"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Engineering
Steam Locomotives
04/08/23
“How was the earliest type of locomotives powered?”
Steam-driven engines are what birthed the industrial revolution. The force of the boiled water can drive pistons to achieve work and move. One of the most iconic examples has been Steam Locomotives. Steam locomotives use wheels powered by steam pistons to move forward vehicles and cargo. Steam locomotive trains are some of the most iconic machines to ever grace the planet.
Locomotives
04/07/23
“What powers trains forward?”
Trains are a marvel of the modern world. These powerful machines push forward at tremendous speeds and have powerful momentum. But how exactly are trains powered? Well, the driving force is an engine that propels the vehicle it inhabits and everything it’s attached to. These locomotives are the beating hearts of trains and are one of their most vital components.
Train Orders
04/06/23
“How do railway officials govern how a train is safely moved?”
Train systems are massive, complex systems. At any given moment there can be thousands of individual locomotives running freights and passengers around the world. But how are these behemoth machines governed? Well, in North America and Australia, commands are commonly carried out through Train Orders. According to Railway Age’s Comprehensive Railroad Dictionary [1], train orders are “order[s] issued by or through a proper railway official to govern the movement of trains”. In other words, train orders are movement commands dictated by railway officials.
Citations
[1] “Train order”. Railway Age’s Comprehensive Railroad Dictionary. Simmons-Boardman Books. 2002. p. 256. ISBN 0-911382-27-5.
Post Mounted Railway Signals
04/05/23
“How are railway signals mounted to a post classified?”
Railway signals are used to direct trains to upcoming changes. For single-track systems, these signals are typically mounted on a post. This is so the engine driver can see it from a distance at high speeds. These Post Mounted Railway Signals are one of the most ubiquitous types of railway information systems around the world.
Railway Color Signals
04/04/23
“How can railways communicate signals through colored lights?”
Railways often have to send signals to their trains to perform specific actions. One such example includes Railway Color Signals. Railway color signals use giant signs with emitted lights to convey a specific meaning. Colored signals can be used to make train stop signals to conductors.
Image credit upload.wikimedia.org
Train Stop Signals
04/03/23
“What are train stop signals and why are they so important?”
Trains travel thousands of kilometers to complete their transportation goals. But they may need to stop along the way, whether it be to let passengers off or another train pass. To accomplish this, Train Stop Signals command the train to slow to a halt. Train stop signals can be a lifesaver in collision prevention. If they don’t work, then drastic consequences may happen.
Why Exploitation-Based Economies are Worse at Climate Mitigation
04/02/23
“Why are exploitation-based economies worse at climate mitigation?”
Climate change mitigation requires economies to stop relying on exploitation activities such as oil extraction and mining. Economies that continue to depend on such avenues are almost guaranteed to fail to transition to a greener future. This is Why Exploitation-Based Economies are Worse at Climate Mitigation.
Why Train Stop Signal Overruns Are Dangerous
04/01/23
“Why are train stop signal overruns dangerous?”
Train stop signals are meant to tell trains to slow down when it would be dangerous not to do so. This is because there could be people or other trains crossing at an intersection or it might be approaching a steep gradient. When a stop signal overrun occurs, this can lead to great damage and even death, as seen in the 2023 Greek Train Crash. This is Why Train Stop Signal Overruns Are Dangerous.
Train Stop Signal Overruns
03/27/23
“What happens when trains overrun stop signals?”
Trains are expected to stop at stop signals. But when they don’t, it can cause great damage and can even lead to lives lost. Called Train Stop Signal Overruns in U.S. terminology, train companies will often put great efforts into preventing such occurrences.
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