Enormous and Iconic Trains from Around the World

he Expansive Railway Network

The global railway network spans over 800,000 miles, far surpassing the common estimates of 100,000 or even 250,000 miles. Trains play a vital role in the economies of nearly every country, continuously growing in size, length, and power. Let's explore some of the largest and most remarkable trains operating today.

Australian Giant: BHP's Train 3143

In June 2001, the Australian mining company BHP assembled an enormous freight train to transport vast quantities of iron ore. Known as Train 3143, it was designed to haul 682 wagons, each 33 feet long and 11 feet high. The entire train, including locomotives and wagons, weighed over 100,000 tons and stretched 4.6 miles long, equivalent to the length of 24 Eiffel Towers lined up end to end. It holds the record for the longest and heaviest train globally. The train could carry over 990,000 tons of iron ore in a single journey, covering 171 miles from BHP Yandi to Port Hedland at an average speed of 16 mph, powered by eight diesel locomotives generating 50,000 horsepower.

American Colossus: Union Pacific’s Big Boy

Union Pacific’s Big Boy, delivered in 1941, was aptly named for its enormous size. Weighing 600 tons, 132 feet long, and 16 feet tall, these trains could pull a 3,600-ton load over mountainous terrain. With 6,200 horsepower, Big Boy could reach speeds of 70 to 80 mph, though operational limits capped it at 55 mph. By 1959, these giants were retired, but in 2013, one Big Boy (4014) was restored and returned to service in 2019 to celebrate the Transcontinental Railroad's 150th anniversary.

Union Pacific's Freight Trains

In January 2010, Union Pacific tested an 18,061-foot-long train from Texas to Los Angeles, the longest ever assembled by the company. This 3.4-mile-long train, powered by a combination of locomotives, carried 295 double-stacked cargo wagons, weighing over 5,000 tons. The train's unprecedented size caused regulatory concern, highlighting the potential risks of derailment and traffic disruptions associated with such long trains.

Australian Passenger Marvel: The Ghan

Operated by Journey Beyond, The Ghan is one of Australia’s longest passenger trains, with 44 carriages spanning nearly 3,600 feet and weighing 2,300 tons. This train runs from Adelaide to Darwin, covering 1,851 miles, and has historical roots dating back to 1929, named in honor of Afghan camel drivers who helped explore Australia's interior.

Swiss Scenic Beauty: The Rhaetian Railway

In 2022, Switzerland’s Rhaetian Railway set a record with the longest narrow-gauge passenger train, consisting of 100 coaches and 4,550 seats, stretching over 6,200 feet. This train offered a picturesque journey through the Alps, celebrating the 175th anniversary of Swiss railways with a unique one-off experience.

Russia’s High-Speed Marvel: The Sapsan

Russia’s Sapsan high-speed trains connect major cities at speeds up to 155 mph, significantly cutting travel time. The longest Sapsan train, measuring over 1,600 feet, holds the record for the longest high-speed train globally, capable of operating in extreme cold temperatures.

American Freight Powerhouse: BNSF Trains

Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) operates some of the longest trains in North America, with trains reaching lengths of 12,000 feet or more due to the Precision Scheduled Railroading model, which emphasizes fewer, longer trains for efficiency.

Russian Giants: The Stadler Kiss

The Russian Eurasia Stadler Kiss is a two-story train, the widest in the world at 11 feet across and 17 feet tall, capable of carrying up to 1,200 passengers. In March 2023, the longest Kiss train, with 40 carriages, spanned nearly 1,600 feet.

Mauritania's Iron Ore Hauler: Train du Desert

Mauritania’s Train du Desert stretches over 1.8 miles and hauls 210 wagons filled with iron ore across the Sahara Desert. Despite harsh conditions, this train is a vital transport link, with tourists occasionally riding in open-top wagons for a unique experience.

Australian Luxury: The Indian Pacific

Journey Beyond's Indian Pacific spans 2,888 feet and travels from Sydney to Perth across the Australian continent. This luxury passenger train offers a comfortable ride with accommodation, restaurants, and lounges, but also faces challenges like extreme temperatures and single-track limitations.

Historic Circus Train: Ringling Brothers

The Ringling Brothers circus trains, retired in 2017, were among the longest privately-owned trains, stretching 6,100 feet and transporting the circus across the USA. Despite their retirement, the legacy of these trains remains a fascinating chapter in American rail history.

Autonomous Innovation: AutoHaul in Australia

Australia’s AutoHaul is an autonomous freight train operated by Rio Tinto, spanning 1.5 miles and carrying 240 wagons of iron ore. This fully automated train marks a significant advancement in railway technology, demonstrating the potential for future autonomous rail operations.

Essential Maintenance: Rail Grinders

Maintaining smooth tracks is crucial, and rail grinders like the Loram RG400, nearly 700 feet long, ensure this by smoothing and removing uneven parts of the rails. These machines are vital for safe and efficient train operations.

South African Behemoth: The Ore Corridor

Transnet’s Ore Corridor in South Africa features massive trains transporting 60 million tons of iron ore annually. The largest train, over 4.5 miles long and weighing 79,000 tons, represents the pinnacle of freight transportation in the region.

Brazilian Iron Giants: Vale’s Freight Trains

Vale's iron ore trains in Brazil, some of the longest in the world, transport vast quantities of raw materials from Carajás. These trains, though economically vital, have significant impacts on local communities, highlighting the balance between industrial progress and social responsibility.

Dutch Record-Setter: Netherlands Spoorwegen

To celebrate its 150th anniversary in 1989, Netherlands Spoorwegen operated a 5,600-foot-long passenger train, showcasing the country’s railway prowess. This impressive feat required meticulous planning and skilled operation, marking a milestone in Dutch rail history