Night train

The Night Train

The EWCL has invested in expanding the line Lamorial-Ciniz to Gronbrunlar and further east, to Lazulameir and Ildritz. They could not use the conventional engines and wagons, their size was too large for the mountains. The passage of the mountains requiered a small wagon, on narrow gauge rails, not too high, and running well through sharp curves. It also has to offer comfort on the long journey from the beach to the capital of Daleth, a journey so long passengers need to sleep on the train.

The engine had to be of equal proportions. The smoke from the engines chimney was designed to leave the tunnels in the mountain passage through tubes in the ceiling, helped by large bellows at both ends.
At first, the tubes were supposed to be used for steampost as well, but the plan was soon abandoned. A postwagon would be joined in the train instead.

The wagons are made to sleep in. A full grown man can stand in the middle of the wagon. At daytime, up to four people can sit on the lower bunk, their backs against the upper bunk (see picture, left side). At night, the upper bunk is pulled upwards (right side). Each bunk provides a sleeping place for one person. Under the lower bunk is room for luggage and blankets. A curtain gives some privacy. The bunks, 16 in a wagon, are devided by wooden walls, that also contain some storage place and a table on both sides.
There are only small windows in the wagons, on each train there is a restaurant wagon with panoramic view. Oillamps are used in tunnels and during the night.

The Nighttrain was designed to run from Ciniz via Gronbrunlar to Lazulameir. But it was impractical to unboard at several instances. Instead, a third rail was added to the tracks from Lamorial to Ciniz, and from Lazulameir to Ildritz. This way, passenger could board in Lamorial and get off the train at Ildritz.

Some wagons were custom made for the noblemen of De Weslanan who demanded some privacy and silence during their journey to Ildritz, where they had to meet the Emperor every now and then, including social obligations. Some noblemen of De Erflanden had built their own wagon in order to have a quiet and healthy journey to the beach where they would recover from all-day stress.

[Back to top]