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{{Short description|Series of powered rail vehicles}} | |||
{{About|the rail vehicle|the American rock band|Train (band)|the act of teaching or developing skills or knowledge|Training|other uses}} | |||
{{About|the series of rail vehicles|the act of developing skills|Training|the vehicle that hauls trains|Locomotive|other uses}} | |||
{{pp-pc1|small=y}} | |||
{{Broader|Rail transport}} | |||
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}} | ||
{{Use American English|date=November 2021}} | |||
] ] freight train passes through ], ]]] | |||
{{Multiple image | |||
{{train topics}} | |||
| image1 = Поезд на фоне горы Шатрище. Воронежская область.jpg | |||
| caption1 = An ] pulling a passenger train in ] | |||
| image2 = Pilatus railway train.jpg | |||
| caption2 = A ] in ] | |||
| image3 = New Zealand DX class locomotive. (24769239234).jpg | |||
| caption3 = ]s pulling a freight train in ] | |||
| image4 = Wuppertaler Schwebebahn Westende 2019-10-06 06 (cropped).jpg | |||
| caption4 = A suspended ] in ] | |||
| image5 = Bangalore Metro Station, India (cropped).jpg | |||
| caption5 = A ] train in ] | |||
| image6 = Union Pacific 844, Painted Rocks, NV, 2009 (crop).jpg | |||
| caption6 = A restored ] in the ] | |||
| image7 = Zuerich-vbz-tram-2-swpsigbbc-880755.jpg | |||
| caption7 = A ] in Switzerland | |||
| image8 = Avg-858-02.jpg | |||
| caption8 = A ] in Germany | |||
| perrow = 2 | |||
| caption_align = center | |||
| width = 200 | |||
}}{{train topics}} | |||
A '''train''' |
A '''train''' (from ] {{lang|fro|trahiner}}, from ] {{lang|la|trahere}}, "to pull, to draw")<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of ''train (noun)'' in Compact OED |website=AskOxford.com |publisher=] |url=http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/train?view=uk |access-date=18 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526072449/http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/train?view=uk |archive-date=26 May 2005}}</ref> is a series of connected ]s that run along a ] and ] or ]. Trains are typically pulled or pushed by ]s (often known simply as "engines"), though some are self-propelled, such as ]s or ]. Passengers and cargo are carried in ]s, also known as wagons or carriages. Trains are designed to a certain ], or distance between rails. Most trains operate on ] tracks with steel wheels, the low friction of which makes them more efficient than other forms of transport. Many ]. | ||
Trains have their roots in ]s, which used railway tracks and were ] or ]. Following the invention of the ] in the United Kingdom in 1802, trains rapidly spread around the world, allowing freight and passengers to move over land faster and cheaper than ever possible before. ] and ]s were first built in the late 1800s to transport large numbers of people in and around cities. Beginning in the 1920s, and accelerating following ], ] and ]s replaced steam as the means of motive power. Following the development of ]s, ]s, and extensive networks of ]s which offered greater mobility, as well as faster ]s, trains declined in importance and market share, and many rail lines were abandoned. The spread of ]es led to the closure of many rapid transit and tram systems during this time as well. | |||
Motive power for a train is provided by a separate ] or individual motors in a self-propelled ]. Although historically ] propulsion dominated, the most common types of locomotive are ] and ], the latter supplied by ] or ]. Trains can also be hauled by ], pulled by ], run downhill using ], or powered by ], ]s or ]. | |||
Since the 1970s, governments, ], and train advocates have promoted increased use of trains due to their greater ] and lower ] compared to other modes of land transport. ], first built in the 1960s, has proven competitive with cars and planes over short to medium distances. ] has grown in importance since the 1970s as an alternative to congested highways and a means to promote ], as has ] in the 21st century. Freight trains remain important for the transport of bulk commodities such as coal and grain, as well as being a means of reducing road traffic congestion by freight trucks. | |||
Train tracks usually consist of two running ], sometimes supplemented by additional rails such as ] and ]. ]s and ] guideways are also used occasionally.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magnetic Levitation Trains |url=http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/mpa/stc/train.shtml |website=Los Alamos National Laboratory |publisher=Los Alamos National Laboratory |accessdate=17 September 2014 |quote=The electrodynamic suspension (EDS) levitates the train by repulsive forces from the induced currents in the conductive guideways. |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208130319/http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/mpa/stc/train.shtml |archivedate=8 February 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | |||
While conventional trains operate on relatively flat tracks with two rails, a number of specialized trains exist which are significantly different in their mode of operation. ]s operate on a single rail, while ]s and ]s are uniquely designed to traverse steep slopes. Experimental trains such as high speed ]s, which use ] to float above a guideway, are under development in the 2020s{{Update after|2030|1|1}} and offer higher speeds than even the fastest conventional trains. Trains which use ]s such as ] and ] are another 21st-century development. | |||
A passenger train includes passenger-carrying vehicles and can often be very long and fast. One notable and growing long-distance train category is high-speed rail. In order to achieve much faster operation at speeds of over {{convert|500|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, innovative maglev technology has been the subject of research for many years. The term "]" is sometimes used to refer to a modern tram system, but it may also mean an intermediate form between a tram and a train, similar to a ]. In most countries, the distinction between a tramway and a railway is precise and defined in law. | |||
== Types and terminology == | |||
A ] (or goods train) uses ] (or wagons/trucks) to transport goods or materials (cargo). It is possible to carry passengers and freight in the same train using a ''mixed consist''. | |||
]'', by ], 1877, ]]] | |||
Trains can be sorted into types based on whether they haul passengers or freight (though ]s which haul both exist), by their weight (] for regular trains, ] for lighter transit systems), by their speed, by their distance (short haul, ], ]), and by what form of track they use. Conventional trains operate on two rails, but several other types of track systems are also in use around the world, such as ]. | |||
=== Terminology === | |||
Rail cars and machinery that are used for the maintenance and repair of tracks, are termed "]" equipment; these may be assembled into maintenance of way trains. Similarly, dedicated trains may be used to provide support services to stations along a train line, such as garbage or revenue collection. | |||
The ] that is used to describe a train varies between countries. The ] seeks to provide standardised terminology across languages.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Terminology |url=https://uic.org/support-activities/terminology/ |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The ] provides terminology for North America.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MANUAL OF STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES SECTION A-I |url=https://www.aar.com/standards/MSRPs/MSRP-A1.pdf |access-date=18 July 2024 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
The British ] defines a train as a "light locomotive, self-propelled rail vehicle or ] in rail mode."<ref name="Gloss">{{cite web |title=Rulebook Master: Glossary of Railway Terminology, Train Working "Coupled in multiple - Traction units coupled to allow through controls by one driver" |url=https://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs/rulebooks/GERM8000-master-module%20Iss%201.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810143338/https://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs/rulebooks/GERM8000-master-module%20Iss%201.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2018 |access-date=17 July 2024 |publisher=] |page=14}}</ref> A collection of passenger or freight carriages connected together (not necessarily with a locomotive) is referred to as a ].<ref>For the use of the term "rake" in the UK, see for instance: {{unbulleted list citebundle|{{cite web| url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/rake#rake--4| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003033539/http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/rake--4| url-status=dead| archive-date=3 October 2012| title=rake| work=Oxford Dictionaries| publisher=Oxford University Press| access-date=19 October 2014}}|{{cite web| url=http://www.safety.networkrail.co.uk/Services/Jargon-Buster/R/RA-RE/Rake| title=Rake| publisher=Network Rail| work=Safety Central: Jargon Buster| access-date=19 October 2014| archive-url=https://archive.today/20141019164728/http://www.safety.networkrail.co.uk/Services/Jargon-Buster/R/RA-RE/Rake| archive-date=19 October 2014| df=dmy-all}}}}</ref> A collection of rail vehicles may also be called a consist.<ref>See, for example: {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VcVYAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA107 |title=Accident/incident Bulletin |publisher=U. S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Safety. |year=1978 |page=107 |language=en |access-date=October 2, 2023}}</ref> A set of vehicles that are coupled together (such as the ]) is called a trainset.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=train set |url=https://www.oed.com/dictionary/train-set_n?tl=true&tab=meaning_and_use |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=] |publisher=]}}</ref> The term '']'' is used to describe any kind of railway vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of "rolling stock" from the Concise Oxford Dictionary |url=http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/rollingstock?view=uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306033115/http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/rollingstock?view=uk |archive-date=March 6, 2007}}</ref> | |||
== Types == | |||
== History == | |||
There are various types of train that are designed for particular purposes. A train can consist of a combination of one or more ]s and attached ]s, or a self-propelled ], or occasionally a single or articulated powered coach called a ]. Special kinds of train running on corresponding purpose-built "railways" are ]s, ]ways, ], ]s, ], ] and ]. | |||
{{Main|History of rail transport}} | |||
=== Early history === | |||
A passenger train consists of one or more locomotives and (usually) several coaches. Alternatively, a train may consist entirely of passenger-carrying coaches, some or all of which are powered; this is known as a "multiple unit". In many parts of the world, particularly the Far East and Europe, high-speed rail is used extensively for passenger travel. Freight trains consist of wagons or trucks rather than carriages, though some parcel and mail trains (especially ]s) appear outwardly to be more like passenger trains. Trains can also have ''mixed consist'', with both passenger accommodation and freight vehicles. These mixed trains are most likely to be used for services that run infrequently, where the provision of separate passenger and freight trains would not be cost-effective, but the disparate needs of passengers and freight means that this is avoided where possible. Special trains are also used for ]; in some places, this is called "maintenance of way". | |||
] | |||
Trains are an evolution of wheeled wagons running on stone ]s, the earliest of which were built by ] circa 2,200 BCE.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=8}} Starting in the 1500s, wagonways were introduced to haul material from mines; from the 1790s, stronger iron rails were introduced.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=8}} Following early developments in the second half of the 1700s, in 1804 a steam locomotive built by British inventor ] powered the first ever steam train.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=9}} Outside of coal mines, where fuel was readily available, steam locomotives remained untried until the opening of the ] in 1825. British engineer ] ran a steam locomotive named ] on this {{convert|25|mi|km|abbr=off|adj=on|sp=us|order=flip}} long line, hauling over 400 passengers at up to {{convert|8|mph|km/h|sp=us|order=flip}}. The success of this locomotive, and ] in 1829, convinced many of the value in steam locomotives, and within a decade the ] known as "]" started across the United Kingdom.{{sfn|Herring|2000|pp=9-11}} | |||
] locomotives represented the pinnacle of steam locomotive technology and power.]] | |||
News of the success of steam locomotives quickly reached the ], where the first steam railroad opened in 1829.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=12}} American railroad pioneers soon started manufacturing their own locomotives, designed to handle the sharper curves and rougher track typical of the country's railroads.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=12-13}} The other nations of ] also took note of British railroad developments, and most countries on the continent constructed and opened their first railroads in the 1830s and 1840s, following the first run of a steam train in ] in late 1829.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=14-15}} In the 1850s, trains continued to expand across Europe, with many influenced by or purchases of American locomotive designs.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=14-15}} Other European countries pursued their own distinct designs. Around the world, steam locomotives grew larger and more powerful throughout the rest of the century as technology advanced.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=15}} | |||
Trains first entered service in ], ], and ] through construction by ], which starting in the 1840s built railroads to solidify control of their colonies and transport cargo for export.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=16-17}} In ], which was never colonized, railroads first arrived in the early 1870s. By 1900, railroads were operating on every continent besides uninhabited Antarctica.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=17}} | |||
In the United Kingdom, a train hauled using two locomotives is known as a "double-headed" train. In Canada and the United States it is quite common for a long freight train to be headed by three or more locomotives. A train with a locomotive attached at both ends is described as "top and tailed", this practice typically being used when there are no reversing facilities available. Where a second locomotive is attached temporarily to assist a train when ascending steep banks or gradients (or to provide braking power for a descent), this is referred to as "]" in the UK. Many loaded trains in the United States are assembled using one or more locomotives in the middle or at the rear of the train, which are then operated remotely from the lead cab. This is referred to as "DP" or "Distributed Power." | |||
