEDEST LINE

Railroad That Climbs Hills of the Himalayas Amply Demonstrates Its Claim to Title. The title of “the crookedest railroad in the world” has a number of claimants, but among lines which defend on adhesion and not on cogs for traction the Darjeeling-Himalayan railroad is probably without a rival. This remarkable little line, which is of twofoot gauge, climbs 6,000 feet ]jn 50 rni’es in ascending from Silguri, at the foot of the Himalayas, to the Darjeeling, the hill station and summer capital of Bengal. The road crosses itself many times in its dizzy climb, spirals, "horseshoes,” “switchbacks” and “cork: screws” succeeding each other all the way. The diminutive train carries first, second and third class passengers. the fares being approximately the equivalent of twelve, six and two cetits a mile, respectively. The express trains are electrically lighted and provided with fans. A picturesque feature of this line Is the presence on the cow catcher of.

a man with a basket of stones to throw at elephants, bullocks, goats, etjc., whlcb sure constantly straying upon the unfenced right of way.—Popular Electricity.

Compartment Coaches in London. It is worthy of notice that the new cars which the London & Southwestern railroad is having built for its suburban electric service will be on the separate compartment principle. When the London undergpcound railways were converted from steam traction the American open car was introduced, and this is now in use on electric railways in most countries. But the Englishman takes more kindly to jthe greater privacy of the compartment ooacb. and the Southwestern company has been well advised to bear this preference in mintL—London Globe.

The Crookedest Railway in the World.