This photographic print shows the Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric Railway in Brighton. It shows the 'Pioneer' car of the railway travelling at high tide. An electricity pylon can be seen to the left of the car with the cable running above. Popularly known as the 'Daddy Longlegs', the train was built by local inventor Magnus Volk. The railway opened in 1896 and operated for four years. After closing for temporary repairs in 1900, Volk was asked by Brighton Corporation to make substantial amendments to the line. These proved impractical, and the railway was abandoned. This photograph is one of only a few that show the railway operating at high tide. At low tide, the railway would run from the Banjo Groyne to Rottingdean with a top speed of 8 miles per hour. At high tide the car was unable to move much faster than walking pace. Consequently, many trips made at high tide were short excursions without a stop.
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