Chapel inclined plane

It was found that plaiting these chains in place had the effect of tightening their grip once the waggons were in motion on the plane.

In the event of an accident, three catches were provided towards the top of the plane to stop runaway waggons but their method of operation is unknown and it is not known how effective they were.

The two running tracks on the plane were laid parallel to each other and this makes it evident that a gravel drag was not provided for runaway waggons to enter.

On several occasions reports of chain/cable breakage were recorded and descending loaded waggons crashed into Buxton Road Bridge at the foot of the plane.

When the brakeman was assured that the waggons had completed the full traverse of the plane, he stopped them by fully applying the brake.

At the top of the plane the incline chain/rope passed underground and into a pit where it was wound one and a half turns around a horizontal drum 14 feet (4.3 m) in diameter.

When the tramway opened in 1796, a hemp rope was used on the incline but it was found that this was too weak and a wrought-iron chain soon replaced it.