Inclined Plane No. 6

Inclined Plane No. 6 was one of ten inclines on the Allegheny Portage Railroad. From 1834 to 1854, railroad cars carrying canal boats, freight, and passengers were pulled up and lowered down this slope by a continuous rope driven by steam engines in an engine house. The rope ran between the rails and was supported by idler pulleys every 24 feet. Whenever possible, ascending cars were counterbalanced with descending cars. In an open shed at the foot of the incline, a hitcher connected westbound cars to the main rope with a short rope, and at the engine house another hitcher disconnected them so they could continue along the Summit Level by horses or locomotives. By 1849, all inclines had converted to wire rope, which was stronger and more durable.

Pennsylvania · United States