Trackless Train - Technology

Technology

A trackless train usually consists of a tractor unit unit pulling a number of articulated trailers or carriages in the manner of a locomotive hauled railway train. The tractor unit can be powered by a combustion engine or an electric motor.

Carriages may seat between 6 and 40 persons, and can be roofed or not, featuring open or closed sides and various levels of interior comfort such as padded seats. If open, depending on climate they may feature plastic sheeting to cater for rain. Carriages usually contain lockable doors or chains to act as safety measures to prevent exit while in motion. Carriages and tractor false bodies are constructed in either fibreglass or aluminium, and may feature levelling suspension.

As in a regular road vehicles, the tractor unit is steered through the front wheels by a steering wheel by a driver, and powered by its rear single or double axle. The following carriages are then steered through the drawbar couplings between the carriages. Simple trains with few carriages or short in overall length may feature single or double axle carriages with just front axle steering only. Larger or longer trains feature four wheel steering by way of mechanical linkages. Four wheel steering ensures longer trains need less clearance while turning, as the carriages are able to maintain the same path, describing a constant radius of arc. This adds to the impression of the vehicle being on rails. The drawbar connections on more complex trains may feature a shock absorber to mitigate the effect of acceleration or braking.