This book examines the building and first fifty years of operation of the Hänichener Kohlenbahn, a coal railway built outside Dresden to transport coal from the mines to the existing railway network. Now commonly known as the Windbergbahn or Sächsische Semmeringbahn, the line is notable for its steep gradients and sharp curves. This book looks in detail at the building of the line and at its early operation as a coal railway. Well illustrated with black & white photographs, colour maps and diagrams. German text. Hardback. 304 pages.