Why Switzerland built a 2-kilometer-long train

[ftldave]

This CNN story goes into more depth about the route history, planning, and operations of the history-making Oct. 29, 2022 100-coach Albula Line memorial excursion, the world's longest-ever passenger train.

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/w...and/index.html



Why Switzerland built a 2-kilometer-long train

(CNN) — High in the Swiss Alps, St Moritz made its name as a place for pushing the boundaries of winter sport. By the time it hosted the second Winter Olympics Games in 1928 its reputation as a playground for wealthy adventurers was already well established.

On Saturday, the region continued its long tradition of expanding the limits of what is possible with an epic world record attempt -- not on snow or ice, but on rails.

To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Switzerland's first railway, the country's rail industry came together to run the world's longest-ever passenger train -- 100 cars, 2,990 tonnes and almost two kilometres long.

[eolesen]

I'm wondering if the Ringling Brothers train ever exceeded that length. Entirely possible.

[Vince]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFgdSBn7uXM

Location is LIRR Forest Hills Station view West at the approaching RB Circus train.
I never thought of counting the wagons.

regards

[CSRX]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFgdSBn7uXM

Location is LIRR Forest Hills Station view West at the approaching RB Circus train.
I never thought of counting the wagons.

regards

Hmm.
four MP15/SW1500 units at roughly 52 feet a piece. = 208'
thirty-six coach/baggage cars at roughly 85 feet a piece. = 3060'
five pack spine set at roughly 300 foot in length. = 300'
nineteen flats at 89' in length. = 1691'

5259' total, 5416 with the 3 percent stretch, 1.65 kilometers. That's close. Looks like Switzerland may hold this record for awhile, because I personally don't recall a passenger train anywhere being 2 kilometers, 6561.67' or 1.24 miles.

Which is interesting, as most freight trains in the United States and Canada reach up to 3 miles in length, I think BNSF hauls close to 15000 foot trains a lot.