=== |
=== New technologies === | ||
] in Stockholm in the 1890s.]] | |||
The ] that is used to describe a train varies between countries. | |||
Even as steam locomotive technology continued to improve, inventors in ] started work on alternative methods for powering trains. ] built the first train powered by electricity in 1879, and went on to pioneer electric ]s.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=15}} Another German inventor, ], constructed the first ] in the 1890s, though the potential of his invention to power trains was not realized until decades later.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=15}} Between 1897 and 1903, tests of experimental electric locomotives on the ] in Germany demonstrated they were viable, setting speed records in excess of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|sp=us|order=flip}}.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=20-21}}] set the stage for diesel locomotives to take over from steam.]]Early gas powered "]" self-propelled railcars entered service on railroads in the first decade of the 1900s.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Schafer|first=Mike|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/38738930|title=Vintage diesel locomotives|date=1998|publisher=Motorbooks International|isbn=0-7603-0507-2|location=Osceola, WI|pages=10–12|oclc=38738930}}</ref> Experimentation with diesel and gas power continued, culminating in the German "]" in 1933, and the influential American ] in 1939.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=20-22}} These successful diesel locomotives showed that diesel power was superior to steam, due to lower costs, ease of maintenance, and better reliability.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=20-23}} Meanwhile, Italy developed an extensive network of electric trains during the first decades of the 20th century, driven by that country's lack of significant coal reserves.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=20-21}} | |||
=== Dieselization and increased competition === | |||
====United Kingdom==== | |||
] brought great destruction to existing railroads across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Following the war's conclusion in 1945, nations which had suffered extensive damage to their railroad networks took the opportunity provided by ] funds (or economic assistance from the ] and ], for nations behind the ]) and advances in technology to convert their trains to diesel or electric power.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=22-24}} ], ], ], and ] were leaders in adopting widespread ], while other nations focused primarily on ].{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=23-24}} By 1980, the majority of the world's steam locomotives had been retired, though they continued to be used in parts of Africa and Asia, along with a few holdouts in Europe and South America.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=22-23}} ] was the last country to fully dieselize, due to its abundant coal reserves; steam locomotives were used to haul mainline trains as late as 2005 in ].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Phillips|first1=Don|last2=French|first2=Howard W.|date=2005-11-06|title=Last great steam railroad nears end of line|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/06/world/asia/last-great-steam-railroad-nears-end-of-line.html|access-date=2021-11-06|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
In the United Kingdom, the interchangeable terms ''set'' and ''unit'' are used to refer to a group of permanently or semi-permanently coupled vehicles, such as those of a multiple unit. While when referring to a train made up of a variety of vehicles, or of several sets/units, the term ''formation'' is used. (Although the UK public and media often forgo ''formation'', for simply ''train''.) The word ''rake'' is also used for a group of coaches or wagons. | |||
Trains began to face strong competition from automobiles and freight trucks in the 1930s, which greatly intensified following World War II.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=23}} After the war, air transport also became a significant competitor for passenger trains. Large amounts of traffic shifted to these new forms of transportation, resulting in a widespread decline in train service, both freight and passenger.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=23-24}} A new development in the 1960s was ], which runs on dedicated rights of way and travels at speeds of {{convert|150|mph|km/h|sp=us|order=flip}} or greater. The first high-speed rail service was the Japanese ], which entered service in 1964.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=23-25}} In the following decades, high speed rail networks were developed across much of ] and Eastern Asia, providing fast and reliable service competitive with automobiles and airplanes.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=23-25}} The first high-speed train in the Americas was ]'s ] in the ], which entered service in 2000.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=25}} | |||
In the United Kingdom Section 83(1) of the ] defines "train" as follows: | |||
] | |||
:a) two or more items of rolling stock coupled together, at least one of which is a locomotive; or | |||
:b) a locomotive not coupled to any other rolling stock. | |||
=== |
=== To the present day === | ||
Towards the end of the 20th century, increased awareness of the benefits of trains for transport led to a revival in their use and importance. Freight trains are significantly more efficient than trucks, while also emitting far fewer greenhouse gas emissions per ton-mile; passenger trains are also far more energy efficient than other modes of transport. According to the ], "On average, rail requires 12 times less energy and emits 7–11 times less ] per passenger-km travelled than private vehicles and airplanes, making it the most efficient mode of motorised passenger transport. Aside from shipping, freight rail is the most energy-efficient and least carbon-intensive way to transport goods."<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 7, 2022|title=Rail - Fuels & Technologies|url=https://www.iea.org/fuels-and-technologies/rail|access-date=2022-01-23|website=IEA}}</ref> As such, rail transport is considered an important part of achieving ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 2019|title=The Future of Rail – Analysis|url=https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-rail|access-date=2021-11-05|website=IEA|language=en-GB}}</ref> ] freight trains, carrying ] ]s, have since the 1970s generated significant business for railroads and gained market share from trucks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blaze|first=Jim|date=2020-01-02|title=Will Short-Haul Rail Intermodal Ever Work?|url=https://www.railwayage.com/freight/will-short-haul-rail-intermodal-ever-work/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Railway Age|language=en-US}}</ref> Increased use of commuter rail has also been promoted as a means of fighting ] on highways in urban areas.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Associated Press|date=August 6, 2002|title=Shore Line East ridership is up|work=]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H7JbAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA6|access-date=November 5, 2021}}</ref>{{better source needed|This is an article about a single US rail line -- surely this concept has been covered by sources with wider scopes?|date=October 2023}} | |||
In the United States, the term ''consist'' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɒ|n|s|ɪ|s|t}} {{respell|KON|sist}}) is used to describe the group of rail vehicles which make up a train. When referring to ], ''consist'' refers to the group of ]s powering the train. Similarly, the term ''trainset'' refers to a group of ] that is permanently or semi-permanently coupled together to form a unified set of equipment (the term is most often applied to ] configurations). | |||
== Components == | |||
There are three types of locomotive: electric, diesel and steam. | |||
=== Bogies === | |||
The ]'s 1948 operating rules define a train as: "An engine or more than one engine coupled, with or without cars, displaying markers."<ref>{{cite book |author=Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway |title=Rules: Operating Department |year=1948 |pages=7}}</ref> | |||
== Bogies == | |||
]s]] | ]s]] | ||
] | |||
{{Main|Bogie}} | {{Main|Bogie}} | ||
Bogies, also known in North America as trucks,{{cn|date=October 2023}} support the wheels and axles of trains. Trucks range from just one axle to as many as four or more. Two-axle trucks are in the widest use worldwide, as they are better able to handle curves and support heavy loads than single axle trucks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Okamoto|first=Isao|date=December 1998|title=How Bogies Work|url=https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/jrtr/jrtr18/pdf/f52_technology.pdf|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=Japan Railway & Transport Review}}</ref>{{failed verification|No mention of two-axle trucks being "better able to handle curves" in source given|date=October 2023}} | |||
A '''bogie''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|oʊ|ɡ|i}} {{Respell|BOH|ghee}}) is a wheeled wagon or trolley. In ] terms, a bogie is a ] or ] carrying wheels, attached to a vehicle. It can be fixed in place, as on a cargo truck, mounted on a swivel, as on a railway carriage or locomotive, or sprung as in the suspension of a caterpillar ]. Usually, two bogies are fitted to each carriage, wagon or locomotive, one at each end. An alternate configuration often is used in articulated vehicles, which places the bogies (often jacobs bogies) under the connection between the carriages or wagons. Most bogies have two axles, as this is the simplest design, but some cars designed for extremely heavy loads have been built with up to five axles per bogie. Heavy-duty cars may have more than two bogies using ]s to equalize the load and connect the bogies to the cars. Usually, the train floor is at a level above the bogies, but the floor of the car may be lower between bogies, such as for a double decker train to increase interior space while staying within height restrictions, or in easy-access, stepless-entry, low-floor trains. | |||
== |
=== Couplers === | ||
{{Main| |
{{Main|Railway coupling}} | ||
Train vehicles are linked to one another by various systems of coupling. In much of Europe, India, and South America, trains primarily use ]s. In the rest of the world, ]s are the most popular, with a few local variations persisting (such as ]s in the former Soviet Union). On multiple units all over the world, ]s are common.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wagner|first1=Simon|last2=Cole|first2=Colin|last3=Spiryagin|first3=Maksym|date=2021-06-01|title=A review on design and testing methodologies of modern freight train draft gear system|journal=Railway Engineering Science|language=en|volume=29|issue=2|pages=127–151|doi=10.1007/s40534-021-00237-y|s2cid=236335052|issn=2662-4753|doi-access=free|bibcode=2021RailE..29..127W }}</ref> | |||
]]] | |||
=== Brakes === | |||
The first trains were rope-hauled, gravity powered or pulled by horses, but from the early 19th century almost all trains were powered by ]s. From the 1910s onwards, steam locomotives began to be replaced with less labor-intensive (and cleaner) diesel and electric locomotives, although these new forms of propulsion were far more complex and expensive than steam power. At about the same time, self-propelled multiple unit vehicles (both diesel and electric) became much more widely used in passenger service. ] of locomotives in day-to-day use was completed in most countries by the 1970s. Steam locomotives are still used in ]s which are operated in many countries for the leisure and enthusiast market. | |||
{{Main|Railway air brake}} | |||
Because trains are heavy, powerful brakes are needed to slow or stop trains, and because steel wheels on steel rails have relatively low friction, brakes must be distributed among as many wheels as possible.{{failed verification|Nothing about wheels or friction in the source|date=October 2023}} Early trains could only be stopped by manually applied hand brakes, requiring workers to ride on top of the cars and apply the brakes when the train went downhill.{{failed verification|"just like the old days" doesn't cover the info in this sentence|date=October 2023}} Hand brakes are still used to park cars and locomotives, but the predominant braking system for trains globally is air brakes, invented in 1869 by ].{{failed verification|Nothing about braking systems globally or Westinghouse in the source|date=October 2023}} Air brakes are applied at once to the entire train using air hoses.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Herkewitz|first=William|date=2013-07-10|title=Understanding a Runaway Train: How Do Air Brakes Work?|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/engineering/understanding-a-runaway-train-how-do-air-brakes-work-15678938|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
=== Warning devices === | |||
Electric traction offers a lower cost per mile of train operation but at a higher initial cost, which can only be justified on high traffic lines. Even though the cost per mile of construction is much higher, electric traction is more viable during operation because diesel import costs are substantially higher. Electric trains receive their current via ] or through a ]. | |||
] | |||
For safety and communication, trains are equipped with ]s, ], {{failed verification span|text=and ]|date=October 2023}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Train Horn|url=https://www.bnsf.com/in-the-community/safety-and-security/train-horn.page|access-date=2021-11-04|website=BNSF Railway}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Weart|first=Ray|date=October 10, 2019|title=Ask Trains: What are the rules on when locomotive bells should ring?|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/ask-trains/ask-trains-what-are-the-rules-on-when-locomotive-bells-should-ring/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Trains|language=en-US}}</ref>{{globalize-inline|date=October 2023}} Steam locomotives typically use ]s rather than horns.{{Failed verification|date=October 2023}} Other types of lights may be installed on locomotives and cars, such as ], ]s, and ].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|last=Schauer|first=David C.|date=May 1, 2006|title=Locomotive classification lights|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/abcs-of-railroading/locomotive-classification-lights/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325115547/https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/abcs-of-railroading/locomotive-classification-lights/|archive-date=2021-03-25|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Trains|language=en-US}}</ref>{{globalize-inline|date=October 2023}}{{Failed verification|date=October 2023}} | |||
