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WupperKuga? KugaTal?

“The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.” In winding my way through the process of writing content for our site, it usually appears either in an almost dreamy, fully-formed shape, or it’s something that I find myself scratching my head for hours just to try to get lift-off. I love it. So, with this post, I have source material that allows me to relax somewhat and let the fairies do their thing.

There is a young chap, Kuga, who is, ostensibly from Hawaii, but spends a lot of time in Japan enjoying himself on Japanese rail. He’s funny, sharp and you almost feel like you’re there. One place that he recently visited was a small rail line there that featured a dangling (suspended) train. It flies through the air, with the greatest of ease. After enjoying Tanner’s work, it occurred to me that I had seen a similar setup (and a place that I have not only actually been, but also actually rode this marvel.) So what’s the big deal, you may be asking, other than “how do I get there?”

Suspended rail systems are a good idea because they offer flexibility, safety, and efficiency, particularly in confined environments like underground mines and congested urban areas, where they can reduce construction costs, noise, and disruption compared to conventional ground-based transport. Their ability to operate in tight spaces, navigate steep inclines, and provide reliable transport for both personnel and materials makes them a valuable solution for specific logistical challenges.

For more background, in the mining industry suspended monorails have been used because they can descend and climb steep tunnels using rack and pinion drive. This significantly reduces cost and length of tunnels, by up to 60% in some cases; they otherwise must be at gentle gradients to suit road vehicles or conventional railways.

What fun! Japan or Germany? Our affiliate partner, Expedia, can get you to both places. Double your fun. To book, click here

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