5 Fascinating Facts You Should Know About Railroads
The railroad is the backbone of the industry and economy in various countries. Therefore, people are always eager to know about its working system, railroad dispatchers, drivers, railway tracks, and other such things associated with trains.
Do you know how wide railroad tracks are? How are railway tracks installed? These are some common questions that arise in the minds of people. But, most of the time, we don't find an accurate answer to such interesting questions.
But, you don't need to worry. In this column, we will share some
important facts about railroads that will answer almost all your questions
about railways. So, let's quickly get started.
- Railway was
started almost 200 years ago. The journey from steam-powered engines to superfast trains has been interesting. Technological advancement has played an essential role in the process. Today major railroad operations are dependent on technology.
- If you think
installing railroad tracks is an easy process, you will be surprised to know it's a lengthy process that starts with the installation of the drainage system. Track installation and construction are done in various stages by railway contractor companies. The first step is to install the drainage system because it prevents waterlogging in the track.
- The gauge
can be explained as the width between two rails. According to the US
federal safety standards, the rail gauge should be 1420mm to 1460mm. This is for rail operations up to 97km/h.
- If you have
also heard that a coin can derail the train, we will debunk this myth. The coin is few grams in mass, and the train weighs thousands of pounds. So, a
coin is very light, and it cannot affect the train's momentum or automatic direction change. So, now the question arises why it is illegal to put a
coin on the track. It is because this is the case of trespassing and destroying the coin (federal property). Both are illegal acts.
- Smooth and safe movement of trains is a challenging task. One of the common risks with the railroad is hazardous spills while loading and unloading liquids. Spill prevention is important for railroad safety.
Wrap up:
You must have learned few amazing things about the railroad from this column. With time technology has simplified the working of railways. It has made railroad operations smoother and efficient.
Railroads are one of the most popular modes of transportation.
It is constantly evolving with time since the 19th century. There are various
people behind successful railroad operations like railway service contractors, dispatchers, locomotive engineers, and many more. From the
installation of railway tracks to successful railroad operations, everything
about the railway is fascinating.
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