I've just finished a model of a Mt. Jefferson barney car, my first 3DC project. This car was the motive power (in turn powered by a stationery steam engine at the top of an inclined plane) on the Switch Back Gravity Railroad beginning in 1846. It replaced the mules used from 1827.



The car is drawn by a pair of bands that run up the plane to the enginehouse. Tension in the bands is equalized by a chain sheave slung beneath the car. The wheels are offset to allow four independent axles to contract, enabling gauge transition. The struts retracted on the sides are safety struts. In case of a band failure while on the inclined plane, the relaxation of band failure causes the lever, weighted on the front end with concrete blocks, to fall, releasing the struts. The strut ends project between the ties and prevent the barney car and its payload from careening down the plane.

I intend to begin animation as soon as I complete a model of the transition trackwork.

Nice work and explanation, I like the old picture too. Looking forward to seeing the animation work.