How does the St. Louis Arch elevator work?

@dillan 

The St. Louis Arch, also known as the Gateway Arch, has a unique elevator system that operates in a slightly unconventional manner compared to regular elevators. Here's how it works:

1. Tram System: The elevator system in the St. Louis Arch is called a "tram" system rather than a traditional elevator. It consists of a series of tram cars or capsules that move along a curved track, which follows the shape of the arch.
2. Loading: Visitors enter the trams from the visitor center located at the base of the Arch. Each tram car consists of eight small passenger compartments, each holding up to five people. The compartments are connected in a row, forming a cylindrical shape.
3. Double-Decker Trams: The trams operate on a double-decker system. The compartments on the lower level are loaded first, and then the compartments on the upper level are loaded on top of them. This double-decker design maximizes the capacity of the tram system.
4. Rotation: Once the tram compartments are loaded, the system starts rotating. As the trams ascend, they follow the curve of the Arch structure, gradually turning sideways. The rotation is synchronized, ensuring that all the compartments stay level as they ascend the arch.
5. Gravity-Assisted Descent: The descent is a gravity-assisted process. As the trams reach the top of the arch, their weight pushes them back down without the use of motors. This descending motion helps regulate the speed of the trams as they return to the visitor center.
6. Safety Features: The tram system has various safety features, including emergency brakes and locking mechanisms to secure the compartments during loading and unloading. It also has extensive monitoring and control systems to ensure the safety of passengers.

Overall, the St. Louis Arch elevator system, or tram system, offers a unique experience for visitors to ascend and descend the arch while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

@dillan 

The St. Louis Arch, also known as the Gateway Arch, has a unique elevator system that operates in a slightly unconventional manner compared to regular elevators. Here's how it works:

1. Tram System: The elevator system in the St. Louis Arch is called a "tram" system rather than a traditional elevator. It consists of a series of tram cars or capsules that move along a curved track, which follows the shape of the arch.
2. Loading: Visitors enter the trams from the visitor center located at the base of the Arch. Each tram car consists of eight small passenger compartments, each holding up to five people. The compartments are connected in a row, forming a cylindrical shape.
3. Double-Decker Trams: The trams operate on a double-decker system. The compartments on the lower level are loaded first, and then the compartments on the upper level are loaded on top of them. This double-decker design maximizes the capacity of the tram system.
4. Rotation: Once the tram compartments are loaded, the system starts rotating. As the trams ascend, they follow the curve of the Arch structure, gradually turning sideways. The rotation is synchronized, ensuring that all the compartments stay level as they ascend the arch.
5. Gravity-Assisted Descent: The descent is a gravity-assisted process. As the trams reach the top of the arch, their weight pushes them back down without the use of motors. This descending motion helps regulate the speed of the trams as they return to the visitor center.
6. Safety Features: The tram system has various safety features, including emergency brakes and locking mechanisms to secure the compartments during loading and unloading. It also has extensive monitoring and control systems to ensure the safety of passengers.

Overall, the St. Louis Arch elevator system, or tram system, offers a unique experience for visitors to ascend and descend the arch while enjoying panoramic views of the city.