Rail Transport

**Rail transport** or **train transport** is a means of transferring passengers and goods on wheeled vehicles running on rails, which are located on tracks.

## Description

In contrast to road transport, where vehicles run on a prepared flat surface, rail vehicles (rolling stock) are directionally guided by the tracks on which they run. Tracks usually consist of steel rails, installed on ties (sleepers) set in ballast, on which the rolling stock, usually fitted with metal wheels, moves. Other variations are also possible, such as slab track. This is where the rails are fastened to a concrete foundation resting on a prepared subsurface.

Rolling stock in a rail transport system generally encounters lower frictional resistance than rubber-tired road vehicles, so passenger and freight cars (carriages and wagons) can be coupled into longer trains. The operation is carried out by a railway company, providing transport between train stations or freight customer facilities. Power is provided by locomotives which either draw electric power from a railway electrification system or produce their own power, usually by diesel engines or, historically, steam engines. Most tracks are accompanied by a signalling system. Railways are a safe land transport system when compared to other forms of transport. Railway transport is capable of high levels of passenger and cargo utilization and energy efficiency, but is often less flexible and more capital-intensive than road transport, when lower traffic levels are considered.

## Rail Transport in the New World

### Third Civilization Area and Outside Civilization Area

With the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Qua-Toyne Principality and the Quila Kingdom, Japan was able to solve its food shortage problem and gain access to considerable crude oil and ore reserves. In order to transport these goods and export Japanese products to these countries, the Japanese government had agreed to build railways as part of their infrastructure improvement plans to Qua-Toyne, Quila and any other nation that wishes to establish ties to Japan. Many nations outside of the Third Civilization Area immediately see the advantages of such technology and a way to break free from the tyrannical yoke of the Parpaldia Empire. Since rail transport is basically a civilian technology, it is restricted by the Technology Outflow Bill by only a non-high speed train lower than Shinkansen that is currently being exported.

### Second Civilization Area

Nations in the Second Civilization Area, such as Mu, also have a railroad. During the New World War, when the 7th Division of the JSDF arrived, their Type-10 and Type 90 tanks were transported by rail to the battlefield at the Battle of Malmund Mountains.

### First Civilization Area

In the First Civilization Area, the Holy Milishial Empire is also mentioned to have rail transport technology, but they too have not yet solved the problem of vibration derailment at high speeds.

### Gra Valkas Empire

In the Gra Valkas Empire, civilian mass transport is achieved by the tram, streetcar and steam locomotives like Mu: these are basically light rail vehicles that run on narrow rail lines. However, due to the problem of intense vibration that can cause a derailment, trains cannot achieve high speeds and the Gra Valkas engineers have yet to solve this problem.

### Japan

For Japan, it hails from Earth, which has enjoyed modern rail transport since the invention of the steam engine by James Watt in 1784 and further revolutionized by Richard Trevithick through creating the first high-pressure steam engine which began its debut at 1804. From its transference during the early 21st century, Japan boasts some of the highest levels of rail transport technology, which includes the monorail, the bullet train, and the experimental linear motor car. Prince Gra Cabal, during his stay in Tokyo, was shocked at the speed of Japan's bullet train and the fact that it had not suffered a single accident caused by a human error since it was open. In fact, the record held by JR (Japan Railways) Group itself indicates that accidents on bullet train only happen during natural phenomena such as earthquakes. Japan has also become a supplier of several trains unit such as JNR Class DD51 Locomotive and several Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) commuter trains.