Keep Rolling and Rolling - Railway Transport
Stone Rails- Ever since the 6th century BC, a six kilometer stretch called the Diolkos Wagonway was used in Greece to transport ships by the people of Corinth. They pushed these ships on grooves carved in limestone to prevent the wagons from going off course. These stone tracks were used until about 1820.
Understanding Freight Transportation And Its Importance
Wooden Rails- The kinds of railways soon reappeared after the Dark Ages following the collapse of the Roman Empire. Narrow gauge railways were very popular in European mines and were used to tranport all kinds of minerals and people. The first railways in Great Britain were constructed in the 17th century and were used to transport coal. Though effective, wooden rails were very prone to wear and tear and had to be replaced constantly.
Iron Plate Rail- The addition of iron plates to reinforce wooden railways made them much tougher and capable of carrying more weight. However the accumulation of mud and stones sometimes made transport difficult , sometimes dangerous. Wrought Iron and Steel- developments in the process of hot rolling iron meant that railways could become longer. Modern railways still use steel rails that are welded to form continuously welded rails. This is by far the most effective method of railing and is responsible for much of the rail transport today.