=== Cabs === | |||
Lesser used locomotives are: ]s, which are cheaper to operate as compared to diesel locomotives; and ] locomotives, which combine the advantage of not needing an electrical system in place, with the advantage of emissionless operation. However, there is a substantial initial cost associated with ]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/blog2/index.php/hydrogen-vehicles/i-hear-the-hydrogen-train-a-comin-its-rolling-round-the-bend/ |title=I Hear the Hydrogen Train a Comin', It's Rolling Round the Bend – Hydrogen Cars Now |author=Hydro Kevin Kantola |work=Hydrogen Cars Now |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302030328/http://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/blog2/index.php/hydrogen-vehicles/i-hear-the-hydrogen-train-a-comin-its-rolling-round-the-bend/ |archivedate=2 March 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | |||
Locomotives are in most cases{{failed verification|date=October 2023}} equipped with cabs, also known as driving compartments, where a ] controls the train's operation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wiedrich|first=Bob|date=May 27, 1990|title=All the Comforts of a Locomotive Cab|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-05-27-9002130133-story.html|access-date=2021-11-05|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref>{{globalize-inline|date=October 2023}}{{better source needed|need a better source than a US newspaper article from 33 years ago|date=October 2023}} They may also be installed on unpowered train cars known as ], to allow for a train to operate with the locomotive at the rear.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Comet I Commuter Coaches|url=http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/exhibits/equipment/passenger-cars/comet-i-commuter-coaches|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Whippany Railway Museum}}</ref>{{better source needed|need a better source than a local museum's history page about one specific type of control cab|date=October 2023}} | |||
== |
== Operations == | ||
{{Main|Rail transport operations}} | |||
] in a long-distance train in ]]] | |||
A passenger train is one which includes passenger-carrying vehicles which can often be very long and fast. It may be a self-powered multiple unit or ], or else a combination of one or more ]s and one or more unpowered trailers known as ]. Passenger trains travel between ] or ], at which passengers may board and disembark. In most cases, passenger trains operate on a fixed ] and have superior track occupancy rights over ]s. | |||
=== Scheduling and dispatching === | |||
Unlike freight trains, passenger trains must supply ] to each coach for lighting and heating, among other purposes. This can be drawn directly from the locomotive's ] (modified for the purpose), or from a separate ] in the locomotive. For passenger service on remote routes where a head-end-equipped locomotive may not always be available, a separate generator van may be used.<ref>{{cite news |first=Bob |last=Johnson |title=Head-end power |date=1 May 2006 |url=http://trn.trains.com/railroads/abcs-of-railroading/2006/05/head-end-power |work=ABCs of Railroading |accessdate=20 July 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219213623/http://trn.trains.com/railroads/abcs-of-railroading/2006/05/head-end-power |archivedate=19 February 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nwrail.com/HEP_config.html |title=HEP Trainline Configurations in North America |publisher=''Northwest Rail'' |accessdate=20 July 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722044938/http://www.nwrail.com/HEP_config.html |archivedate=22 July 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | |||
To prevent collisions or other accidents, trains are often scheduled, and almost always are under the control of ]s.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 23, 2021|title=How Does Train Dispatching Work?|url=http://www.up.com/up/customers/track-record/tr030921-how-does-train-dispatching-work.htm|access-date=2021-11-04|website=www.up.com|language=en}}</ref> Historically, trains operated based on ]; most trains (including nearly all passenger trains), continue to operate based on fixed schedules, though freight trains may instead run on an as-needed basis, or when enough freight cars are available to justify running a train.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lester|first=David C.|date=February 1, 2018|title=Scheduling freight trains|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/abcs-of-railroading/scheduling-freight-trains/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Trains|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
=== Maintenance === | |||
Oversight of a passenger train is the responsibility of the ]. He or she is sometimes assisted by other crew members, such as service attendants or ]. During the heyday of North American passenger rail travel, long distance trains carried two conductors: the aforementioned train conductor, and a ], the latter being in charge of ] personnel. | |||
]]] | |||
Simple repairs may be done while a train is parked on the tracks, but more extensive repairs will be done at a ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Guss|first=Chris|date=March 1, 2018|title=Where diesels go to the doctor|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/abcs-of-railroading/where-diesels-go-to-the-doctor/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Trains|language=en-US}}</ref> Similar facilities exist for repairing damaged or defective train cars.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Luther|first=Darrel|date=2014-09-22|title=Maintaining Railcars|url=https://wasteadvantagemag.com/maintaining-railcars/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Waste Advantage Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref> ] trains are used to build and repair railroad tracks and other equipment.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Solomon|first=Brian|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/46976669|title=Railway maintenance equipment|date=2001|publisher=MBI Pub. Co|isbn=0-7603-0975-2|location=Osceola, Wis.|pages=57–59|oclc=46976669}}</ref> | |||
=== Crew === | |||
Many ] have been given a ], some of which have become ] in literature and fiction. In past years, railroaders often referred to passenger trains as the "varnish", alluding to the bygone days of wooden-bodied coaches with their lustrous exterior finishes and fancy ]. "Blocking the varnish" meant a slow-moving freight train was obstructing a fast passenger train, causing delays. | |||
]s, also known as engineers, are responsible for operating trains.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Sperandeo|first=Andy|date=May 1, 2006|title=The people who work on trains|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/abcs-of-railroading/the-people-who-work-on-trains/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Trains|language=en-US}}</ref> ] are in charge of trains and their cargo, and help passengers on passenger trains.<ref name=":2" /> ], also known as trainmen, were historically responsible for manually applying brakes, though the term is used today to refer to crew members who perform tasks such as operating switches, coupling and uncoupling train cars, and setting handbrakes on equipment.<ref name=":2" /> Steam locomotives require a ] who is responsible for fueling and regulating the locomotive's fire and boiler.<ref name=":2" /> On passenger trains, other crew members assist passengers, such as chefs to prepare food, and service attendants to provide food and drinks to passengers. Other passenger train specific duties include passenger car attendants, who assist passengers with boarding and alighting from trains, answer questions, and keep train cars clean, and sleeping car attendants, who perform similar duties in ]s.<ref name=":2" /> Some trains can operate with ] without a driver directly present.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Germany: Hamburg gets first fully automated tram {{!}} DW {{!}} 11 October 2021 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-hamburg-gets-first-fully-automated-tram/a-59470896 |access-date=15 November 2021 |work=Deutsche Welle (www.dw.com)}}</ref> | |||
=== Gauge === | |||
Some passenger trains, both long distance and short distance, may use ] cars to carry more passengers per train. Car design and the general safety of passenger trains have dramatically evolved over time, making travel by rail remarkably safe. | |||
]]] | |||
Around the world, various ]s are in use for trains. In most cases, trains can only operate on tracks that are of the same gauge; where different gauge trains meet, it is known as a ]. ], defined as {{convert|4|ft|8.5|in|mm|abbr=on|order=flip}} between the rails, is the most common gauge worldwide, though both ] and ] trains are also in use.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hilton|first=George W.|date=May 1, 2006|title=A history of track gauge|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/railroads/history/a-history-of-track-gauge/|access-date=2021-11-06|website=Trains|language=en-US}}</ref> Trains also need to fit within the ] profile to avoid fouling bridges and lineside infrastructure with this being a potential limiting factor on loads such as ] types that may be carried.<ref name="IRJ">{{cite magazine|last=Burroughs|first=David|date=15 October 2018|title=Network Rail to increase loading gauge on Doncaster – Immingham Line|magazine=International Railway Journal|url-access=limited|access-date=8 November 2021|archive-date=8 November 2021|url=https://www.railjournal.com/infrastructure/network-rail-to-increase-loading-gauge-on-doncaster-immingham-line/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211108225553/https://www.railjournal.com/infrastructure/network-rail-to-increase-loading-gauge-on-doncaster-immingham-line/}}</ref> | |||
== Safety == | |||
], are minor and do not cause injuries or damage.]] | |||
Long-distance trains travel between many cities and/or regions of a country, and sometimes cross several countries. They often have a ] or restaurant car to allow passengers to have a meal during the course of their journey. Trains travelling overnight may also have ]s. Currently much of travel on these distances of over {{convert|500|miles}} is done by air in many countries but in others long-distance travel by rail is a popular or the only cheap way to travel long distances. | |||
] display information identifying their cargo and hazards. This ] carrying ] displays, among other markings, a ] showing a ] that identifies the hazardous substance.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Beaucham |first=Catherine C. |date=August 2023 |title=Evaluation of Potential Exposures to Railway Hazardous Material Inspectors |url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2022-0049-3387.pdf |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health |type=]}}</ref>]] | |||
Train accidents sometimes occur, including ]s (when a train leaves the tracks) and ]s (collisions between trains). Accidents were more common in the early days of trains, when ] systems, ], and failsafe systems to prevent collisions were primitive or did not yet exist.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McDonald|first=Charles W.|date=August 1993|title=The Federal Railroad Safety Program|url=https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/16422/1993_THE%20FEDERAL%20RAILROAD%20SAFETY%20PROGRAM%20-%20100%20YEARS%20OF.PDF|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=Federal Railroad Administration}}</ref> To prevent accidents, systems such as ] are used; these are failsafe systems that apply the brakes on a train if it passes a red signal and enters an occupied ], or if any of the train's equipment malfunctions.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 1, 1925|title=Meriden In Safety Zone - New Train Stop System Installed|page=4|work=]|location=Meriden, Connecticut|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s7hIAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA3|access-date=January 20, 2022}}</ref>{{obsolete source|1925 article in a local US newspaper?|date=October 2023}} More advanced safety systems, such as ], can also automatically regulate train speed, preventing derailments from entering curves or switches too fast.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 9, 2021|title=Positive Train Control (PTC)|url=https://railroads.dot.gov/train-control/ptc/positive-train-control-ptc|access-date=January 20, 2022|website=]}}</ref> | |||
Modern trains have a very good safety record overall, comparable with air travel.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Elliott|first=Christopher|date=May 24, 2015|title=Amtrak 188 crash: How safe are America's trains?|url=https://fortune.com/2015/05/14/amtrak-trains-safe/|access-date=2021-11-06|website=Fortune|language=en}}</ref> In the United States between 2000 and 2009, train travel averaged 0.43 deaths per billion passenger miles traveled. While this was higher than that of air travel at 0.07 deaths per billion passenger miles, it was also far below the 7.28 deaths per billion passenger miles of car travel.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ingraham|first=Christopher|date=May 14, 2015|title=The safest — and deadliest — ways to travel|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/05/14/the-safest-and-deadliest-ways-to-travel/|access-date=November 5, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> In the 21st century, several derailments of oil trains caused fatalities, most notably the Canadian ] in 2013 which killed 47 people and leveled much of the town of ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Murphy|first=Jessica|date=2018-01-19|title=Lac-Megantic: The runaway train that destroyed a town|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42548824|access-date=2021-11-06}}</ref> | |||
==== High-speed rail ==== | |||
] ] train]] | |||
{{Main|High-speed rail}}One notable and growing long-distance train category is high-speed rail. Generally, high speed rail runs at speeds above {{convert|200|km/h|mph|-1|abbr=on}} and often operates on dedicated track that is surveyed and prepared to accommodate high speeds. Japan's ] popularly known as ("bullet-train") commenced operation in 1964, and was the first successful example of a high speed passenger rail system. | |||
