Steam Trains
Steam Trains
Railways, in the form of wheeled vehicles pulled by men and animals, existed already in ancient times. But it was first with steam-powered locomotives that the railways started to change the world.
A lot of people were involved in the development of the steam-powered locomotives. But George Stephenson was the man behind two of the early success stories, the Stockton - Darlington line and the Liverpool - Manchester Railway. Stephenson created a number of locomotives but the most well known is the Rocket, the winner of the Rainhill trial. Thanks to the financial success of the Liverpool - Manchester Railway, the development of steam powered locomotives started around the world.
The Kingston Flyer, well preserved steam train in New Zealand.
Steam ruled the railways for many years but towards the end of the 19th century, two other types of locomotives started to appear. The early diesel locomotives were too heavy and not powerful enough to be useful. But after a number of technical breakthroughs diesel trains started to become popular, they were easier to manufacture and cheaper to operate than steam engines. Additionally, diesel locomotives are quieter than steam locomotives and can quickly be both stopped and started. By the mid 20th century, the diesel locomotive was the dominant locomotive in the railway world.
One of the advantages of electric locomotives is the lack of pollution. Something that is very important for underground trains. The cost of electrification of the infrastructure means that the initial costs for electric trains are high but apart from that the advantages are huge. Electric trains are cleaner and quieter than diesel trains and offer higher performance and lower maintenance costs. They can also accelerate faster than diesel trains, making them ideal for commuter services with frequent stops. Also, all high-speed trains are electrical trains, for example Shinkansen and TGV.
As technology steam trains are clearly obsolete. But steam trains have a charm that neither diesel trains nor electric trains can match, no matter how sophisticated they are technically. And this is why steam trains are still run all over the world. Unfortunately many of the steam train rides are special occasions happening only once or twice a year.
In Brienz, close to Interlaken in Switzerland, you can take a steam train up to the Rothorn mountain, adding some beautiful views to the charming steam train ride. Here is a review of the steam train between Brienz and Rothorn
The most well known steam train service in Australia is Puffing Billy in the Dandenong Mountains, just outside Melbourne. It runs daily, although on total fire ban days, the steam locomotive is replaced by a diesel locomotive. Fortunately, the number of total fire ban days is limited in Melbourne. You can read more about Puffing Billy here
The Kingston Flyer was a well preserved steam train that unfortunately stopped running a few years ago. But it is possible to travel by steam train in New Zealand. You can read about steam train holiday in New Zealand here