Film Science Questions for Wheels of Steel


Background: trains have changed the world! They were like an artery through people and goods flowed out into whole new territories. Trains were the first mass transport system and today, their tracks reach into every corner of the globe.


1. In May 1990, the french TGV reached what record speed?

2. Why is it not practical to have all fast passenger trains running at this record speed on a regular basis?

3. The highly efficient Japanese Bullet trains can move how many passengers each hour?

4. In 1938, the British coal burning steam locomotive Mallard racing along a ½ mile section of track set what steam speed record, still unbeaten?

5. The Southern Pacific Daylight Streamliner needs how much time to heat up 5 000 gallons of water?

6. How many of the steam engine's controls and functions are automated?

7. Each turn of the Daylight's huge drive wheels moves it how far down the track?

8. At 80 mph, the drive wheels whipping around, the 4 000 lbs (a mid-size SUV!) of rods and connectors fly back and forth at what rate?

9. In the early 1880's, what was the average distance most people travelled from their homes?

10. Before Congress in 1861 ordered a transcontinental rail system be constructed, it took a letter how long to travel from St. Louis to California, about halfway across the country?

11. Why did the American Standard not burn coal, like British locomotives?

12. In general, what was the importance of the American Standard in the development of the American West?

13. In 1934, a sleek, stainless steel Zepher covered the 1015 miles from Denver to Chicago in what record time?

14. After the Depression, how did the train companies try to win back some of their former passengers, now often travelling in cars?

15. At a million pounds, a Union Pacific Big Boy is equal to the weight of how many jumbo jets?

16. After WW II, why were trains so successful in Europe?

17. The highest train in the world crosses the Andes Mountain range at what elevation? (Many commercial propellor driven airplanes fly lower than this!)

18. As the Nilgiri Express moves through the Blue Hills of India, what mechanism keeps it from speeding down steep sections of track, out of control?

19. As the Indian Pacific crosses southern Australia, from Sydney to Perth, it covers what distance?

20. Where do you find the longest undersea tunnel in the world?

21. Which city operates the world's oldest subway?

22. What force powers a maglev train?

23. In 1990, a maglev train from which country set a speed record?