The vast majority of train-related fatalities, over 90 percent, are due to trespassing on railroad tracks, or collisions with road vehicles at ]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention {{!}} FRA|url=https://railroads.dot.gov/highway-rail-crossing-and-trespasser-programs/railroad-crossing-safety-trespass|access-date=2021-11-06|website=railroads.dot.gov}}</ref> Organizations such as ] have been formed to improve safety awareness at railroad crossings, and governments have also launched ad campaigns. Trains cannot stop quickly when at speed; even an emergency brake application may still require more than a mile of stopping distance. As such, emphasis is on educating motorists to yield to trains at crossings and avoid trespassing.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stop. Trains Can't. Railroad Crossing|url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/railroad-crossing|access-date=2021-11-06|website=National Highway Traffic Safety Administration|language=en}}</ref> | |||
The fastest wheeled train running on rails is France's ] (Train à Grande Vitesse, literally "high speed train"), which achieved a speed of {{convert|574.8|km/h|mph|1|abbr=on}}, twice the takeoff speed of a ] ], under test conditions in 2007. The highest speed currently attained in scheduled revenue operation is {{convert|350|km/h|mph|-1|abbr=on}} on the ] and ] systems in China. The TGV runs at a maximum revenue speed of {{convert|300|-|320|km/h|mph|-1|abbr=on}}, as does Germany's ] and Spain's ] (Alta Velocidad Española). | |||
== Motive power == | |||
In most cases, high-speed rail travel is time- and cost-competitive with air travel when distances do not exceed {{convert|500|to|600|km|mi|-1|abbr=on}}, as airport ] and boarding procedures may add as many as two hours to the actual transit time.<ref>{{cite book|author=Central Japan Railway |title=Central Japan Railway Data Book 2006 |year=2006 |pages=16}}</ref> Also, rail operating costs over these distances may be lower when the amount of ] consumed by an ] during ] and climbout is considered. As travel distance increases, the latter consideration becomes less of the total cost of operating an airliner and air travel becomes more cost-competitive. | |||
{{Main|Locomotive}}]s in ]]] | |||
=== Before steam === | |||
Some high speed rail equipment employs ] to improve stability in curves. Examples of such equipment are the ] (APT), the ], the ], ]'s ] and the ]. Tilting is a dynamic form of ], allowing both low- and high-speed traffic to use the same trackage (though not simultaneously), as well as producing a more comfortable ride for passengers. | |||
The first trains were rope-hauled, gravity powered or pulled by horses.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=8}} | |||
=== Steam === | |||
Steam locomotives work by burning coal, wood or oil fuel in a boiler to heat water into steam, which powers the locomotive's pistons which are in turn connected to the wheels.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McGonigal|first=Robert S.|date=May 1, 2006|title=How a steam locomotive works|url=https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/abcs-of-railroading/how-a-steam-locomotive-works/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Trains|language=en-US}}</ref> In the mid 20th century, most steam locomotives were replaced by diesel or electric locomotives, which were cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Nilsson|first=Jeff|date=2013-05-11|title=Why You Don't See Steam Locomotives Anymore|url=https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2013/05/locomotive-diesel-engine/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=The Saturday Evening Post|language=en-US}}</ref> Steam locomotives are still used in ]s operated in many countries for the leisure and enthusiast market.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor and Heritage Railways|url=http://orr.gov.uk/about-orr/who-we-work-with/railway-networks/minor-and-heritage-railways|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222044131/http://orr.gov.uk/about-orr/who-we-work-with/railway-networks/minor-and-heritage-railways|archive-date=February 22, 2018|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=orr.gov.uk|publisher=Office of Rail and Road}}</ref>{{globalize-inline|date=October 2023}} | |||
], the fastest train in Australia, travelling between ] and ] in ], a distance of 615km.]] | |||
{{Main|Inter-city rail}} | |||
=== Diesel === | |||
Trains can be divided into three major groups: | |||
Diesel locomotives are powered with a diesel engine, which generates electricity to drive traction motors. This is known as a ], and is used on most larger diesels.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014|title=Diesel Electric Locomotives|url=https://edisontechcenter.org/Dieseltrains.html|access-date=2021-11-05|website=edisontechcenter.org}}</ref> Diesel power replaced steam for a variety of reasons: diesel locomotives were less complex, far more reliable, cheaper, cleaner, easier to maintain, and more fuel efficient.<ref name=":4" /> | |||
* ] trains: connecting cities in the fastest time possible, bypassing all intermediate stations | |||
* ] trains: calling at larger intermediate stations between cities, serving large urban ] | |||
* ] trains: calling at all intermediate stations between cities, serving all lineside ] | |||
=== Electric === | |||
The distinction between the types can be thin or even non-existent. Trains can run as inter-city services between major cities, then revert to a fast or even regional train service to serve communities at the ] of their journey. This practice allows ] communities remaining to be served while saving money at the expense of a longer journey time for those wishing to travel to the ] station. | |||
]]]Electric trains receive their current via ] or through a ], which is then used to power traction motors that drive the wheels.<ref name=":3" /> Electric traction offers a lower cost per mile of train operation but at a higher initial cost, which can only be justified on high traffic lines. Even though the cost per mile of construction is much higher, electric traction is cheaper to operate thanks to lower maintenance and purchase costs for locomotives and equipment.<ref name=":3" /> Compared to diesel locomotives, electric locomotives produce no direct emissions and accelerate much faster, making them better suited to passenger service, especially underground.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hickman|first=Leo|date=2012-07-16|title=How green are electric trains?|url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2012/jul/16/electric-trains-diesel-green-carbon|access-date=2021-11-05|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> | |||
=== Other types === | |||
] operated by the ]]] | |||
{{Main|Regional rail}} | |||
{{See also|Alternative fuel locomotive}} | |||
Various other types of train propulsion have been tried, some more successful than others. | |||
In the mid 1900s, ]s were developed and successfully used, though most were retired due to high fuel costs and poor reliability.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Gas Turbine Locomotives|url=http://www.up.com/up/aboutup/special_trains/gas-turbine/index.htm|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.up.com|language=en}}</ref> | |||
Regional trains usually connect between towns and cities, rather than purely linking major population hubs like inter-city trains, and serve local traffic demand in relatively ]. | |||
In the 21st century, alternative fuels for locomotives are under development, due to increasing costs for diesel and a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from trains. Examples include ] (trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells) and the use of compressed or ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clinnick|first=Robert|date=October 21, 2021|title=Worldwide hydrogen projects gain traction|url=https://www.railjournal.com/in_depth/worldwide-hydrogen-projects-gain-traction/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=International Railway Journal|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Vantuono|first=William C.|date=2021-11-01|title=CP: Green 'Gas 'n Go' Gets Grant|url=https://www.railwayage.com/mechanical/locomotives/cp-green-gas-n-go-gets-grant/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Railway Age|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==== Higher-speed rail ==== | |||
{{Main|Higher-speed rail}} | |||
== Train cars == | |||
Higher-speed rail is a special category of trains. The trains for higher-speed rail services can operate at top speeds that are higher than conventional inter-city trains but the speeds are not as high as those in the high-speed rail services. These services are provided after improvements to the conventional rail infrastructure in order to support trains that can operate safely at higher speeds. | |||
{{Main|Railroad car}} | |||
] in the United States]] | |||
Train cars, also known as wagons, are unpowered rail vehicles which are typically pulled by locomotives. Many different types exist, specialized to handle various types of cargo. Some common types include ]s (also known as ]s) that carry a wide variety of cargo, ]s (also known as ]s) which have flat tops to hold cargo, ]s which carry bulk commodities, and ]s which carry liquids and gases. Examples of more specialized types of train cars include ] which hold molten steel,<ref name=":10">{{Cite book|last=Schafer|first=Mike|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/41002704|title=Freight train cars|date=1999|publisher=MBI Pub|others=Mike McBride|isbn=0-7603-0612-5|location=Osceola, Wis.|pages=11–13, 93, 95|oclc=41002704}}</ref> ]s which handle very heavy loads, and ]s which carry perishable goods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rail Car Types Defined|url=http://www.up.com/up/customers/track-record/tr181121_rail_car_types.htm|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.up.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Vantuono|first=William C.|date=2012-06-14|title=Kasgro builds "World's Largest Railroad Car"|url=https://www.railwayage.com/mechanical/freight-cars/kasgro-builds-worlds-largest-railroad-car/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Railway Age|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
Early train cars were small and light, much like early locomotives, but over time they have become larger as locomotives have become more powerful.<ref name=":10" /> | |||
=== Short-distance trains === | |||
== Passenger trains == | |||
{{Main|Passenger train}} | |||
] handle 7.24 million commuters daily.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mrvc.indianrail.gov.in/overview.htm |work=Official webpage of Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation |title=Overview Of the existing Mumbai Suburban Railway |accessdate=2008-12-11 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620033027/http://www.mrvc.indianrail.gov.in/overview.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate=2008-06-20}}</ref>]] | |||
] train]] | |||
A passenger train is used to transport people along a railroad line. These trains may consist of unpowered ]s (also known as coaches or carriages) ] by one or more locomotives, or may be self-propelled; self propelled passenger trains are known as ]s or ]s. Passenger trains travel between ], where passengers may board and disembark. In most cases, passenger trains operate on a fixed ] and have priority over ]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Freight Delays and Your Amtrak Service|url=https://www.amtrak.com/on-time-performance|access-date=2021-11-05|website=www.amtrak.com|language=en}}</ref> In ], passenger trains are assinged to different ]. | |||
Passenger trains can be divided into short and long distance services. | |||
{{Main|Commuter rail|Commuter rail in North America}} | |||
For shorter distances many cities have networks of ]s (also known as suburban trains) serving the city and its suburbs. Trains are a very efficient ] to cope with large traffic demand in a ]. Compared with road transport, it carries many people with much smaller land area and little air pollution. Commuter rail also travels longer ranges compared to rapid transit systems with comparatively less frequency and may share tracks with other trains.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-metro-and-local-train|title=Difference between Metro and Local Train|last=Sangeeta|date=2013-06-24|website=www.differencebetween.info|access-date=2018-02-09}}</ref> | |||
=== Long distance trains === | |||
Some carriages may be laid out to have more standing room than seats, or to facilitate the carrying of ], ] or ]s. Some countries have ] for use in conurbations. Double deck high speed and sleeper trains are becoming more common in mainland Europe. | |||
{{Main|Inter-city rail}} | |||
Long distance passenger trains travel over hundreds or even thousands of miles between cities. The longest passenger train service in the world is Russia's ] between ] and ], a distance of {{convert|5772|mi|km|sp=us|order=flip}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Katie|date=January 3, 2020|title=I rode the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway on a 2,000-mile journey across 4 time zones in Russia. Here's what it was like spending 50 hours on the longest train line in the world.|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trans-siberian-railway-russia-what-its-like-photos-2019-7|access-date=2021-11-04|website=Business Insider|language=en-US}}</ref> In general, long distance trains may take days to complete their journeys, and stop at dozens of stations along their routes. For many rural communities, they are the only form of public transportation available.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jaffe|first=Eric|date=April 18, 2013|title=3 Reasons to Keep Amtrak's Long-Distance Trains Running|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-04-18/3-reasons-to-keep-amtrak-s-long-distance-trains-running|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Bloomberg}}</ref> | |||
=== Short distance trains === | |||
Sometimes extreme congestion of commuter trains becomes a problem. For example, an estimated 3.5 million passengers ride every day on ] in Tokyo, Japan, with its 29 stations. For comparison, the ] carries 5.7 million passengers per day on {{NYCS const|routes}} services serving {{NYCS const|number|total}} stations. To cope with large traffic, special cars in which the bench seats fold up to provide standing room only during the morning rush hour (until 10 a.m.) are operated in Tokyo (] train). In the past this train has included 2 cars with six doors on each side to shorten the time for passengers to get on and off at station. | |||
