Train spotting is a hobby where enthusiasts collect sightings of specific trains or moving stock. They share information and keep records in data books, notebooks, and online. Though considered tedious by some, train spotting is popular and can benefit the rail system. Train spotting is a hob that involves collecting train sightings. A train spotter […]
China’s railway system covers most of the country, with an average speed of 194 mph. Over 10 million people travel by train in China due to its size and speed. The high-speed rail network in China covers 4,071 miles, while the US covers 456 miles with an average speed of 100 mph. The world’s first […]
Electric trains are popular toys and models that run on electric current. The H0 gauge is the most standard size, with more models available, while the 0 scale is recommended for children. Larger scales are used for displays. Clubs and societies exist worldwide for enthusiasts to share tips and work together. An electric train generally […]
Train surfing is the illegal act of riding on top of train carriages, which is dangerous and can cause death or injury. Hidden dangers include low wires, loose handrails, and slack between connected train cars. Attempting to jump off a speeding train can also lead to death. It is illegal and can result in serious […]
Rail transport is an efficient and cost-effective way to transport people and goods, with benefits including reduced traffic, reliable schedules, and weather-resistant operations. Rail is particularly useful for heavy loads and mining operations, and is often more profitable than trucking. Rail transport is the act of transporting people, goods or vehicles on a railway train. […]
Freight trains are used to transport cargo and have advantages such as low energy use and the ability to pull heavy loads. They can carry cargo in various ways, including shipping containers. Some companies use “flat car towing” to combine trucking and rail travel. Railroads have adapted to attract customers by supporting containerization and offering […]
Diesel electric locomotives use a diesel engine to power an electrical generator, which provides electricity to motors that drive the wheels. They are reliable, easy to start, and can work on any type of track. They were first used in Sweden in 1913 and quickly replaced steam locomotives due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. A […]
Steam locomotives were the primary power source for railways from the early 1800s to the early 20th century. They use fuel to heat a boiler filled with water, creating high-pressure steam that pushes pistons to move the wheels of the locomotive. However, they have problems such as boiler explosions and the need for substantial amounts […]
Train whistles were originally powered by steam and used to improve safety by alerting people of approaching trains. They evolved into loud air horns and are used to warn motorists and pedestrians, signal other trains, and acknowledge railway employees. Different manufacturers use distinct whistles, and enthusiasts can identify them. The equivalent of a car horn, […]
Rail car movers are used by railroad companies to move small numbers of rail cars in rail yards, eliminating the need for a switch locomotive and its operator. They are lightweight, more convenient, and cheaper to operate. Some models have both rubber and steel wheel systems and can be powered by gasoline, diesel, LPG, or […]
The Auto Train is a popular Amtrak service that runs from Sanford, Florida to a suburb of Washington, DC, covering approximately 900 miles. Each family or individual on board is required to have a vehicle with them. The route is popular for its convenience and personal freedom, and no expansion has yet taken place. The […]
The E Train is a rapid transit train in New York City, running from midtown Manhattan to Queens. It runs 24 hours a day, with parts of the line running as express service. Passengers can transfer to other routes and forms of transit, but during peak hours, the train can be extremely busy. Common courtesy […]
The valve train opens and closes an engine’s valves, allowing air and fuel to enter and exhaust to exit. There are three common designs, with the overhead cam being most popular. A malfunctioning valve train can cause engine misfires and damage. A valve train consists of all the parts in an internal combustion engine that […]
“High rail” can refer to different types of railway tracks and equipment, including high-speed rail for passenger transport, elevated tracks for limited space, and a specific type of model railway. “Hi-rail” refers to railway equipment that can work on both highway and railroad tracks. The term “high rail” is used in several different ways in […]
Trackless trains are motor vehicles that pull linked cars behind them and are commonly used in tourist destinations and airports. They go by different names depending on their purpose and location. They come in various shapes and styles and are not used for high-speed transport. A trackless train is a motor vehicle, often powered by […]
Railway brakes have evolved from simple closing brakes operated by an individual to more sophisticated systems using boiler pressure, continuous brakes, air brakes, and electromagnetic brakes. Modern railway brakes use regenerative braking to divert active energy for braking. Upgrades to railway brakes have been necessary to handle the higher demands of modern trains. A railroad […]
Land trains are vehicles designed for use on highways or other surfaces instead of railways, with names including trackless train, parking train, road train, Dotto Train, and Tschu-Tschu Train. They were developed to deliver to areas with rugged terrain and the US Army was one of the first groups to request experimental examples. Land trains […]
Road trains are large semi-trucks and trailers, commonly used in Australia, that can consist of up to six trailers. They were first designed by an Australian cattle hauler and can be powered by a rear engine. The world record for the longest train is 112 trailers. A road train is a specially equipped semi-truck and […]
The Shay locomotive was a revolutionary steam train designed by Ephraim Shay in the late 1800s. It was a geared locomotive that could easily navigate steep grades and sharp curves, making it ideal for transporting logs. Over 3,000 Shays were built, but only around 160 remain today, with many preserved in museums. The Shay locomotive […]
The Tokyo Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, connects Tokyo with major cities on Honshu and Fukuoka on Kyushu. It operates on a network of 1,528 miles of track, reaching speeds of 186 mph. The line has three types of trains and has carried over 4.5 billion passengers with no accident-related deaths. Experimental maglev trains are being […]
