European Trains & Locomotives

All things trains and locomotives in Europe
December 22nd, 2007

History of Rail Transport: The Early Railways

It has been theorized that advanced forms tramways and wagonways were developed and used in the 1550s in Germany. Such transport systems are known to the be the predecessors of what we now have as rail transport networks. Historians have noted that traces and evidences of the early German wagonways suggest that the early transport system was principally used to transport and carry ore tubs within premises of mines. There were wooden rails that facilitated mobility. Such wooden rails are obviously the pattern and models used in today’s rails.Through the years and out of wonder perhaps, most countries in Europe started adopting the transport technique. By the early part of the 1600s, the United Kingdom had its Wollaton Wagonway, which was very much inspired by the wooden rail system of Germany. Several wagonways were established and operated in Britain, like Boseley and Huntingdon Beaumont. From then on, popularity of such wagonways spread like fire until many inventions and further innovations brought about what we have today as modern rail transport networks. History of rail transport has never been too complicated but it illustrates the patience and perseverance of the industry in bringing about changes and major developments into rail transport operations.

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