Whishaw describes the rope-worked incline: "There is a self-acting plane of in length on that portion of the line next the Monkland Kirkintilloch Railway; the lower part being a single way, the middle part double, and the upper part formed with three rails. The ascending train consists usually of four loaded wagons and the descending train of six or seven empty wagons; the time occupied in the ascent is 3•50 minutes; the rope used is about circumference; the sheeves are of diameter, and are placed at intervals of 21 feet."