Difference between revisions of "Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway"

Revision as of 19:49, 30 July 2019

Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway

• The Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway is a 1⁄2-mile-long, 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in standard gauge cog railway in Hancock, Michigan.
• It opened in May 1997 to transport tourists to the adit entrance of the Quincy Mine's Number 5 shaft at the Keweenaw National Historical Park.
• The tram car has a capacity of 28 people and travels at a maximum grade of 35%.
• It is one of only a few rack railways in the United States

• Before the current tram was added, tourists were transported to the adit entrance by van, an indirect and cumbersome method. The solution of a tram was suggested by the vice president of the Quincy Mine Hoist Association, James R. Vivian Sr.
• The U.S. Economic Development Administration provided $420,000 in funds with a matching $200,000 raised by the Hoist Association.
• Construction began on April 12, 1996, and was completed on November 11, 1996.
• The tramway opened for use in May 1997.
• The tramcar, designed by Phil Quenzi, was built by Royale Construction Inc. of Kearsarge, Michigan and the grading and tracking laying was carried out by MJO Construction of Hancock, Michigan.
• In the winter of 2009, the tram underwent a refurbishment, including new paint, new windows, and refurbished seats.

Quincy and Torch Lake Cog Railway Roster

• The 165-horsepower diesel tramcar is 35 feet long, and 8 feet 6.75 inches wide. It has a passenger capacity of 28 with a top speed of 10 mph on shallow grades. It is made of red-painted steel, and has large windows on the sides and roof.

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