Large Scale Central

Trains In Space

General Discussion
#1

(If you ever watched the Muppets, you’d know about Pigs In Space.)

I was amused recently reading a Science Fiction novel, called “Night Train To Rigel”. To my recollection, it doesn’t have a Night train or go anywhere near Rigel - but it does have a train! The Quadrail System provides intergalactic travel at 1 light-year per minute, so a train ride between star systems can take a few days.

The train system described is acceptable, although the author admits that no-one knows what the 4th rail is for. The trains have engines, sidings, and all kinds of ‘normal’ features. The hero even gets out and climbs along the roof during an intergalactic trip - how that worked wasn’t explained. Anyway, a good fun thriller.

Apparently there are 3 more books in the Quadrail series. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrail_Series

#2

Galaxy Express 999 did it first, back in the 70’s

(http://www.absoluteanime.com/captain_harlock/index-ge999-2.jpg)

The premise is that far in the future, after man has settled the entire galaxy travelers became homesick for more archaic forms of transportation that reminded them of simpler or more romantic times of Earths past, so they built a series of advanced spacecraft that resembled ancient trains, complete with artificial smoke and steam whistles, belaying the reality that they are in fact highly advanced starships in reality. By far one of my favorite animes.

(http://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Galaxy-Express-999.jpg)

Movie version trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQr-fnhGUes&feature=related Pigs in Space? Oy Gevalt! I Prefer JEWS in SPACEEEEEEEEEEEE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAZhtT-dUyo :smiley:

#3

Oy Vay - I still prefer Pigs in Space. Can’t beat Miss Piggy!

Quote:
DON'T PANIC
I used to have the whole BBC series on videotape. I wonder where it went . .

P.S. Business Week this week has a cover showing Elon Musk and his spacecraft, with the headline “Billionaires Guide to the Galaxy”

#4
Pete Thornton said:
Oy Vay - I still prefer Pigs in Space. Can't beat Miss Piggy!
Quote:
DON'T PANIC
I used to have the whole BBC series on videotape. I wonder where it went . .

P.S. Business Week this week has a cover showing Elon Musk and his spacecraft, with the headline “Billionaires Guide to the Galaxy”


The BBC version (the best) is out there on DVD, that’s what I have. I wish someone would make a resin kit of those Star of David spaceships from History of the World, some joker has made the Spaceballs Space Winnabego, but its not the same.