Sunday, April 15, 2012

Cambodian Snapshot: Bamboo Railroad

Lift off
Barreling down a track at what feels like a high speed (only about 15 km/hour) while a foot above the rails is a bit disconcerting to say the least. You feel every bump and jolt as one piece of railroad connects to the next (unevenly of course). Really it is quite amazing that two axles, a bamboo mat and a motor can take you down a 30 minute stretch of rail. Did I mention it only has one set of rails, and the "trains" run both ways? No worries, when two meet one of them (based off of passenger load and how many others are following it) simply moves off the rail. Passengers stand to the side, the drivers of both platforms unhook the belt, lift the platform off to one side then drop the axles beside the rails. Those still on the rails pass by then the process is reversed. After a push start you're off and running at a break neck pace down the rails again, until you meet another traveler.
This is a nice path to walk

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