Short distance or ] passenger trains have travel times measured in hours or even minutes, as opposed to days. They run more frequently than long distance trains, and are often used by commuters. Short distance passenger trains specifically designed for commuters are known as ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zipper|first=David|date=April 30, 2020|title=Will Commuters Ever Go Back to Commuter Trains?|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-30/will-commuters-ever-go-back-to-commuter-trains|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Bloomberg}}</ref> | |||
=== High speed trains === | |||
Passenger trains usually have ] handles (or a "communication cord") that the public can operate. Misuse is punished by a heavy fine. | |||
{{Main|High-speed rail}} | |||
] pioneered high speed rail service.]]High speed trains are designed to be much faster than conventional trains, and typically run on their own separate tracks than other, slower trains. The first high speed train was the Japanese ], which opened in 1964.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=134-135}} In the 21st century, services such as the French ] and German ] are competitive with airplanes in travel time over short to medium distances.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Bachman|first1=Justin|last2=Fan|first2=Richard|last3=Cannon|first3=Christopher|date=January 9, 2018|title=Watch Out, Airlines. High Speed Rail Now Rivals Flying on Key Routes|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-09/high-speed-rail-now-rivals-flying-on-key-global-routes|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=Bloomberg}}</ref> | |||
A subset of high speed trains are ]s, which bridge the gap between conventional and high speed trains, and travel at speeds between the two. Examples include the ] in the United States, the ] in India, and the ] in Malaysia. | |||
Various commuter and suburban train operators (e.g. ], ], ]) use ]. Double-decker trains offer increased capacity even when running less services.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-11/barry-ofarrell-sydney-trains-claim-doubtful/5371446|title=Single-decker v double-decker trains: Barry O'Farrell's claim doubtful|date=2014-04-11|work=ABC News|access-date=2018-03-29|language=en-AU}}</ref> | |||
=== |
=== Luxury trains === | ||
{{Main|Luxury train}} | |||
Luxury trains provide permium rail services on their journey, either within a given country or across country borders. Some use refurbished classic rail cars. | |||
== Rapid transit trains == | |||
A number of types of trains are used to provide ] to urban areas. These are distinct from traditional passenger trains in that they operate more frequently, typically do not share tracks with freight trains, and cover relatively short distances. Many different kinds of systems are in use globally.{{sfn|Herring|2000|p=138-139}} | |||
{{Main|Rapid transit}} | |||
] | |||
Large cities often have a ] system, also called underground, subway or tube. The trains are electrically powered, usually by ], and their railroads are separate from other traffic, usually without ]s. Usually they run in tunnels in the city center and sometimes on elevated structures in the outer parts of the city. They can accelerate and decelerate faster than heavier, long-distance trains. | |||
Rapid transit trains that operate in tunnels below ground are known as subways, undergrounds, or metros. ]s operate on viaducts or bridges above the ground, often on top of city streets. "Metro" may also refer to rapid transit that operates at ground level. In many systems, two or even all three of these types may exist on different portions of a network.{{cn|date=October 2023}} | |||
The term ''']''' is used for public transport such as commuter trains, metro and light rail. However, services on the New York City Subway have been referred to as "trains". | |||
] is one of the oldest in the world.]] | |||
=== Trams === | |||
{{Main|Tram}} | {{Main|Tram}} | ||
Trams, also known in North America as streetcars, typically operate on or parallel to streets in cities, with frequent stops and a high frequency of service.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|last=Kobie|first=Nicole|date=April 4, 2018|title=Trams are great for city transport – why doesn't the UK have more?|language=en-GB|magazine=Wired UK|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/trams-edinburgh-manchester-uk-transport-system|access-date=2021-11-05|issn=1357-0978}}</ref> | |||
] 100 articulated tram in ], ]]] | |||
=== Light rail === | |||
In the United Kingdom, the distinction between a tramway and a railway is precise and defined in law. In the U.S. and Canada, such street railways are referred to as ] or ]s. The key physical difference between a railroad and a trolley system is that the latter runs primarily on public streets, whereas trains have a ] separated from the public streets. Often the U.S.-style ] and modern ] are confused with a trolley system, as it too may run on the street for short or medium-length sections. In some languages, the word ''tram'' also refers to interurban and light rail-style networks, in particular Dutch. | |||
{{Main|Light rail}} | |||
] light rail train near the cathedral in ]]] | |||
Light rail is a catchall term for a variety of systems, which may include characteristics of trams, heavier passenger trains, and rapid transit systems.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
== Specialized trains == | |||
The length of a tram or trolley may be determined by national regulations. Germany has the so-called Bo-Strab standard, restricting the length of a tram to 75 meters, while in the U.S., vehicle length is normally restricted by local authorities, often allowing only a single type of vehicle to operate on the network. | |||
There are a number of specialized trains which differ from the traditional definition of a train as a set of vehicles which travels on two rails. | |||
=== Monorail === | |||
] train]] | |||
{{main|Light rail}} | |||
The term light rail is sometimes used for a modern tram system, despite light rail lines commonly having a mostly exclusive right-of-way, more similar to that of a heavy-rail line and less alike to that of a tramway. It may also mean an intermediate form between a tram and a train, similar to a ] except that it may have level crossings. These are then usually protected with crossing gates. In U.S. terminology these systems are often referred to as interurban, as they connect larger urban areas in the vicinity of a major city to that city. Modern light rail systems often use abandoned heavy rail rights of way (e.g. former railway lines) to revitalize deprived areas and ] sites in and around large ]. | |||
==== Monorail ==== | |||
]]] | |||
{{Main|Monorail}} | {{Main|Monorail}} | ||
Monorails were developed to meet medium-demand traffic in urban transit, and consist of a train running on a single rail, typically elevated. {{failed verification span|Monorails represent a small proportion of the train systems in use worldwide. Almost all monorail trains use linear induction motors|Neither source supports these claims. In particular, "In common with other advanced rapid transit systems, some monorails are driven by linear induction motor" != this article's claim that "almost all" use them.|date=October 2023}}<ref>{{cite web|year=2013|title=Linear Motor Driven System|url=http://www.hitachi-rail.com/products/rolling_stock/linear/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930090347/http://www.hitachi-rail.com/products/rolling_stock/linear/index.html|archive-date=30 September 2018|access-date=23 June 2019|website=Hitachi-Rail.com|publisher=]}}</ref>{{primary source inline|date=October 2023}}<ref>{{cite web|year=2015|title=Monorail|url=http://www.railsystem.net/monorail/|access-date=23 June 2019|website=RailSystem.net}}</ref>{{unreliable source|date=October 2023}} | |||
Monorails were developed to meet medium-demand traffic in urban transit, and consist of a train running on a single rail, typically elevated. Monorails represent a relatively small part of the overall railway field. | |||
==== Maglev ==== | |||
=== Maglev === | |||
{{Main|Maglev}} | {{Main|Maglev}} | ||
Maglev technology uses magnets to levitate the train above the track, reducing friction and allowing higher speeds.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 24, 2016|title=How Maglev Works|url=https://www.energy.gov/articles/how-maglev-works|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Energy.gov|language=en}}</ref> The first commercial maglev train was an ] introduced in 1984 at ] in England.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2010-11-17|title=Birmingham Airport's old Maglev carriage to be sold|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-11780663|access-date=2021-11-05}}</ref>{{failed verification|Source says "one of the world's first magnetic levitation transport systems", which is not necessarily *the* first|date=October 2023}} | |||
The ], opened in |
The ], opened in 2002, is the fastest commercial train service of any kind, operating at speeds of up to {{convert|431|km/h|mph|abbr=on|sp=us}}.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|last1=Wang|first1=Serenitie|last2=Cripps|first2=Karla|date=May 24, 2019|title=China unveils 600km/h maglev train prototype|url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/china-highspeed-maglev-prototype/index.html|access-date=2021-11-05|website=CNN|language=en}}</ref> Japan's ] maglev holds the record for the world's fastest train ever, with a top speed of {{convert|374.7|mph|km/h|1|sp=us|order=flip}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCurry|first=Justin|date=2015-04-21|title=Japan's maglev train breaks world speed record with 600km/h test run|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/21/japans-maglev-train-notches-up-new-world-speed-record-in-test-run|access-date=2021-11-05|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Maglev has not yet been used for inter-city ] routes, with only a few examples in use worldwide {{as of|2019|lc=yes}}.<ref name=":7" /> | ||
=== |
=== Mine trains === | ||
{{Main|Mine railway}} | |||
] articulated regional railcar.]] | |||
A railcar,<!-- (not to be confused with a ]), --> in ] and ], is a self-propelled ] ] designed to ] passengers. The term "railcar" is usually used in reference to a train consisting of a single ] (carriage, car), with a driver's cab at one or both ends. Some railways, e.g., the ], used the term ]. If it is able to pull a full train, it is rather called a ] or a motor car.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106103408/http://www.parrypeoplemovers.com/ppm35-feature.htm |date=6 January 2009 }} Light Railcars and Railbuses - Retrieved on 2008-06-09</ref> The term is sometimes also used as an alternative name for the small types of ] which consist of more than one coach. | |||
Mine trains are operated in large mines and carry both workers and goods. They are usually powered by electricity, to prevent emissions which would pose a health risk to workers underground.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Paul|date=2020-05-24|title=China's mines rolling out unmanned underground rail systems at a rapid pace|url=https://im-mining.com/2020/05/24/chinas-mines-rolling-unmanned-underground-rail-systems-rapid-pace/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=International Mining|language=en-GB}}</ref>{{globalize-inline|This source speaks only to mines in China|date=October 2023}} | |||
=== Other types === | |||
] | |||
=== Militarized trains === | |||
{{Main|Armoured train|Railway gun}} | |||
{{See also|Lists of named passenger trains}} | |||
While they have long been important in transporting troops and military equipment, trains have occasionally been used for direct combat. Armored trains have been used in a number of conflicts, as have railroad based artillery systems.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 18, 2015|title=These are the incredible armored trains of World War I and World War II|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/these-armored-trains-of-world-wars-i-and-ii-2014-11|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Business Insider|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Harrison|first=Scott|date=2019-06-11|title=From the Archives: 14-inch railroad guns fired near Oceanside|url=https://www.latimes.com/visuals/photography/la-me-fw-archives-14-inch-railroad-guns-fired-near-oceanside-20190516-htmlstory.html|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> ] systems have also been used by nuclear weapon states.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mizokami|first=Kyle|date=2017-02-27|title=All Aboard Russia's Nuclear Weapon Apocalypse Train|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a25423/all-aboard-russias-apocalypse-train/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
Railway companies often give a name to a train service as a marketing exercise, to raise the profile of the service and hence attract more passengers (and also to gain ] for the company). Usually, naming is reserved for the most prestigious trains: the high-speed express trains between major cities, stopping at few intermediate stations. The names of services such as the '']'', the '']'', the '']'', the '']'', and the '']'' have passed into popular culture. | |||
=== Rack railway === | |||
Some of the popular specially named trains in India are: ''Brindavan Express'' (Chennai–Bengaluru), ''Deccan Queen'' (Mumbai V.T.–Pune) and ''Flying Ranee'' (Mumbai Central–Surat). | |||
{{Main|Rack railway}} | |||
For climbing steep slopes, specialized rack railroads are used. In order to avoid slipping, a ] system is used, with a toothed rail placed between the two regular rails, which meshes with a drive gear under the locomotive.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Ellis|first1=Fred|last2=Frick|first2=Martin R.|date=May 24, 1976|title=The Pike's Peak Cog Railway Colorado Springs, Colorado: A National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark|url=https://www.asme.org/wwwasmeorg/media/resourcefiles/aboutasme/who%20we%20are/engineering%20history/landmarks/16-manitou-and-pikes-peak-cog-railway.pdf|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=American Society of Mechanical Engineers}}</ref> | |||
=== Funicular === | |||
A somewhat less common practice is the naming of freight trains, for the same commercial reasons. The ''Condor'' was an overnight London–] express goods train, in the 1960s, hauled by pairs of ] diesel locomotives. In the mid-1960s, ] introduced the ] brand, for the new train services carrying ] between dedicated terminals around the rail network. The ] also named freight trains, coining the term '']'' for the overnight express fish train that appeared in his stories in ] books. | |||
{{Main|Funicular}} | |||
