Gordon's Hill (RWS)

"Gordon's Hill" is the nickname of the steep grade on the Main Line, between Wellsworth and Maron. It got its name after Gordon stalled there while pulling a goods train in 1923.

History
Over a distance of five miles (eight kilometres), the line climbs around 280 feet (hundred metres) from Suddery Junction to reach Maron, meaning a gradient of 1:75 and a severe test for engines on the North Western Railway.

Bankers are often required to help trains up the hill. However, they run the risk of being chased by a runaway train or rear ending the train they are helping - something Duck found out the hard way twice, once with Edward and again with Henry.

When the railway was first built, this stretch was made even more difficult by strong winds blown in by the sea. This was attempted to be countered by the planting of trees on either side of the line, but in autumn there can be the additional risk of slippery leaves on the line, as James soon discovered.

Appearances
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The Railway Series

 * The Three Railway Engines - Edward and Gordon
 * Thomas the Tank Engine - Thomas and the Trucks and Thomas and the Breakdown Train
 * James the Red Engine - James and the Top-Hat and Troublesome Trucks
 * Troublesome Engines - Percy Runs Away
 * Toby the Tram Engine - Dirty Objects
 * Gordon the Big Engine - Leaves
 * Duck and the Diesel Engine - A Close Shave
 * The Twin Engines - Break Van
 * Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine - Bowled Out
 * Really Useful Engines - Fish and Triple Header
 * Gordon the High-Speed Engine - Fire Escape
 * Henry and the Express - Overhaul

Companion Volumes
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 * 1976 - Famous Engines
 * 1984 - James the Red Engine and the Troublesome Trucks
 * 1986 - Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree

Trivia

 * Whilst it is probably a coincidence, there is a real place in London called "Gordon Hill".