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Why Can Trains Stop So Perfectly? — The Secret Behind It!

We use trains every day for commuting, school, or just going out. When waiting on the platform, we’re all familiar with the sight of the train stopping perfectly right at the front of the line, almost as if it’s drawn to the spot.

But let’s stop and think for a moment. That precise stopping is actually quite an incredible feat!

Are Steel Wheels Slippery? Why Brakes Are So Challenging

If you’ve driven a car before, you might think, “It’s easy to stop before a traffic light.” But trains are a bit different. Trains run on steel wheels on steel tracks, which means they’re much slipperier than you might imagine. And on top of that, the train itself can weigh several tons, and the length of the train can exceed 100 meters. Stopping that massive vehicle in the exact spot on the platform, to within just a few centimeters… it’s almost like a miracle!

Perfect Door Alignment! The Perfect Combination with Platform Doors

These days, many stations have platform screen doors to prevent people from falling onto the tracks. As you know, it’s crucial that the train doors align perfectly with these platform doors. That means the stopping position must be even more precise than before. You might think, “Well, it must be done automatically by machines,” but in reality, many experienced conductors still manually stop the train precisely!

Predicting Weather and Crowds: The Conductor’s Craftsmanship

As the train enters the platform, the conductor checks a stop position marker. From there, they carefully adjust the speed to avoid any sudden braking. However, how the brakes are applied depends on the day’s weather, the number of passengers, and even the length of the train. Every stop is a serious challenge.

By the way, the opening and closing of doors aren’t entirely automated; conductors and station staff operate them manually at the right moment.

What Looks Simple is Actually Amazing

As we stand in line and wait for the train to arrive, the train stops perfectly in front of us. Behind this seemingly ordinary event are the conductor’s experience, skills, and daily concentration.

Next time you’re waiting at the station, maybe take a moment to look at that ordinary scene with a bit of admiration. It’s truly an amazing feat!

Source: “The Fascinating Stories of Railways That Will Keep You Awake,” Wataru Watanuki, ISBN 978-4-537-22107-7