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Tramway Or Railway?

What is the difference between a tramway and a railway?

Definition 1 – Many people regard “tramways” as plateways and railways where a horse pulls the trucks; compared to “railways” where a locomotive pulls the trucks.

Definition 2 – Other people regard “tramways” as plateways and railways that did not require an Act of Parliament; compared to “railways” where an Act of Parliament was required.

The Coleorton Railway is an interesting case.  Being horse pulled it is a tramway according to the first definition, yet by the second definition it is a railway. Regardless of the technical arguments, on this website it is treated as a tramway.

Swannington’s Tramways