RACK RAILWAY Meaning and
Definition
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A rack railway is a type of railway system specifically designed to traverse steep gradients and mountainous terrains that traditional adhesion-based locomotives would struggle to climb. It employs a unique mechanism called a rack and pinion system to help the train ascend or descend such slopes safely and efficiently.
The rack railway consists of a toothed rail known as a rack that runs parallel to the main track. The locomotive or train has a cogwheel or pinion that meshes with the rack, providing additional traction and preventing slippage on steep inclines. This interlocking feature allows the train to overcome the forces of gravity and effectively navigate through mountainous regions.
Typically, the rack and pinion system is located either between or beside the tracks, enabling it to engage with the rack when required. The train driver manipulates the engagement and disengagement of the pinion, either through manual control or automatic mechanisms, depending on the specific design of the rack railway.
Rack railways are widely used in various parts of the world, including hilly or mountainous regions, where they prove essential for transportation, tourism, and industrial purposes. They offer exceptional safety and stability, ensuring the train remains securely attached to the tracks during ascent or descent.
The rack railway is an integral element of transportation infrastructure, providing a reliable means of moving goods and people in challenging topographical landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible or dangerous for conventional trains.
Common Misspellings for RACK RAILWAY
- eack railway
- dack railway
- fack railway
- tack railway
- 5ack railway
- 4ack railway
- rzck railway
- rsck railway
- rwck railway
- rqck railway
- raxk railway
- ravk railway
- rafk railway
- radk railway
- racj railway
- racm railway
- racl railway
- raco railway
- raci railway
Etymology of RACK RAILWAY
The word "rack railway" can be traced back to the Middle English word "rakke", which means "a framework or support". The term evolved from the Old Norse word "rekja", meaning "to stretch out or extend", and shares its roots with the Old High German word "rechen", meaning "to extend" or "to straighten". Over time, "rack" came to refer specifically to a series of toothed bars or tracks used for traction in railways that traverse steep inclines or difficult terrain. Hence, the term "rack railway" came to be used to describe a type of railway system that employs a cogwheel or gear mechanism to engage with the toothed rack, enabling trains to climb steep gradients.
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