The Larmajat monorail sysytem used its one centre rail for guiding only. The driving wheels ran on outside paved strips.

J. Larmanjat was born in Huriel, France, on 4th March 1826. His invention was first shown at the Paris Universal Exposition of 1867.

Left: The first Larmanjat line with a 1-2-1 locomotive. This line opened in August 1868, running between Raincy et Montfermeil in France. By November 1869 it was closed. The big question here is the function of the large spoked wheel at the front. It looks like a steering wheel, complete with full-time helmsman, but quite what function that could have had had on a railway is enigmatic. Was the guiding action of the single front wheel too feeble, so it needed to be actively steered to avoid derailment? These are deep waters, Watson.

Above: A drawing of a French Larmanjat train showing the 1-2-1 wheel arrangement on the coaches. The strange ship's wheel at the front is clearly visible.

Left: The Lisbon Steam Tramway 1-1-2-1-1 Locomotive. This remarkable locomotive on the Larmanjat principle was built by Sharp, Stewart for the Lisbon Steam Tramway system, which opened on 4 Sept 1873 to link Lisbon - Torres Vedras. Lisbon (Lisboa to those who actually live there) is the capital of Portugal. Fifteen of these locomotives were supplied; the date of manufacture was 1872. The two inside cylinders were 11" x 18"; the outside road wheels were 3' 9" in diameter.They appear to be smooth which raises questions about the amount of traction they could exhibit. The two small wheels at each end ran on the central guiding rail; presumably they were double-flanged to keep them in place.

Left: The Sharp, Stewart 1-1-2-1-1 Larmanjat in use. Location and date of photo unknown. The Lisbon Steam Tramway was not a success and appears to have closed on 8th April 1875.

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