LostInTranslation

Any info on how trains work with their third rail would be helpful thanks !

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Lythandyl

Living in New York, with a huge subway system, I can definitely help you out a bit.

As you know, the train runs on two rails. These rails haven't got any electrical current running through them. The third rail is the one with the electricity. There's a small slide, a metal strip that extends from the bottom of the train car and scrapes along the bottom of the third rail. It's not big, only about a foot or so long, but since there are eight or nine cars, and the third rail is quite powerful, the train is provided with enough power to run.

I don't know the mechanics of it, perhaps someone else can help you out with that.

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Tyson

Awww I didn't look at what section this was in I thought it was a story and it seemed like it was worth reading, don't you think so it grabs your attention and makes me want to read. I suppose that it could be good it's not able to dissapoint me and I would rather be inspired by a title then dissapointed by a story.

LostInTranslation

Thanks everyone - And "Tyson," i will be writing a story about this as soon as I know enough about the topic ! asap *promise*

As for stories in general i have another in the short stories section.... if you wanted to check that one out and let me know what you think that would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks again ppl!!

*KT*

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You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
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LostInTranslation

Thanks everyone - And "Tyson," i will be writing a story about this as soon as I know enough about the topic ! asap *promise*

As for stories in general i have another in the short stories section.... if you wanted to check that one out and let me know what you think that would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks again ppl!!

*KT*

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You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
~*Ghandi*~

Tyson

Yeah I will try and check it out it sounded like the 3rd rail would be an intresting read, but don't rush it and do it to fast and ruin it take your time with it.

Spudley

The third rail system is also in use in parts of the UK, including the London Underground.

Lythandyl answered the question pretty well, and I also can't give you any technical info, but here's a couple of extra bits that you might find useful...

The third rail system is only used for short-distance rail system because it forces trains to run slower than with over-head cables. However, they are much cheaper to build and operate. (diesel-powered trains make the tracks even cheaper to lay, but is offset by a more expensive fuel cost)

The electrical contacts on the train are called "shoes". The shoes on the older trains (in London, at least) periodically give off bursts of sparks when they hit an uneven spot on the track. Newer trains thankfully don't seem to do that.

Third rail systems are inherently dangerous - one of the schools I went to (all those years ago) had a memorial to two boys who were electricuted after the trespassed on the tracks that ran past the school playing fields.

You might also want to check out details of a brand new tram system in France that opened last year with a revolutionary third-rail system that only turns on the electricity to the section of the rail that is under the train, which (theoretically) makes it completely safe for pedestrians.

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D4rk_3|f

theres another train coming out that Hovers. I know its not third rail and al but Its an interesting concept using stabalizers and magnets.

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