Funiculars are also used to climb steep slopes, but instead of a rack use a rope, which is attached to two cars and a pulley.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What Is a Funicular Railway|url=https://ridetheincline.com/what-is-a-funicular-railway/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=Incline Railway|language=en-US}}</ref> The two funicular cars travel up and down the slope on parallel sets of rails when the pulley is rotated. This design makes funiculars an efficient means of moving people and cargo up and down slopes.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Harley-Trochimczyk|first=Anna|date=July 7, 2009|title=The Fun of Funiculars|url=https://illumin.usc.edu/the-fun-of-funiculars/|access-date=2021-11-05|website=USC Viterbi School of Engineering|language=en-US}}</ref> The earliest funicular railroad, the ], opened around 1500.<ref name=":6" /> | |||
=== Rubber-tired train === | |||
;Airport trains | |||
{{Main articles|Rubber-tyred metro|Rubber-tyred tram}} | |||
{{Main|People mover}} | |||
Rubber tire trains, or rubber-tired metro systems, employ rubber tires for traction and guidance, offering advantages like better acceleration and reduced noise. However, they come with disadvantages, including higher costs for installation and maintenance, faster tire wear, and complex tire inflation mechanisms that require regular upkeep. Nonetheless, these systems are utilized in many urban rapid transit networks worldwide, enhancing passenger comfort and urban transportation efficiency. | |||
Airport trains transport people between terminals within an airport complex. | |||
;Heritage trains | |||
{{Main|Heritage railway}} | |||
Heritage trains are operated by volunteers, often ], as a tourist attraction. Usually trains are formed from historic vehicles retired from national commercial operation. | |||
;Mine trains | |||
Mine trains are operated in large mines and carry both workers and goods. | |||
;Overland trains | |||
]s are used to carry cargo over rough terrain. | |||
== Freight trains == | == Freight trains == | ||
{{Main|Rail freight transport}} | {{Main|Rail freight transport|Freight train}} | ||
] freight train; ] enable ] to be carried in ]s.]]Freight trains are dedicated to the transport of cargo (also known as goods), rather than people, and are made up of ]. Longer freight trains typically operate between ]s, while local trains provide freight service between yards and individual loading and unloading points along railroad lines.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 2007|title=Freight Railroad Realignment Feasibility Study Summary|url=https://www.ncpc.gov/docs/Freight_Railroad_Realignment_Study.pdf|access-date=November 8, 2021|website=]|page=8}}</ref> Major origin or destination points for freight may instead be served by ]s, which exclusively carry one type of cargo and move directly from the origin to the destination and back without any intermediate stops.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Johnson|first=Art|date=March 13, 1983|title=Unit train rolling fast in grain trade|work=]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7dkvAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA31|access-date=November 5, 2021}}</ref> | |||
Under the right circumstances, transporting freight by train is less expensive than other modes of transport, and also more energy efficient than transporting freight by road. In the United States, railroads on average moved a ton of freight {{convert|436|mi|km|sp=us|order=flip}} per gallon of fuel, as of 2008, an efficiency four times greater than that of trucks.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jackson|first=Brooks|date=2008-07-01|title=Fuel Efficient Freight Trains?|url=https://www.factcheck.org/2008/07/fuel-efficient-freight-trains/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=FactCheck.org|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Freight Rail Overview {{!}} FRA|url=https://railroads.dot.gov/rail-network-development/freight-rail-overview|access-date=2021-11-01|website=railroads.dot.gov}}</ref> The ] estimates that train transportation of freight is between 1.9 and 5.5 times more efficient than by truck, and also generates significantly less pollution.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Nunno|first=Richard|date=May 30, 2018|title=Electrification of U.S. Railways: Pie in the Sky, or Realistic Goal? {{!}} Article {{!}} EESI|url=https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/electrification-of-u.s.-railways-pie-in-the-sky-or-realistic-goal|access-date=2021-11-01|website=www.eesi.org}}</ref> Rail freight is most economic when goods are being carried in bulk and over large distances, but it is less suited to short distances and small loads.<ref name=":0" /> With the advent of ], freight rail has become part of an ] linked with trucking and ]s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stagl|first=Jeff|date=June 2008|title=Rail Insider-From dieselization to computerization to consolidation, freight railroads have made industry-shaping strides|url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_regulation/article/From-dieselization-to-computerization-to-consolidation-freight-railroads-have-made-industry-shaping-strides--17007|access-date=2021-11-06|website=Progressive Railroading|language=en}}</ref> | |||
] | |||
] freight train]] | |||
] freight train in Fremantle]] | |||
A ] (or "goods train") uses ] (also known as "trucks" or "goods wagons") to transport goods or materials (cargo) – essentially any train that is not used for carrying passengers. Much of the world's freight is transported by train, and the rail system in the United States is used mostly for transporting freight rather than passengers. | |||
The main disadvantage of rail freight is its lack of flexibility and for this reason, rail has lost much of the freight business to ]. Many governments are trying to encourage more freight back on to trains because of the community benefits that it would bring.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017|title=Benefits of using Rail Freight|url=https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/33630/transport-scotland-rail-freight-guide-web.pdf|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=Transport Scotland}}</ref> | |||
Under the right circumstances, transporting freight by train is highly economic, and also more energy efficient than transporting freight by road. Rail freight is most economic when goods are being carried in bulk and over large distances, but it is less suited to short distances and small loads. Bulk aggregate movements of a mere {{convert|20|mi|km|spell=in}} can be cost effective, even allowing for ] costs which dominate in many cases; modern practices such as ] freight are aimed at minimizing these costs. | |||
== Cultural impact == | |||
The main disadvantage of rail freight is its lack of flexibility and for this reason, rail has lost much of the freight business to ]. Many governments are trying to encourage more freight back onto trains because of the benefits that it would bring. | |||
] from Swedish manufacturer ]]] | |||
From the dawn of railroading, trains have had a significant cultural impact worldwide. Fast train travel made possible in days or hours journeys which previously took months. Transport of both freight and passengers became far cheaper, allowing for networked economies over large areas.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=The effects of the railways - Transport — canals and railways - National 5 History Revision|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zjy6rj6/revision/10|access-date=2021-11-06|website=BBC Bitesize|language=en-GB}}</ref> Towns and cities along railroad lines grew in importance, while those bypassed declined or even became ].<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Wolmar|first=Christian|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7i0fXplIJEC&q=how+railroads+grew+cities|title=The Great Railroad Revolution: The History of Trains in America|date=2012-09-25|publisher=PublicAffairs|isbn=978-1-61039-180-1|pages=217–221|language=en}}</ref> Major cities such as ] became prominent because they were places where multiple train lines met.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Koziarz|first=Jay|date=2017-09-21|title=Transportation that built Chicago: The railroads|url=https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/9/21/16344608/transportation-chicago-railroad-cta-union-station-history|access-date=2022-01-21|website=Curbed Chicago|language=en}}</ref> In the United States, the completion of the ] played a major role in the settling of ] by non-indigenous migrants and its incorporation into the rest of the country.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Impact of the Transcontinental Railroad |work=American Experience |publisher= PBS|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/tcrr-impact-transcontinental-railroad/|access-date=2021-11-06|language=en}}</ref> The Russian ] had a similar impact by connecting the vast country from east to west, and making travel across frozen ] possible.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Beauchamp|first=Zack|date=2016-10-05|title=The Trans-Siberian Railway reshaped world history|url=https://www.vox.com/world/2016/10/5/13167966/100th-anniversary-trans-siberian-railway-google-doodle|access-date=2021-11-07|website=Vox|language=en}}</ref> | |||
Trains have long had a major influence ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chattanooga, Tennessee: Train Town (Teaching with Historic Places) (U.S. National Park Service)|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/chattanooga-tennessee-train-town-teaching-with-historic-places.htm|access-date=2021-11-06|website=www.nps.gov|language=en}}</ref> Many films heavily involve or are ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gilbey|first=Ryan|date=2015-06-19|title=Track record: why trains weave their way through the history of great cinema|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2015/06/track-record-why-trains-weave-their-way-through-history-great-cinema|access-date=2022-01-25|website=New Statesman}}</ref> ] are commonly used by children, traditionally boys.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Leggett|first=Bob|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1085144352|title=Toy trains : |date=2019|isbn=978-1-78442-308-7|location=Oxford|oclc=1085144352}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Delamont|first=Sara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2_0-EAAAQBAJ&dq=toy+trains+gender&pg=PT39|title=The Sociology of Women: An Introduction|date=2021-10-17|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-000-46408-5|pages=38–41|language=en}}</ref> ]s are found around the world, along with ].<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|title=Tips for Railfans {{!}} Metra|url=https://metra.com/tips-railfans|access-date=2021-11-06|website=metra.com}}</ref> Train enthusiasts generally have a positive relationship with the railroad industry, though sometimes cause issues by trespassing.<ref name=":9" /> | |||
There are many different types of freight train, which are used to carry a huge variety of different kinds of freight, with various types of ]. One of the most common types on modern railways are intermodal (container) trains, where the containers can be lifted on and off the train by ] and loaded off or onto trucks or ships. In the U.S. this type of freight train has largely superseded the traditional ] (wagon-load) type of freight train, which requires the cargo to be loaded or unloaded manually. In Europe the ] has taken over from the ordinary ]. | |||
In some countries "]" trains or ]s are used. In the latter case trucks can drive straight onto the train and drive off again when the end destination is reached. A system like this is used through the ] between England and France, and for the trans-Alpine service between France and Italy (this service uses ]). "Piggy-back" trains are the fastest growing type of freight train in the United States, where they are also known as "] on ]" or TOFC trains. Piggy-back trains require no special modifications to the vehicles being carried. An alternative type of "intermodal" vehicle, known as a ], is designed to be physically attached to the train. The original trailers were fitted with two sets of wheels: one set flanged, for the trailer to run connected to other such trailers as a rail vehicle in a train; and one set with tires, for use as the ] of a road vehicle. More modern trailers have only road wheels and are designed to be carried on specially adapted ]s (trucks) when moving on rails. | |||
There are also many other types of wagon, such as ] for transporting road vehicles. There are ]s for transporting foods such as ice cream. There are simple types of ] for transporting minerals and bulk material such as coal, and ] for transporting liquids and gases. Today, however, most coal and aggregates are moved in ] that can be filled and discharged rapidly, to enable efficient handling of the materials. | |||
Freight trains are sometimes illegally boarded by passengers who want a free ride, or do not have the money to travel by ordinary means. This is referred to as "]" and is considered by some communities{{who|date=March 2011}} to be a viable form of transportation. A common way of boarding the train illegally is by sneaking into a train yard and stowing away in an unattended boxcar; a more dangerous practice is trying to catch a train "on the fly", that is, while it is moving, leading to occasional fatalities. Railroads treat it as trespassing and may prosecute it as such. | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
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* {{cite book |last=Glancey |first=Jonathan |title=The Train |publisher=Carlton Publishing Group |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-84442-345-3 |ref=none}} | ||
* {{Cite book|last=Herring|first=Peter|title=Ultimate Train|date=2000|publisher=Dorling Kindersley|isbn=0-7894-4610-3|oclc=42810706|ol=8155464M}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 11:44, 24 December 2024
Series of powered rail vehicles This article is about the series of rail vehicles. For the act of developing skills, see Training. For the vehicle that hauls trains, see Locomotive. For other uses, see Train (disambiguation). For broader coverage of this topic, see Rail transport.An electric locomotive pulling a passenger train in RussiaA rack railway in SwitzerlandDiesel locomotives pulling a freight train in New ZealandA suspended monorail in GermanyA metro train in IndiaA restored steam locomotive in the United StatesA tram in SwitzerlandA light rail in Germany
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A train (from Old French trahiner, from Latin trahere, "to pull, to draw") is a series of connected vehicles that run along a railway track and transport people or freight. Trains are typically pulled or pushed by locomotives (often known simply as "engines"), though some are self-propelled, such as multiple units or railcars. Passengers and cargo are carried in railroad cars, also known as wagons or carriages. Trains are designed to a certain gauge, or distance between rails. Most trains operate on steel tracks with steel wheels, the low friction of which makes them more efficient than other forms of transport. Many countries use rail transport.
