7 Most Amazing Railway Tracks

Summary

The video discusses unique and fascinating railway tracks around the world, highlighting places where trains navigate challenging terrains such as mountains and rivers. It covers examples from Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA, including the world's slowest train in the Swiss Alps, a train route that crosses an airport runway in New Zealand, and a railway system in Japan where trains run below the tracks. The script also touches on historical aspects, such as the 'Death Railway' in Thailand, built during World War II under harsh conditions, making it one of the most dangerous tracks.

Takeaways

• 🚆 Railway crossings usually make cars wait, but in New Zealand, there’s one where ships have to wait instead.
• ⚙️ The railway system was invented around 200 years ago due to the lack of other transportation options at the time.
• 🏔️ Switzerland's steepest railway track climbs 1,600 meters in just 0.6 kilometers, aided by special wheel designs to prevent slipping.
• 🛬 In New Zealand, there's an airport with a runway crossed by a railway line, requiring coordination between air and railway traffic.
• 🚉 The Glacier Express in Switzerland is one of the slowest trains in the world, taking 8 hours to travel 291 kilometers through mountains and tunnels.
• 🚞 Switzerland's spiral railway tracks were designed to gradually increase height, allowing trains to climb steep inclines more easily.
• 🌀 Japan's Sonal Monorail, launched in 1972, operates with trains running below the track, connecting two areas over a short distance.
• ☠️ The Death Railway in Thailand was built during World War II using over 100,000 war prisoners, with more than 50% dying during its construction.
• 🌲 Ohio, USA, has one of the most dangerous railway tracks due to unstable, soft ground, causing parts of the track to sink regularly.
• 🛤️ Many railway tracks pass through challenging terrains like mountains and rivers, requiring innovative engineering solutions.

Q & A

What is unique about the railway crossing in New Zealand mentioned in the script?

In New Zealand, there is a railway crossing where cars have to wait for ships to pass instead of trains, making it quite unique compared to typical railway crossings.

How does Switzerland's fastest railway track overcome the challenge of steep ascents?

Switzerland's fastest railway track uses specially designed railcars with cogwheels that prevent slipping while ascending steep heights, allowing trains to cover 1600 meters of elevation in just 0.6 kilometers.

What makes New Zealand's airport in Gas Don't unique?

The airport in Gas Don't, New Zealand, is unique because a railway line crosses its runway. The airport’s control tower coordinates not only with pilots but also with railway operators to ensure safety during landings and takeoffs.

Why is the Glacier Express in Switzerland known as the slowest train in the world?

The Glacier Express is known as the slowest train in the world because it travels through mountainous regions, including snow-covered peaks, at a very slow speed, taking 8 hours to complete a journey that spans 291 kilometers.

What is the purpose of Switzerland's 'Spiral Viaduct'?

Switzerland’s Spiral Viaduct, launched in 1903, was designed to help trains ascend heights gradually by spiraling upwards, allowing them to overcome steep slopes that regular trains couldn’t handle.

How does Japan’s Sonal Monorail network differ from traditional train systems?

Japan’s Sonal Monorail network is unique because the trains travel underneath the tracks, unlike traditional train systems where trains run on top of the rails.

Why is the Burma Railway referred to as the 'Death Railway'?

The Burma Railway is called the 'Death Railway' because over 100,000 prisoners of war were forced to work under harsh conditions to build it during World War II, with more than 50% of them dying due to mistreatment.

What is the danger associated with the railway track between Napoleon and Defiance in Ohio, USA?

The railway track between Napoleon and Defiance is considered dangerous due to its steep and uneven terrain. The soft ground often causes the track to sink, making it hazardous for trains to navigate.

Why hasn’t the dangerous section of the railway track in Ohio been permanently repaired?

Despite numerous repair attempts, the dangerous section of the Ohio railway track has not been permanently fixed because the ground beneath it is too soft, causing the track to frequently sink.

What is significant about Switzerland’s Furka Tunnel?

Switzerland’s Furka Tunnel is notable for being 16 kilometers long and part of the Glacier Express journey, offering a breathtaking passage through the Alps at high altitudes.