what does it mean when said electric rail?

Venetta Coulbourne: could be overhead power catenary of third rail. electricity is used for the propulsion of the train. easy one.

Mahalia Brindle: Look at London Underground. They have the 4 rail system.2 running rails.1 Negative current rail1 positive current rail.The negative rail will always be in the centre of the 2 running rails. They run via Substations which supply a voltage of 630Volts, in turn which is then picked up by the rolling stock via pickup shoes....Show more

Rana Rudell: They are referring to a rail line that runs with electricity alone, as opposed to a diesel electric, which takes its power supply with it.Those that are true electric will get their power from either an overhead electrical line, a catenary, the roof being equipped with a pantograph to deliver the juice to the traction motors, or they are supplied by shoes contacting an energized rail, often called the "third rail," although this name can be misleading, because there are some! four rail electric trains....Show more

Ardelia Liptow: Unless it's referring to the "third rail," which has electric current running through it. An attachment on the train (called a "shoe") runs along this rail to pick up the current.It's basically a normal electric train operation with a third rail instead of overhead wires.I know of one exception to this: the London Underground uses a four-rail system. Two of the rails are electrified for pickup.This is why at metro stations (Chicago, London, New York, etc.), there are warnings to stay off the track because of deadly electric current....Show more

Rubi Romo: Think of it this way Aryz. A locomotive is powered by electric motors. They are hidden between the wheels and turn the axles by a gear on the axles. A 4 axle locomotive has 4 electric motors powering it - same with a 6 axle which has 6 motors (traction motors). On a diesel fueled unit, that diesel engine is simply turning a large electric generator. No clu! tch, no transmission, just turning a generator to provide elec! tricity for the traction motors. An electric locomotive has traction motors too - just no diesel engine. They take their electricity from an overhead cable or a electrified third rail to power the traction motors....Show more