“The Brighton “Daddy Long-Legs” ran through the shallow waters of the English Channel between 1896 and 1901. The single car was a pier-like building which stood on four legs. Propulsion was by electric motor. It was officially named Pioneer, but many called it Daddy Long-Legs. Due to regulations then in place, a qualified sea captain was on board at all times, and the car was provided with lifeboats and other safety measures.
“The railway was popular, but faced difficulties. The car was slowed considerably at high tide, but the owner could never afford to improve the motors. The track, car and other structures were sold for scrap, but some of the concrete sleepers can still be viewed at low tide.”
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Source: Public Domain Review; Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museums
Thank you to the Public Domain Review and the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museums
facinating contraption
Only the Victorians would have been brave enough to build this.