If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at building a rail runner car, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve outlined the construction of a rail runner car, as well as the design and construction of a track. The next step is to decide which direction you want to travel in. Then, you’ll need to figure out where to leave the track from and where to catch the next rail runner train.
Construction of a rail runner
The concept of commuter rail service through Central New Mexico has been discussed for decades, but it was only in 2003 that Governor Bill Richardson announced implementation of commuter rail service. The state legislature provided funding for NMDOT and MRCOG to begin the effort. The next year, the State Legislature passed legislation creating an Investment Partnership, which included Rail Runner. But there are many reasons to support commuter rail in central New Mexico.
The Rail Runner Express is a commuter rail system between Santa Fe and Albuquerque in New Mexico. The system is administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Rio Metro. Herzog Transit Services operates the trains. The new system is a new automatic braking system, called positive train control, which is designed to prevent major train collisions and high-speed derailments. The train is designed to stop when it comes to known obstacles on its tracks.
TOD is an important element of transportation and land use planning in the Station Area. Existing setbacks, lot size, and height regulations do not support the creation of a TOD mixed-use area. A TOD mixed-use area must be built in areas where activity, connectivity, and commerce are facilitated. The rail system must be an integrated part of the Station Area, with residential and retail spaces. TOD also requires a high quality of infrastructure to support transit, but it can also accommodate parking.
Construction of a rail runner car
The rail service in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is known as the Rail Runner. This commuter rail service runs for 156 miles through the city. The system was under development for over a decade and received federal funding until 2009. The rail line is currently funded through state bonds and transit tax revenues. Ground-breaking took place on October 30, 2005. The rail system has an average daily ridership of around 4,500. It operates eight round trips between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, as well as five round trips between Albuquerque and Belen. Additional trains are added during peak travel hours.
The Rail Runner Express system provides transportation and connectivity in a mixed-use neighborhood. The system’s unique design allows it to accommodate both residential and commercial uses, and it is the only regional rail service in the world that is fully integrated into a TOD mixed-use neighborhood. Its semi-elliptic springs provide smooth ride. The Rail Runner was created by Johnson Industries. Several mines use it for supply and personnel transportation.
The track for the Rail Runner runs parallel to the Lamy branch line. They are separated by only a few feet of high desert vegetation. Taking a Rail Runner trip along this line is a rare opportunity to step into two different centuries. The track itself appears to be worn and has split wooden ties. Weeds have grown between the wooden ties. There are a few remaining concrete ties, and the rail itself looks like it’s worn out.
Design of a rail runner car
There are several different types of rail runner cars, and each is different in design. One type is a double-decker, with a lower bottom floor that is closer to the rails. The design of these rail cars helps reduce the height of the car and minimize its loading gauge. These cars also have a low center of gravity and are comfortable for riders. Double-deckers can have up to 96 seats.
Construction of a rail runner track
A new recreational field, east of the station, will relieve the existing high-demand fields in the Station Area. The field will also serve as a stormwater detention facility, reducing peak flows and allowing pollutant settling during major rain events. The new facility will also benefit from its proximity to the Rail Runner station parking lot, and could potentially lead to shared parking efficiencies. However, the future of the station’s parking lot remains uncertain.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.