Did you know that trains in Switzerland are allowed to have up to 255 axles? Yes, you read that right. But here’s the catch – they are also allowed to have 257+ axles. So, does that mean trains can have exactly 256 axles? Well, hold your horses because that’s a big no-no.
According to a document from the Historic Railways of Switzerland (HECH), trains are not allowed to have exactly 256 axles. Why, you ask? It all comes down to how the train’s axles are counted along the track. There are detectors placed along the track to count the number of wheels passing over them. These detectors play a crucial role in informing train operators whether a section of track is clear or occupied by a train.
The issue arises from the counting system used in Switzerland, which involves an 8-digit binary number. When the count reaches 11111111, it rolls over to 00000000. This means that a train with exactly 256 axles would essentially disappear from the count, creating the risk of undetected trains on the track.
To prevent accidents and collisions, the Swiss train system does not allow trains to have 256 axles, as it could lead to multiple trains being allowed on the same track simultaneously. Rather than updating the system, which would be a costly and time-consuming process, the decision was made to prohibit trains from having exactly 256 axles.
So, next time you see a train in Switzerland, remember that it’s all about safety and avoiding potential mishaps on the tracks.
