Train

From ArticleWorld


Train generally refers to one or several vehicles that can only travel on a railway and are used to transport cargo or passengers, with the use of a predefined route. In order to move, a train move needs a locomotive or self-propelled motor. Any vehicle needs power to move. In this case it is provided by electricity or diesel. In the past, a train was moved with the use of a steam locomotive. Nowadays such a device can only be found in museums or in private displays.

Other meanings of the word train

The term “train” can have several other meanings, based on where it is used. Here are some of them:

  • The vehicle that transports passengers is called a train.
  • A transport caravan can also be a “wagon train”.
  • A trackless train, used mainly on amusement rides is a vehicle that looks like a train but is on wheels and can transport people on the road
  • In Australia one may find the “road train”
  • A “gown train” that refers to a part of it which trails behind

History

In the beginning trains were pulled by horses. As technology was starting to develop at a higher rate, in the early 19th century, the steam locomotive appeared. After strong debates and political struggles the trains evolved even more. Physics and aerodynamics were put in the design and in 1920 the diesel locomotive appeared. The next step brought the industry towards electrical locomotives and it is still evolving. The only country where Diesel Locomotives are still used on a daily basis is China, because coal is very cheap there. A slow process of replacement is taking place as you read these lines even in the republic.

The advantages of using electricity to make the engine run are numerous. The most important one refers to the money involved. A diesel train will load a higher cost per km. than an electrical one. On the other hand, building a railway for electrical purposes costs a lot more. This is because there is the need of raising electrical cable supports or adding another rail line for getting energy to the locomotive. As time passes the costs are covered by the profit.