Metro System — Questions and answers

Read the full story

What big problem was London facing with its transport in 1869?

Choices

  1. Not enough horse-drawn carriages.
  2. Roads were too smooth.
  3. Surface transport was stuck in a huge traffic jam. ✓
  4. There were too many trains on the surface.

Answer: Surface transport was stuck in a huge traffic jam.

From page 1

What was a major challenge when tunneling deeper under London, according to Greathead?

Choices

  1. Finding enough light for the workers.
  2. The ground was too hard to dig.
  3. Water getting into the tunnels was a dangerous problem. ✓
  4. Not enough space to build new tracks.

Answer: Water getting into the tunnels was a dangerous problem.

From page 2

What did Francis Fox compare Greathead's innovative tunneling shield to?

Choices

  1. A giant spoon.
  2. A very fast train.
  3. A fortress that moves. ✓
  4. A strong brick wall.

Answer: A fortress that moves.

From page 6

What material was used to form the permanent, watertight tunnel lining behind the Greathead Shield?

Choices

  1. Strong wooden planks.
  2. Pre-fabricated cast-iron segments. ✓
  3. Big blocks of concrete.
  4. Tough plastic sheets.

Answer: Pre-fabricated cast-iron segments.

From page 7

When did the City & South London Railway, using Greathead's shield, first open to the public?

Choices

  1. In 1870.
  2. In 1890. ✓
  3. In 1900.
  4. In 1880.

Answer: In 1890.

From page 9

Which famous subway systems are mentioned as examples of Greathead's legacy?

Choices

  1. The London Bridge and the Tower of London.
  2. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.
  3. The Paris Métro and the New York Subway. ✓
  4. The Great Pyramid of Giza and the Roman Colosseum.

Answer: The Paris Métro and the New York Subway.

From page 10