Trains have been a vital part of transportation for centuries, and as technology advances, they have only become more massive and impressive. The world’s largest and longest trains are a testament to this, and they are nothing short of breathtaking.
The titleholders for the world’s largest train are the Australian iron ore trains. Each train can weigh up to 99,000 tonnes and stretch for over two miles long. These trains are critical for transporting iron ore from the mines to the ports, making Australia the world’s largest exporter of iron ore.
When it comes to the longest trains, the record goes to the BHP Billiton Iron Ore train in Western Australia, which measures a staggering 4.5 miles long. The train comprises 682 wagons, and it transports iron ore from the Newman mine to Port Hedland.
But Australia is not the only country with impressive trains. In the United States, the Union Pacific’s Big Boy locomotive stands out as one of the most prominent and powerful steam engines ever built. These locomotives are over 130 feet long and weigh over 1.2 million pounds, and they were designed to haul freight over the steep mountains of Wyoming and Utah.
Russia is also home to some of the world’s longest and heaviest trains, with the Belaz 75710 train holding the record for the heaviest haul, weighing in at a massive 450 metric tons. In contrast, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway line in the world, spanning over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok.
In conclusion, the world’s largest and longest trains are awe-inspiring, and they represent the pinnacle of technological advancement in the transportation industry. Whether you are a train enthusiast or not, these magnificent giants are undoubtedly worth beholding.
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