Trains have their roots in wagonways, which used railway tracks and were powered by horses or pulled by cables. Following the invention of the steam locomotive in the United Kingdom in 1802, trains rapidly spread around the world, allowing freight and passengers to move over land faster and cheaper than ever possible before. Rapid transit and trams were first built in the late 1800s to transport large numbers of people in and around cities. Beginning in the 1920s, and accelerating following World War II, diesel and electric locomotives replaced steam as the means of motive power. Following the development of cars, trucks, and extensive networks of highways which offered greater mobility, as well as faster airplanes, trains declined in importance and market share, and many rail lines were abandoned. The spread of buses led to the closure of many rapid transit and tram systems during this time as well.
Since the 1970s, governments, environmentalists, and train advocates have promoted increased use of trains due to their greater fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to other modes of land transport. High-speed rail, first built in the 1960s, has proven competitive with cars and planes over short to medium distances. Commuter rail has grown in importance since the 1970s as an alternative to congested highways and a means to promote development, as has light rail in the 21st century. Freight trains remain important for the transport of bulk commodities such as coal and grain, as well as being a means of reducing road traffic congestion by freight trucks.
While conventional trains operate on relatively flat tracks with two rails, a number of specialized trains exist which are significantly different in their mode of operation. Monorails operate on a single rail, while funiculars and rack railways are uniquely designed to traverse steep slopes. Experimental trains such as high speed maglevs, which use magnetic levitation to float above a guideway, are under development in the 2020s and offer higher speeds than even the fastest conventional trains. Trains which use alternative fuels such as natural gas and hydrogen are another 21st-century development.
Types and terminology
Trains can be sorted into types based on whether they haul passengers or freight (though mixed trains which haul both exist), by their weight (heavy rail for regular trains, light rail for lighter transit systems), by their speed, by their distance (short haul, long distance, transcontinental), and by what form of track they use. Conventional trains operate on two rails, but several other types of track systems are also in use around the world, such as monorail.
Terminology
The railway terminology that is used to describe a train varies between countries. The International Union of Railways seeks to provide standardised terminology across languages. The Association of American Railroads provides terminology for North America.
The British Rail Safety and Standards Board defines a train as a "light locomotive, self-propelled rail vehicle or road-rail vehicle in rail mode." A collection of passenger or freight carriages connected together (not necessarily with a locomotive) is referred to as a rake. A collection of rail vehicles may also be called a consist. A set of vehicles that are coupled together (such as the Pioneer Zephyr) is called a trainset. The term rolling stock is used to describe any kind of railway vehicle.
History
Main article: History of rail transportEarly history
Trains are an evolution of wheeled wagons running on stone wagonways, the earliest of which were built by Babylon circa 2,200 BCE. Starting in the 1500s, wagonways were introduced to haul material from mines; from the 1790s, stronger iron rails were introduced. Following early developments in the second half of the 1700s, in 1804 a steam locomotive built by British inventor Richard Trevithick powered the first ever steam train. Outside of coal mines, where fuel was readily available, steam locomotives remained untried until the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. British engineer George Stephenson ran a steam locomotive named Locomotion No. 1 on this 40-kilometer (25-mile) long line, hauling over 400 passengers at up to 13 kilometers per hour (8 mph). The success of this locomotive, and Stephenson's Rocket in 1829, convinced many of the value in steam locomotives, and within a decade the stock market bubble known as "Railway Mania" started across the United Kingdom.
News of the success of steam locomotives quickly reached the United States, where the first steam railroad opened in 1829. American railroad pioneers soon started manufacturing their own locomotives, designed to handle the sharper curves and rougher track typical of the country's railroads. The other nations of Europe also took note of British railroad developments, and most countries on the continent constructed and opened their first railroads in the 1830s and 1840s, following the first run of a steam train in France in late 1829. In the 1850s, trains continued to expand across Europe, with many influenced by or purchases of American locomotive designs. Other European countries pursued their own distinct designs. Around the world, steam locomotives grew larger and more powerful throughout the rest of the century as technology advanced.
Trains first entered service in South America, Africa, and Asia through construction by imperial powers, which starting in the 1840s built railroads to solidify control of their colonies and transport cargo for export. In Japan, which was never colonized, railroads first arrived in the early 1870s. By 1900, railroads were operating on every continent besides uninhabited Antarctica.
New technologies
Even as steam locomotive technology continued to improve, inventors in Germany started work on alternative methods for powering trains. Werner von Siemens built the first train powered by electricity in 1879, and went on to pioneer electric trams. Another German inventor, Rudolf Diesel, constructed the first diesel engine in the 1890s, though the potential of his invention to power trains was not realized until decades later. Between 1897 and 1903, tests of experimental electric locomotives on the Royal Prussian Military Railway in Germany demonstrated they were viable, setting speed records in excess of 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph).
Early gas powered "doodlebug" self-propelled railcars entered service on railroads in the first decade of the 1900s. Experimentation with diesel and gas power continued, culminating in the German "Flying Hamburger" in 1933, and the influential American EMD FT in 1939. These successful diesel locomotives showed that diesel power was superior to steam, due to lower costs, ease of maintenance, and better reliability. Meanwhile, Italy developed an extensive network of electric trains during the first decades of the 20th century, driven by that country's lack of significant coal reserves.
Dieselization and increased competition
World War II brought great destruction to existing railroads across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Following the war's conclusion in 1945, nations which had suffered extensive damage to their railroad networks took the opportunity provided by Marshall Plan funds (or economic assistance from the USSR and Comecon, for nations behind the Iron Curtain) and advances in technology to convert their trains to diesel or electric power. France, Russia, Switzerland, and Japan were leaders in adopting widespread electrified railroads, while other nations focused primarily on dieselization. By 1980, the majority of the world's steam locomotives had been retired, though they continued to be used in parts of Africa and Asia, along with a few holdouts in Europe and South America. China was the last country to fully dieselize, due to its abundant coal reserves; steam locomotives were used to haul mainline trains as late as 2005 in Inner Mongolia.
Trains began to face strong competition from automobiles and freight trucks in the 1930s, which greatly intensified following World War II. After the war, air transport also became a significant competitor for passenger trains. Large amounts of traffic shifted to these new forms of transportation, resulting in a widespread decline in train service, both freight and passenger. A new development in the 1960s was high-speed rail, which runs on dedicated rights of way and travels at speeds of 240 kilometers per hour (150 mph) or greater. The first high-speed rail service was the Japanese Shinkansen, which entered service in 1964. In the following decades, high speed rail networks were developed across much of Europe and Eastern Asia, providing fast and reliable service competitive with automobiles and airplanes. The first high-speed train in the Americas was Amtrak's Acela in the United States, which entered service in 2000.
To the present day
Towards the end of the 20th century, increased awareness of the benefits of trains for transport led to a revival in their use and importance. Freight trains are significantly more efficient than trucks, while also emitting far fewer greenhouse gas emissions per ton-mile; passenger trains are also far more energy efficient than other modes of transport. According to the International Energy Agency, "On average, rail requires 12 times less energy and emits 7–11 times less GHGs per passenger-km travelled than private vehicles and airplanes, making it the most efficient mode of motorised passenger transport. Aside from shipping, freight rail is the most energy-efficient and least carbon-intensive way to transport goods." As such, rail transport is considered an important part of achieving sustainable energy. Intermodal freight trains, carrying double-stack shipping containers, have since the 1970s generated significant business for railroads and gained market share from trucks. Increased use of commuter rail has also been promoted as a means of fighting traffic congestion on highways in urban areas.
Components
Bogies
Main article: BogieBogies, also known in North America as trucks, support the wheels and axles of trains. Trucks range from just one axle to as many as four or more. Two-axle trucks are in the widest use worldwide, as they are better able to handle curves and support heavy loads than single axle trucks.
Couplers
Main article: Railway couplingTrain vehicles are linked to one another by various systems of coupling. In much of Europe, India, and South America, trains primarily use buffers and chain couplers. In the rest of the world, Janney couplers are the most popular, with a few local variations persisting (such as Wilson couplers in the former Soviet Union). On multiple units all over the world, Scharfenberg couplers are common.
Brakes
Main article: Railway air brakeBecause trains are heavy, powerful brakes are needed to slow or stop trains, and because steel wheels on steel rails have relatively low friction, brakes must be distributed among as many wheels as possible. Early trains could only be stopped by manually applied hand brakes, requiring workers to ride on top of the cars and apply the brakes when the train went downhill. Hand brakes are still used to park cars and locomotives, but the predominant braking system for trains globally is air brakes, invented in 1869 by George Westinghouse. Air brakes are applied at once to the entire train using air hoses.
Warning devices
For safety and communication, trains are equipped with bells, horns, and lights. Steam locomotives typically use steam whistles rather than horns. Other types of lights may be installed on locomotives and cars, such as classification lights, Mars Lights, and ditch lights.
Cabs
Locomotives are in most cases equipped with cabs, also known as driving compartments, where a train driver controls the train's operation. They may also be installed on unpowered train cars known as cab or control cars, to allow for a train to operate with the locomotive at the rear.
Operations
Main article: Rail transport operationsScheduling and dispatching
To prevent collisions or other accidents, trains are often scheduled, and almost always are under the control of train dispatchers. Historically, trains operated based on timetables; most trains (including nearly all passenger trains), continue to operate based on fixed schedules, though freight trains may instead run on an as-needed basis, or when enough freight cars are available to justify running a train.
Maintenance
Simple repairs may be done while a train is parked on the tracks, but more extensive repairs will be done at a motive power depot. Similar facilities exist for repairing damaged or defective train cars. Maintenance of way trains are used to build and repair railroad tracks and other equipment.
Crew
Train drivers, also known as engineers, are responsible for operating trains. Conductors are in charge of trains and their cargo, and help passengers on passenger trains. Brakeman, also known as trainmen, were historically responsible for manually applying brakes, though the term is used today to refer to crew members who perform tasks such as operating switches, coupling and uncoupling train cars, and setting handbrakes on equipment. Steam locomotives require a fireman who is responsible for fueling and regulating the locomotive's fire and boiler. On passenger trains, other crew members assist passengers, such as chefs to prepare food, and service attendants to provide food and drinks to passengers. Other passenger train specific duties include passenger car attendants, who assist passengers with boarding and alighting from trains, answer questions, and keep train cars clean, and sleeping car attendants, who perform similar duties in sleeping cars. Some trains can operate with automatic train operation without a driver directly present.
Gauge
Around the world, various track gauges are in use for trains. In most cases, trains can only operate on tracks that are of the same gauge; where different gauge trains meet, it is known as a break of gauge. Standard gauge, defined as 1,435 mm (4 ft 8.5 in) between the rails, is the most common gauge worldwide, though both broad-gauge and narrow-gauge trains are also in use. Trains also need to fit within the loading gauge profile to avoid fouling bridges and lineside infrastructure with this being a potential limiting factor on loads such as intermodal container types that may be carried.
