Information
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Definition: A train is a means of rail transportation consisting of one or more interconnected cars that are either carried by a locomotive or are driven by built-in power units.
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History: The first steam trains were invented in the first half of the 19th century. One of the pioneers was George Stephenson, who constructed the famous "Rocket" locomotive in 1829.
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Drive types: There are different types of drives for trains, such as steam, electric and diesel.
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High-speed trains: Modern trains, such as Japan's Shinkansen and France's TGV, can reach speeds of more than 300 km/h.
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Urban Rail: In addition to long-distance trains, there are also rail systems designed for urban transportation, such as streetcars, subways and commuter rail.
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Infrastructure: Trains run on railroad tracks. Extensive infrastructure such as stations, platforms, level crossings and bridges are required for their proper operation.
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Applications: Trains are used to transport both passengers and goods. Freight railroads are crucial to industry and trade in many regions of the world.
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Safety: Rail is one of the safest modes of transportation in terms of accident and casualty figures compared to other forms of transportation.
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Ecology: Trains are considered one of the greener modes of transportation, especially when they are powered by electricity from renewable sources.
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Technological development: Over the years, railroad technology has developed significantly. Today we have magnetic trains (maglev), which float above the tracks thanks to magnets and can reach extremely high speeds.
ModelsScales: There are many scales in which model trains are produced. The most popular are HO (1:87), N (1:160), O (1:48 in the US, 1:43.5 in Europe), and Z (1:220). Each scale has its own unique features and advantages.
Trivia
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Fastest train: Shanghai's Maglev train reaches speeds of 431km/h, using magnetic technology to float above the tracks, eliminating friction.
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Longest rail journey: The Trans-Siberian Railway Main Line, which connects Moscow to Vladivostok, is 9,288 kilometers long and is the longest railroad line in the world.
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The deepest metro station: The "Arsenalna" station in Kiev, Ukraine, is the deepest metro station in the world, located at a depth of 105 meters.
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Train in the Himalayas: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India, also known as the "Toy Train," is one of the few steam trains still operating in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,200 meters.
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Train across the Sahara: The Mauritanian Iron Railway carries about 22,000 tons of iron ore across the Sahara on each trip. It is one of the longest and heaviest compositions in the world.
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Tracks under water: The English Channel Tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, connects Britain with France. The undersea section is 37.9 kilometers long.
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Trains in Japan: Japan's Shinkansen trains are famous for their punctuality. The average delay per year is only a few tens of seconds.
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Railroad in the desert: Chile has a saltpeter railroad, which was used to transport saltpeter. Despite harsh climatic conditions, this railroad operated continuously for many years.
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Bamboo railroad: In Cambodia, on the route between Battambang and Phnom Penh, you can meet the so-called "bamboo train," which consists of a flat platform made of bamboo powered by a motor.
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Railroad museums: There are many museums around the world dedicated to railroad history, where you can see both historic locomotives and modern trains.