33 Train Facts: Learn Something New About Trains

Before trains were invented, carriages were drawn by horses or by cables, but the arrival of trains made everything effortless.

This invention allowed numerous wagons to be drawn at once, carrying passengers or cargo. This was one of the significant inventions of the Industrial Revolution, that changed the course of history.

The first trains were steam trains, which were very different from the trains that we use today. Trains operate on railroad tracks that are spread over an extensive region. There are different types of trains available today, depending on the time and route.

The United States may be advanced in various spheres, but when it comes to trains, European and Asian countries are ahead. Plus, the railway system in the US was almost eradicated due to the Great Depression.

Trains are more efficient and have fewer greenhouse gas emissions than most other modes of transport. They are often very affordable, which makes them a convenient mode of transport, that many people can use for long-distance or short-distance journeys.

Keep reading to learn more interesting train facts, including the history of the train, who designed the first steam train, and the speed of the fastest train!

History

Transportation is a crucial element of human civilization and trains have a major role to play. Trains are a relatively old concept, but the trains that we see today have improved largely from original train designs. Trains are considered one of the most important inventions of mankind, that have changed the world. Here are some historical facts about trains: 

Railways existed even before the invention of steam engines. During the mid-16th century, railways were used in several mines in Europe, to carry heavy wagonloads of mineral ore and coal through tunnels.

Steam locomotives were primarily used to pull cargo, however, the last passenger boggy was used to carry passengers. The most successful steam locomotive was called Rocket which won at The Rainhill Trails in 1829.

The first underground railway was inaugurated in London in 1863 and was called the Metropolitan. However, electric trains later took over and in 1900, the Paris metro was established, followed by the New York Subway, which was inaugurated in 1905.

In 1842, Thomas Cook, arranged a train excursion for a temperance conference in London, for 540 parishioners. This trip was a massive hit and he decided to expand the operation further within the UK.

The quickest and longest troop movement of the 19th century, was when 20,000 troops were sent by Abraham Lincoln, some 1200 mi to Georgia from Washington DC, to strengthen union forces.
 

Types And Terminology

There are different types of trains in the world and the type depends on whether it is a cargo or a passenger train. Nonetheless, there are trains that are a mix of both freight and passenger.

The terminology of a train varies according to the country, but there are two main systems of terminology, one of which is being followed internationally. More train facts about type and terminology are stated below.

There are different types of trains, including passenger, long-distance, inter-city, high-speed rails, commuter, regional, monorail, rapid-transit, maglev, and railcar.

The first monorail was invented in 1820, in Russia.

A high-speed train has as much as 124 mi (200 km) of cable, which is the same as the Airbus A380.

Only if a train goes 155 mph (249 kph), is it considered a highspeed train.

In 1863, the first train dining cart was used in the United States.

The steam locomotive that can be seen featured in the 'Harry Potter' films was created on April 30, 1937.

Trains in many countries that were previously part of the British Empire use the left track, as the British put these railroad tracks in place.
 

Components

A train is a complex body that is composed of several elements. A lot of mechanism and component goes into the making of trains. Some of the primary components of a train are its bogies, brakes, couplers, cabs, and warning devices. Here are some interesting facts about the components and construction of trains: 

The approximate lifespan of a train is almost 40 years. 

Train wheels are connected on both sides, with the help of a metal rod called an axle. 

The standard width of railroad tracks is 4.7 ft (1.4 m), however, this can vary from one country to another.

George Westinghouse invented the air brakes in 1869.

Chain couplers and buffers are mostly used in South America, Europe, and India, while a knuckle coupler is used in the rest of the world. 

Operations And Safety

Human beings largely rely on transportation, but the safety of the mode of transport is essential too. Casualties caused by trains might occur sometimes due to errors. Thus, to prevent accidents, technologies are being innovated and improved and train operations require safety measures to be in place. Below are some train facts based on operations and safety. 

The only potential difficulty of a train while crossing borders is its width. 

In Japan, the train corporation can legally sue the family of a person who purposefully steps in front of a moving train. 

In steam trains, there were chances of explosion if the water in the boiler of the engine dropped too low. 

For the safety of the train, there are lights, horns, and bells. However, in a steam engine, there are steam whistles instead of horns. 

90% of train-related fatality occurs either due to trespassing on the train tracks or a clash at the level crossing. 

Did You Know

You may know plenty about trains, their mechanism, and safety issues, but did you know these amazing train facts?

After World War I, steam trains ceased to be in use.

There are more than 125,000 mi (201168 km) of railroad tracks in the United States while China has more than 99,000 mi (159325 km) and Russia has more than 89000 mi (143232 km) of railroad tracks, recorded in 2017.

The safest and only place to cross a railroad track is at a specified railroad crossing.

The first train that was operated in the United States was not manufactured in the United States.

The space between the rail and train wheels is very narrow and is slightly larger than one silver dollar. 

Salamanca was the first commercial steam-powered locomotive and was made in 1812, by English steam engine manufacturer, Matthew Murray. 

The engineer who was responsible for designing the Kamikaze during World War II, also designed the body of the Bullet Train in Japan.

In 1886, three people were fatality injured because of a publicity stunt conducted by a train company in Texas. 

In Europe, high-powered electric trains were formulated.

Australia has the longest span of completely straight railway track, which is 297 mi (478 km) long.

During the American Civil War, the use of trains helped the North win the war.

FAQs

Who invented trains?

There is no exact answer for the inventor of the train, as the roots of this mode of transport can be traced back a long way. There were early wagons, then the steam engine was invented by Thomas Savery, and later, another self-stimulated steam engine was invented by James Watt.

Over the years the design and mechanism of trains have evolved.

What are trains made of?

The primary metals that go into the making of trains are aluminum, steel, plastic, and zinc. 

How fast did trains go in 1900?

The trains that we see today have unmatched speed, however, trains in 1900, had a top speed of 40-65 mph (64-105 kph).

What was the first train ever built?

The first steam locomotion was made by George Stephenson in 1825. 

What fuel do trains use?

Initially, trains were powered by steam, that was produced by combusting coal. Later, diesel was utilized particularly in freight trains. However, electricity is now used in electric locomotives. 

How fast do trains go?

The speed of the train depends on the type of train. The Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, that was inaugurated in 1964, had the capability of operating at a speed that would exceed 130 mph (209 kph).

The speed of bullet trains has since only improved and the top speed that has been recorded is 361 mph (581 kph). However, it is not only the fast train now, as the French TGV has also recorded top speeds of 357.2 mph (575 kph).

How many trains are in the world?

The accurate number of trains might vary, as new trains are being made. However, there are more than 350,000 trains in the world. 

How many types of trains are there?

There are more than 17 types of trains. 

What is the first car of a train called?

The first car of a train is either called a locomotive engine or railway engine. 

Where did trains come from?

The concept of the train is taken from the wagonways that were drawn by horses.