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Table of ContentsHistory of Trains 2000s
Shanghai, China had a big problem moving people between two city airports. The trip was only 20 miles long but would sometimes take 6 hours to make. The city also had a terrible pollution problem. This city turned to a new type of train to help with their problem: Magnetic Levitation Propulsion or maglev.
The train does not use wheels to move! It uses the power of magnets. The train floats above a giant magnet which pushes it along.
This train can travel 431 miles per hour
History of Trains 1900s
After many years of burning coal, cities became very dirty. In 1908 New York passed a law banning steam engines in the city. NY used electricity to power the subway. These new trains were called cable cars. On October 20, 1925 the American Locomotive Company sold the new type of engine. It was the diesel locomotive, it ran on electricity made from diesel. On July 3rd, 1938 the English "Mallard" became the fastest steam engine ever recorded. At 120 miles per hour, the Mallard still holds this record for a steam locomotive.
In 1941 The Union Pacific Railroad Company built 25 of the largest steam locomotives ever made. The Big Boy could pull a train a mile long moving 70 miles an hour on flat ground. The Big Boys were taken out of service in 1962.After World War II, people began to use diesel engines more than steam engines. Diesels were stronger, cleaner, and worked better than steam engines. Steam engines began to disappear from the railroads. By 1960 there were only a few steam engines used.The Japanese build the first "High Speed Train". This train could travel 125 miles an hour. The Japanese called their new train the "Shinkansen". Shinkansen means "new trunk line" in Japanese.
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History of Trains 1800s
Between 1804 and 1808 Richard Trevithick was given credit for making the first locomotive. He called his train the "Catch me Who can" He built a round track and took people on rides. He could travel up to 12 mph.
In 1830 Peter Copper built the first American locomotive. He called it the "Tom Thumb" because it was small and no one thought it moved. It raced a horse drawn carriage. He did not win but he fell in love with the railroads.
The Sleeper car was invented in 1857 by George Pullman. Overtime they became more luxuirous and comfy. In 1865 Abraham Lincoln's body traveled back to Illinois in Pullman's car. Before his death he asked companies to Link the Western and Eastern half of the country.
Richmond, Virginia became the first city to have a horseless cable car. They ran on electricity.
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