> I read once that a huge issue with US metro is our over the top strength requirements. I wonder if that is still true. It is clear that Europe/basically anywh

> I read once that a huge issue with US metro is our over the top strength requirements. I wonder if that is still true. It is clear that Europe/basically anywhere has far more expertise and success in this than we do. No, our trains are just waaay shorter - around 740-835 meters and a maximum weight of 2.200 tons [1]. US trains however? 3.6 km regular length limit [2], with the record being held by a 6.5km long and 48.100 tons weight. Even just at shunting, the forces in play are so much larger than here in Europe. [1] https://die-gueterbahnen.com/news/zahl-des-tages/4.html https://die-gueterbahnen.com/news/zahl-des-tages/4.html [2] https://www.uirr.com/en/news/mediacentre/2286-the-optimal-length-of-freight-trains.html https://www.uirr.com/en/news/mediacentre/2286-the-optimal-le... [3] https://zmodal.com/2020/04/30/trains-are-longer-and-heavier-than-ever/ https://zmodal.com/2020/04/30/trains-are-longer-and-heavier-...