Rail Today
Following the introduction of rail transport in the early 19th century, rail ruled supreme as the fastest and most efficient means of land transport.
By the 1950s, rail's supremacy was challenged by the aeroplane and the motor vehicle. Governments and industry invested more and more in roads and air transport rather than rail.
In many countries rail services were reduced during the second half of the 20th century. But rail is experiencing a revival. Governments and industry recognise that rail has a future.
The development of high-speed trains has demonstrated that rail can compete with air travel on long distance routes. In many countries, new routes are being developed and existing services upgraded. Worldwide usage of rail passenger transport is increasing after decades of decline.
Learn about the Dreams and Visions of early railways, the Rockhampton Tilt Train, Electric Trains and Monorails - all in Rail Today.
Dreams and Visions
The potential of rail has always excited dreamers and visionaries even before the first viable rail systems were developed. In 1800 an American writer Oliver Evans predicted:
The time will come when people will travel in stages moved by steam engines from one city to another, almost as fast as birds can fly, 15 or 20 miles an hour.
In less than thirty years his prediction had become reality.
Engineers and entrepreneurs dreamed of extensive networks reaching to all corners of countries and continents. Numerous, seemingly impossible schemes were promoted.
Many dreams were realised, such as the transcontinental railway in the United States completed in 1869. Another highly ambitious project, was the 6000 km Trans Siberian railway from Moscow to Vladivostok, completed in 1904. Beginning in the 19th century, various schemes were proposed for linking Britain and France by rail. This dream was finally realised in 1994 when the Channel Tunnel was opened enabling trains to run from London to Paris and Brussels.
But some dreams remain unfulfilled.
Rockhampton Tilt Train
Rail travel in Queensland sped into the future when the Rockhampton Tilt Train entered service in 1998. This electric powered train can travel at up to 160 kph.
In 1989, the journey from Brisbane to Rockhampton took up to 14 hours. Now, on the tilt train, the journey takes less than seven hours. This has been achieved by major improvements to the track, and most importantly the introduction of tilt technology.
The train seats 30 business class and 260 economy class passengers.
Passengers enjoy new comforts including a state-of-the-art video and multi-channel audio system. Passengers can watch video programs or a view of the track from a camera mounted in the driver's cabin. Video monitors also show the train's progress using a global positioning system.
Electric Trains
Using electricity to power trains has several distinct advantages over steam or diesel. Electric trains are quieter, faster, easier to operate and more environmentally friendly.
The first practical electric train was developed by the German engineer Werner von Siemens in 1879. He designed and built a train that could carry 30 passengers on a short journey at a modest 6.5 kph. During the 1880s and 1890s, significant advances were made in the development of electric trains, particularly in Germany and the USA.
In Queensland, electric trams were introduced to Brisbane in 1897. Two years later, the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company purchased three electric locomotives to haul ore on its extensive narrow gauge network.
Electrification was not seriously considered by Queensland Railways until the late 1940s. The idea was abandoned in favour of diesel electric locomotives. The plan to electrify part of the state's rail network was revived in the early 1970s. Since 1974, electrification has been completed of the Brisbane suburban network, most central Queensland lines and the main north coast line from Brisbane to Rockhampton.
Monorail
Every day millions of passengers throughout the world travel on monorails. Monorails are used as part of major urban transit systems and transport people around theme parks such as Disney World in Florida.
What is a monorail system?
It is often assumed that an elevated rail or people mover is a monorail, but this is not so. A monorail is a rail system with a single rail. In most cases, the rail is above the train, but monorails can also have the track below the train. Monorail vehicles are always wider than the rail which supports them.
Monorails are not a new idea. The first monorail was the Cheshunt Railway in England, built in 1825. It was powered by a horse. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, various monorails were built, but the concept was not widely adopted.
Later in the 20th century, monorail systems have become an alternative to conventional rail systems for transporting passengers in densely populated areas.
The first monorail in Australia operated for six months at World Expo '88 in Brisbane. The same year a monorail was opened in Sydney to transport people from the central business district to Darling Harbour. It carries more than 30,000 passengers per day.
