While in Pittsburgh PA for a conference I did have a small snippit of time to explore a couple of RR sights.

The first photo is of the Duquesne Incline. Although it's only about 790 feet long it rises 400 feet and first started operations in 1877!

The second photo is an operating RR bridge right smack into downtown with almost continuous activity. Currently there is only a single track on the upper section. However, in its history it appears that it may have had three tracks on the upper section and a lower deck for cars/trolleys. The bottom level has been disconnected at each end between the last bridge pier and the shore.

Attached Images

  

__________________
Bruce (McToots) McElhoe
KAMRI President
and Web Site Moderator

This is a great 100+ year old bridge.

OFFICIAL NAME:
Bridge No. 1, Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway

OTHER DESIGNATION:
Fort Wayne Railroad Bridge


See additional information at:
http://pghbridges.com/pittsburghE/0...ft_wayne_br.htm

Bruce, being a Pittsburgher, thanks for the memories. The inclines were an integral part of transportation, along with the streecars (street railways). There is a nice photo of a model of the South Hills street car junction on page 46 of September MR. My dad was a Pittsburgh Railways street car operator for 44 years, so I am familiar with most of the routes.
I don't recall where the railroad bridge was located.

There were three major railroads in Pittsburgh, the PRR, B&O, and P&LE. The PRR station was majestic, and still there, but is being used for offices and apartments. The B&O was on the Pittsburgh side of the Monogahela River. The passenger station was dead ended, so the trains had to be backed in or out. The P&LE was across the river at the same Smithfield Street bridge, which had two lanes of trolley tracks, and two lanes for autos. That station is still standing, but being used for offices and retail shops.

If you would like any more trivia, let me know.

Bob Redlinger

That incline looks like it'd be a fun ride... If you didn't think about it too much.

Rob