Safety
Train accidents sometimes occur, including derailments (when a train leaves the tracks) and train wrecks (collisions between trains). Accidents were more common in the early days of trains, when railway signal systems, centralized traffic control, and failsafe systems to prevent collisions were primitive or did not yet exist. To prevent accidents, systems such as automatic train stop are used; these are failsafe systems that apply the brakes on a train if it passes a red signal and enters an occupied block, or if any of the train's equipment malfunctions. More advanced safety systems, such as positive train control, can also automatically regulate train speed, preventing derailments from entering curves or switches too fast.
Modern trains have a very good safety record overall, comparable with air travel. In the United States between 2000 and 2009, train travel averaged 0.43 deaths per billion passenger miles traveled. While this was higher than that of air travel at 0.07 deaths per billion passenger miles, it was also far below the 7.28 deaths per billion passenger miles of car travel. In the 21st century, several derailments of oil trains caused fatalities, most notably the Canadian Lac-Mégantic rail disaster in 2013 which killed 47 people and leveled much of the town of Lac-Mégantic.
The vast majority of train-related fatalities, over 90 percent, are due to trespassing on railroad tracks, or collisions with road vehicles at level crossings. Organizations such as Operation Lifesaver have been formed to improve safety awareness at railroad crossings, and governments have also launched ad campaigns. Trains cannot stop quickly when at speed; even an emergency brake application may still require more than a mile of stopping distance. As such, emphasis is on educating motorists to yield to trains at crossings and avoid trespassing.
Motive power
Main article: LocomotiveBefore steam
The first trains were rope-hauled, gravity powered or pulled by horses.
Steam
Steam locomotives work by burning coal, wood or oil fuel in a boiler to heat water into steam, which powers the locomotive's pistons which are in turn connected to the wheels. In the mid 20th century, most steam locomotives were replaced by diesel or electric locomotives, which were cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable. Steam locomotives are still used in heritage railways operated in many countries for the leisure and enthusiast market.
Diesel
Diesel locomotives are powered with a diesel engine, which generates electricity to drive traction motors. This is known as a diesel–electric transmission, and is used on most larger diesels. Diesel power replaced steam for a variety of reasons: diesel locomotives were less complex, far more reliable, cheaper, cleaner, easier to maintain, and more fuel efficient.
Electric
Electric trains receive their current via overhead lines or through a third rail electric system, which is then used to power traction motors that drive the wheels. Electric traction offers a lower cost per mile of train operation but at a higher initial cost, which can only be justified on high traffic lines. Even though the cost per mile of construction is much higher, electric traction is cheaper to operate thanks to lower maintenance and purchase costs for locomotives and equipment. Compared to diesel locomotives, electric locomotives produce no direct emissions and accelerate much faster, making them better suited to passenger service, especially underground.
Other types
See also: Alternative fuel locomotiveVarious other types of train propulsion have been tried, some more successful than others.
In the mid 1900s, gas turbine locomotives were developed and successfully used, though most were retired due to high fuel costs and poor reliability.
In the 21st century, alternative fuels for locomotives are under development, due to increasing costs for diesel and a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from trains. Examples include hydrail (trains powered by hydrogen fuel cells) and the use of compressed or liquefied natural gas.
Train cars
Main article: Railroad carTrain cars, also known as wagons, are unpowered rail vehicles which are typically pulled by locomotives. Many different types exist, specialized to handle various types of cargo. Some common types include boxcars (also known as covered goods wagons) that carry a wide variety of cargo, flatcars (also known as flat wagons) which have flat tops to hold cargo, hopper cars which carry bulk commodities, and tank cars which carry liquids and gases. Examples of more specialized types of train cars include bottle cars which hold molten steel, Schnabel cars which handle very heavy loads, and refrigerator cars which carry perishable goods.
Early train cars were small and light, much like early locomotives, but over time they have become larger as locomotives have become more powerful.
Passenger trains
Main article: Passenger trainA passenger train is used to transport people along a railroad line. These trains may consist of unpowered passenger railroad cars (also known as coaches or carriages) hauled by one or more locomotives, or may be self-propelled; self propelled passenger trains are known as multiple units or railcars. Passenger trains travel between stations or depots, where passengers may board and disembark. In most cases, passenger trains operate on a fixed schedule and have priority over freight trains. In Europe, passenger trains are assinged to different train categories.
Passenger trains can be divided into short and long distance services.
Long distance trains
Main article: Inter-city railLong distance passenger trains travel over hundreds or even thousands of miles between cities. The longest passenger train service in the world is Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway between Moscow and Vladivostok, a distance of 9,289 kilometers (5,772 mi). In general, long distance trains may take days to complete their journeys, and stop at dozens of stations along their routes. For many rural communities, they are the only form of public transportation available.
Short distance trains
Short distance or regional passenger trains have travel times measured in hours or even minutes, as opposed to days. They run more frequently than long distance trains, and are often used by commuters. Short distance passenger trains specifically designed for commuters are known as commuter rail.
High speed trains
Main article: High-speed railHigh speed trains are designed to be much faster than conventional trains, and typically run on their own separate tracks than other, slower trains. The first high speed train was the Japanese Shinkansen, which opened in 1964. In the 21st century, services such as the French TGV and German Intercity Express are competitive with airplanes in travel time over short to medium distances.
A subset of high speed trains are higher speed trains, which bridge the gap between conventional and high speed trains, and travel at speeds between the two. Examples include the Northeast Regional in the United States, the Gatimaan Express in India, and the KTM ETS in Malaysia.
Luxury trains
Main article: Luxury trainLuxury trains provide permium rail services on their journey, either within a given country or across country borders. Some use refurbished classic rail cars.
Rapid transit trains
A number of types of trains are used to provide rapid transit to urban areas. These are distinct from traditional passenger trains in that they operate more frequently, typically do not share tracks with freight trains, and cover relatively short distances. Many different kinds of systems are in use globally.
Rapid transit trains that operate in tunnels below ground are known as subways, undergrounds, or metros. Elevated railways operate on viaducts or bridges above the ground, often on top of city streets. "Metro" may also refer to rapid transit that operates at ground level. In many systems, two or even all three of these types may exist on different portions of a network.
Trams
Main article: TramTrams, also known in North America as streetcars, typically operate on or parallel to streets in cities, with frequent stops and a high frequency of service.
Light rail
Main article: Light railLight rail is a catchall term for a variety of systems, which may include characteristics of trams, heavier passenger trains, and rapid transit systems.
Specialized trains
There are a number of specialized trains which differ from the traditional definition of a train as a set of vehicles which travels on two rails.
Monorail
Main article: MonorailMonorails were developed to meet medium-demand traffic in urban transit, and consist of a train running on a single rail, typically elevated. Monorails represent a small proportion of the train systems in use worldwide. Almost all monorail trains use linear induction motors
Maglev
Main article: MaglevMaglev technology uses magnets to levitate the train above the track, reducing friction and allowing higher speeds. The first commercial maglev train was an airport shuttle introduced in 1984 at Birmingham Airport in England.
The Shanghai maglev train, opened in 2002, is the fastest commercial train service of any kind, operating at speeds of up to 431 km/h (268 mph). Japan's L0 Series maglev holds the record for the world's fastest train ever, with a top speed of 603.0 kilometers per hour (374.7 mph). Maglev has not yet been used for inter-city mass transit routes, with only a few examples in use worldwide as of 2019.
Mine trains
Main article: Mine railwayMine trains are operated in large mines and carry both workers and goods. They are usually powered by electricity, to prevent emissions which would pose a health risk to workers underground.
Militarized trains
Main articles: Armoured train and Railway gunWhile they have long been important in transporting troops and military equipment, trains have occasionally been used for direct combat. Armored trains have been used in a number of conflicts, as have railroad based artillery systems. Railcar-launched ICBM systems have also been used by nuclear weapon states.
Rack railway
Main article: Rack railwayFor climbing steep slopes, specialized rack railroads are used. In order to avoid slipping, a rack and pinion system is used, with a toothed rail placed between the two regular rails, which meshes with a drive gear under the locomotive.
Funicular
Main article: FunicularFuniculars are also used to climb steep slopes, but instead of a rack use a rope, which is attached to two cars and a pulley. The two funicular cars travel up and down the slope on parallel sets of rails when the pulley is rotated. This design makes funiculars an efficient means of moving people and cargo up and down slopes. The earliest funicular railroad, the Reisszug, opened around 1500.
Rubber-tired train
Main articles: Rubber-tyred metro and Rubber-tyred tramRubber tire trains, or rubber-tired metro systems, employ rubber tires for traction and guidance, offering advantages like better acceleration and reduced noise. However, they come with disadvantages, including higher costs for installation and maintenance, faster tire wear, and complex tire inflation mechanisms that require regular upkeep. Nonetheless, these systems are utilized in many urban rapid transit networks worldwide, enhancing passenger comfort and urban transportation efficiency.
Freight trains
Main articles: Rail freight transport and Freight trainFreight trains are dedicated to the transport of cargo (also known as goods), rather than people, and are made up of freight cars or wagons. Longer freight trains typically operate between classification yards, while local trains provide freight service between yards and individual loading and unloading points along railroad lines. Major origin or destination points for freight may instead be served by unit trains, which exclusively carry one type of cargo and move directly from the origin to the destination and back without any intermediate stops.
Under the right circumstances, transporting freight by train is less expensive than other modes of transport, and also more energy efficient than transporting freight by road. In the United States, railroads on average moved a ton of freight 702 kilometers (436 mi) per gallon of fuel, as of 2008, an efficiency four times greater than that of trucks. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute estimates that train transportation of freight is between 1.9 and 5.5 times more efficient than by truck, and also generates significantly less pollution. Rail freight is most economic when goods are being carried in bulk and over large distances, but it is less suited to short distances and small loads. With the advent of containerization, freight rail has become part of an intermodal freight network linked with trucking and container ships.
The main disadvantage of rail freight is its lack of flexibility and for this reason, rail has lost much of the freight business to road competition. Many governments are trying to encourage more freight back on to trains because of the community benefits that it would bring.
Cultural impact
From the dawn of railroading, trains have had a significant cultural impact worldwide. Fast train travel made possible in days or hours journeys which previously took months. Transport of both freight and passengers became far cheaper, allowing for networked economies over large areas. Towns and cities along railroad lines grew in importance, while those bypassed declined or even became ghost towns. Major cities such as Chicago became prominent because they were places where multiple train lines met. In the United States, the completion of the first transcontinental railroad played a major role in the settling of the western part of the nation by non-indigenous migrants and its incorporation into the rest of the country. The Russian Trans-Siberian Railway had a similar impact by connecting the vast country from east to west, and making travel across frozen Siberia possible.
Trains have long had a major influence on music, art, and literature. Many films heavily involve or are set on trains. Toy train sets are commonly used by children, traditionally boys. Railfans are found around the world, along with hobbyists who create model train layouts. Train enthusiasts generally have a positive relationship with the railroad industry, though sometimes cause issues by trespassing.
See also
- List of railway companies
- Lists of named passenger trains
- Lists of rail accidents
- Overview of train systems by country
- Train ferries
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{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Delamont, Sara (17 October 2021). The Sociology of Women: An Introduction. Routledge. pp. 38–41. ISBN 978-1-000-46408-5.
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Bibliography
- Glancey, Jonathan (2005). The Train. Carlton Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1-84442-345-3.
- Herring, Peter (2000). Ultimate Train. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0-7894-4610-3. OCLC 42810706. OL 8155464M.
External links
- The dictionary definition of train at Wiktionary
- Media related to Trains at Wikimedia Commons
- tips for rail travel travel guide from Wikivoyage