Light train

Last updated
Light train (left) next to a classic loc. 429 + 112 123 in Stralsund, 2019 (01).jpg
Light train (left) next to a classic loc.

A light train is a type of multiple unit passenger train that is developed for mainline rail roads. These type of trains are built using lightweighting techniques, with the purpose of reducing operating costs. [1] [2] Light trains that appeared in the 1930s were called lightweight cars. [3] [4]

Contents

Most light trains in use in the 21st century were developed for mainline rail roads in Europe, however they do not meet the crash-safety guidelines from the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Light trains in the U.S. can therefore only be used on isolated lines, where they are referred to as diesel light rail transit (abbreviated DLRT) [5] or termed hybrid rail by the FRA. [6]

The Union Pacific M-10002. Postkarte 1936 Union Pacific M-10002 City of Los Angeles.jpg
The Union Pacific M-10002.

History

Early examples where the 1931 U.S. Bullet and the 1932 German prototype Flying Hamburger, following a production series later named VT 04. In the U.S. technology advanced with the introduction of the 1934 M-10000 prototype and soon followed by the Pioneer Zephyr and the 1935 Hiawatha". Another notable example was the Talgo I prototype that was tested in Spain between 1942 and 1944. The GM Aerotrain was partially based on the Talgo II and used in passenger service between 1956 and 1966.

In France, the TELLi project aims to introduce light trains starting in 2029. [7]

Stadler FLIRT on the Trillium Line Stadler FLIRT on the Trillium Line 3564.jpg
Stadler FLIRT on the Trillium Line

Systems

Though light trains are used on mainline rail roads in Europe, in the Americas they are mostly used on isolated tracks:

Alstom LINT at the Aarhus main station. Arriva AR 1002, Aarhus H, 2019 (01).jpg
Alstom LINT at the Aarhus main station.

Models

References

  1. ↑ "Around the Bay Rail Study". Docslib. pp. 3-1/28. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  2. ↑ Middleton, B. (August 1997). "Economic viability of diesel light rail cars" . Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  3. ↑ Report on Streamline, Light-weight, High-speed Passenger Trains: June 30, 1939. Coverdale & Colpitts. 1939. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  4. ↑ "Railroading Glossary: L". TRN.Trains.com. Kalmbach Publishing. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  5. ↑ Chapter 4: Inventory and Description of Rail Transit Vehicles Currently Available for Potential Join Operation with Railroads. Transportation Research Board. 1998. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  6. ↑ Transit Capacity and Quality of Service Manual, Third Edition. 2013. pp. 2–17/18. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  7. ↑ "Revitalizing rural rail lines with TELLi". SNCF Group. 12 March 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "The Stadler GTW – A new generation of Diesel light rail". Rail for the Valley. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.