Skitube Alpine Railway

Under the name Skitube a gear train runs in the ski resort of Perisher Valley and Blue Cow in New South Wales, Australia. The name is derived from the skiing and the fact that the train mainly runs in a circular tunnel drilled ( in English Tube, see also London Underground). The train from Bullocks Flat to Perisher Valley and on to Blue Cow.

The railway construction began in October 1984 in the stations Bullocks Flat and Persisher as well as the tunneling of Bilston tunnel. The tunnel was named after the initiator of the web, Ken Bilston, named. The track is a single track and has two crossing stations, one at the lower tunnel entrance of Bilston tunnel, the second in the station Perisher.

The railway was put into operation in the year 1987 to Perisher Valley, a year later to Blue Cow. The latter station is accessible only from the web, that is, it is not otherwise attainable. The train also takes over the logistics of the local restaurants.

The vehicles and railway infrastructure facilities were supplied by a consortium consisting of the Australian company Comeng and the two Swiss companies SLM and BBC. All three companies are now part of Bombardier and Stadler Rail.

Were delivered four railcars, four control cars and three intermediate cars. With a carbody width of 3500 mm, these are the widest wheel vehicles worldwide.

The train primarily in the winter in the southern hemisphere from June to October. In the summer of limited operation takes place. The trains are generally put together from four cars, each with a length of 16.8 m and 225 passengers each can carry. The peak capacity per hour amounts to approximately 4,500 passengers.

The railway to ( as of January 2006 ) an accident up to a derailment in 2004 so far.