Question about the Eiffel Tower?

Question

I'm just wondering...

since the legs on the tower aren't straight up and down, how do the elevators work?

Answer 1

Contrary to what the first answer says, the elevators are in the legs, not in the middle.

The following description is from Wikipedia:

The passenger lifts from ground level to the first level are operated by cables and pulleys driven by massive water-powered pistons. As they ascend the inclined arc of the legs, the elevator cabins tilt slightly, but with a slight jolt, every few seconds in order to keep the floor nearly level.

Answer 2

interesting question, but I know that the rivets for it where made in Park Bridge about 1/2 mile away from where I live in Ashton Under LYne, Lancashire, England.  The elevators go up the middle not near the legs.  It was really pretty at new year all lit up with sparkly lights.

Answer 3

Even though most elevators go up and down vertically, they may  also go diagonally, as is the case at the Eiffel Tower. They are called "inclined elevators". The cable cars follow the shape of the Tower's legs just as a funicular may go up a hill:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevator#Ei...

You can clearly see the incline in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8FHjVakU...

Answer 4

The elevators run on a pulley system, as 1 goes up, the other goes down. You dont really feel the sideways thing as many others would tease. It is actually a very pleasant, but cramped, experience!!!!