Wow in the World Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Off The Rails
Dec 26, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of trains, where Mindy and Guy unravel the mysteries of the longest freight train in Australia, stretching an incredible 4.57 miles. Discover the magic of maglev technology that lets trains levitate, zipping along at mind-blowing speeds. Learn about the Shinkansen's efficiency, slashing travel time between Osaka and Tokyo. Plus, explore why scientists study mice brains; it’s a delightful mix of fun facts and playful trivia!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Record-Breaking Freight Train Scale
- The longest train ever reached 4.57 miles long, pushed by eight diesel locomotives and carrying 682 cars.
- That train weighed 99,732 tons, nearly as heavy as ten Eiffel Towers, showing freight trains' enormous scale.
How Maglev Trains Beat Friction
- Maglev trains use magnets to hover above tracks, eliminating wheel-on-rail friction.
- This lets maglevs reach about 375 mph while being quieter, more energy-efficient, and less prone to breakdowns.
Bullet Train Speed And Expansion
- Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) reaches speeds around 200 mph and covers Osaka–Tokyo (~250 miles) in about 2.5 hours.
- Japan is building maglev Shinkansen lines, with passenger service planned by 2027, pushing speeds and travel times further.