That time a Coal Railway Became the First Roller Coaster for Mules

The Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway was one of the first rollercoasters in existence but that wasn't its original purpose. It was originally designed to transport coal from a mine and down a mountain. But it also transported mules down the mountain at a rather high speed certainly frightening them. The locals and workers saw the carts flying down the mountain at speed and would sneak on after hours and the railroad eventually realized they could charge people for each ride. This coal railway then became the worlds first rollercoaster.

[@Pensyfan19]

This is one of the most interesting episodes of this series. Great job!

[@nyrailfan202]

Thank you

[@drguppy7861]

I love mules and also track based locomotion devices so this was a real wowzer of a video

[@nyrailfan202]

Thanks as always Dr Guppy

[@dougyeager6812]

Amazing how one thing leads to another

[@brentonjoseph]

thank you to the snapple cap fact that lead me to this video lol

[@waveiscursed]

dragster length: 17 seconds
voyage: 3 minutes
mauch chuck gravity oleasure switchback railway: 5 hours

[@lukethegeneralelectrice60p80]

Ah yes an Incline Railway

[@nyrailfan202]

Yes but it wasn’t the same as the ones produced 70 years later