Volk's Railway

Story

Volk's Electric Railway is a narrow gauge heritage railway that runs along a length of the seafront of the English seaside resort of Brighton. It was built by Magnus Volk, the first section being completed in August 1883, and is the oldest operating electric railway in the world. Although it was preceded by Werner von Siemens's 1879 demonstration line in Berlin and by the Gross-Lichterfelde Tramway of 1881, neither line is still operational.Operated as an historical seafront tourist attraction, the railway does not usually run during the winter months, and its service is also liable to occasional suspension due to severe weather or maintenance issues.HistoryIn 1883 Magnus Volk opened a short, electric railway running for 1/4mi between Swimming Arch and Chain Pier. Electrical power at 50 V DC was supplied to the small car using the two running rails. In 1884 the line was extended a further 1/2mile beyond the Chain Pier to Paston Place, and regauged to. The electrical supply was increased to 160 V DC and the power plant was installed in the arch built into the cliff face at Paston Place. In 1886 an off-set third rail was added to minimise current leakage.