In addition to the "Queen of Steam" locomotive, train rides on motor cars, and lessons on train safety, the Rail Days Festival at the N.C. Transportation Museum June 20 will feature exhibits and designs for trains of the future. Representatives from UNC-Charlotte will discuss technology that will consume less fuel and make for safer, more affordable transportation.
"UNC-Charlotte is interested in energy, including how we power transportation and want to better serve rail," explains David Causey, assistant director at the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), UNC-Charlotte. "We see rail going toward new platforms that are greener and faster. Improved infrastructure and new locomotives can make a difference."
In partnership with EPIC, the Rail Day Festival will feature multiple forms of transportation and great displays from the university. Steam, diesel and gas powered vehicles will move through the site, as representatives from UNC-Charlotte show off the more efficient and affordable magnetic levitation technology.
The N.C. Transportation Museum is in partnership with UNC-Charlotte to further public understanding of rail transportation, part of the museum's mission. UNC-Charlotte's Lee College of Engineering is developing a rail engineering program in collaboration with England's University of Birmingham's Centre for Railway Research. Championed by EPIC, the international collaboration will harness the energy technology needed for the next generation of rail power and the required infrastructure also.
"Why don't we have fast trains like Europe and Japan is a good question," Causey acknowledges. "We are in love with our cars in the U.S. We hope talent from faculty and students in engineering continues to creating a new generation of professionals who help the U.S. to realize the full potential of rail transportation."
UNC-Charlotte began planning a Rail Technology Park this year with funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation. As a virtual and physical platform it will support education and research for rail transportation and will leverage on campus resources and resources at the N.C. Transportation Museum. The Rail Days display from the Rail Technology Program will spark interest in the program and trains of the future.
The regular admission includes the festival, which is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and active military, $4 for children ages three to 12. Admission plus rides on the passenger train or caboose train is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and active military, and $14 for children ages three-12. Ages two and under are free. Class J #611 caboose rides are $10. All other events are included with admission and sales tax applies. Museum members will have free or reduced admission for some trains.