A study of the mechanical and electrical components of trains, such as engines, brakes, lighting and signaling systems.
Locomotive design: Learn about the different types of locomotives, their parts, and how they work.
Track laying and design: Learn about rail types, track configurations, and construction techniques for different types of terrain.
Train signaling and control: Learn about the various signals and systems that are in place to regulate train movement, including GPS-based positioning systems.
Train braking systems: Learn about the brakes that are used on trains and how they work, including air and dynamic braking.
Train safety systems: Learn about safety features on trains such as emergency stops, train monitoring systems, and safety interlocks.
Train maintenance: Learn about the different maintenance requirements that trains have, including preventative maintenance and major repairs.
Train logistics: Learn about the scheduling and routing of trains, and the logistics behind moving goods and passengers across a network.
Train energy systems: Learn about the various energy sources that trains use, including diesel, electric, and hybrid systems.
Train aerodynamics: Learn about how the shape of a train affects its performance, including issues related to air resistance and drag.
Train integration with other technologies: Learn about other technologies that are used in conjunction with trains, such as drones for rail inspection and machine learning for predictive maintenance.
Steam locomotives: These were the earliest types of trains, powered by steam engines.
Diesel-electric locomotives: These locomotives are powered by a diesel engine that drives an electric generator which powers the electric motors that turn the wheels.
Electric locomotives: These locomotives are powered directly by electricity, usually from overhead lines or third rails.
Maglev trains: These trains use magnetic levitation to lift the train off the tracks, reducing friction and allowing for faster speeds.
High-speed trains: These trains are designed to travel at very high speeds, often above 200 km/h, and are used for intercity or international travel.
Bullet trains: A type of high-speed train, bullet trains are specifically designed for high-speed operation on dedicated tracks, primarily in Japan.
Hyperloop trains: These trains use a vacuum-sealed tube to reduce air resistance and can travel at speeds of up to 1,200 km/h.
Light rail transit: These trains operate on street-level tracks and are designed for relatively short distances, often within a city.
Commuter trains: These are regional trains that provide service to suburbs and other outlying areas, often connecting them to a larger city center.
Freight trains: These trains are designed for transporting goods and are used by businesses to move their products across the country.