Ever since the first railway train hit the railroads in 1804, it has been pushing its limits. Trains have become a symbol of progress as they connect cities and nations and help in transporting goods & people over long distances.
A freight train from BHP Iron Ore in Australia holds the record for the world’s longest train. It was 7.3 km long, contained about 682 iron ore cars, and weighed equal to 550 blue whales. Fascinating, isn’t it? It covered a total distance of 275 km by using power distribution placed between ore-carrying cars for stability and coordination.
If you think only a freight train can hold such records, wait for this impressive passenger train by Rhaetian Railway, Switzerland, which is 1.9 km long and contains 100 coaches. Some of the technical challenges that long trains face are maintaining traction, avoiding derailment, and making sure all parts are in sync with each other.
Another issue is the environmental concern, as km-sized trains consume a lot of energy to operate. But, with advancing engines, powerful braking, and modernizing railway networks, it is possible to build longer & heavier trains with higher efficiency. If you are intrigued by the trains & their journey, the infographic below provides a summarized view.
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