There are currently 6 main national train companies that operate within Scotland. They are ScotRail, LNER, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast and Caledonian Sleeper.
Trains are powered either by diesel or electricity. Electric traction is currently responsible for around two-thirds of the freight and more than half the passengers on railways. But, electric traction is just 37% of Railways' overall energy efficiency costs.
DC motors are used on trains is because of their high torque and good speed control. Compared to AC motors, DC motors can provide industry applications with a fine balance of strong starting torque and controllable speed for seamless yet precise performance.
Railway electrification in Great Britain began in the late 19th century. A range of voltages has been used, employing both overhead lines and conductor rails. The two most common systems are 25 kV AC using overhead lines, and the 750 V DC third rail system used in Southeast England and on Merseyrail.
How fast can a train go? Our trains at ScotRail do 100mph which is much faster than you can go in a car. On special lines elsewhere in the UK, some trains get to travel at 140mph and the fastest train in the world is in China. These are called 'Maglev' trains and can travel at nearly 270mph!