Why were railways first built?
Railways had several benefits that led to their use first as transport over very short distances, then within a few years over long distances. 1) The metal-metal coefficient of friction is MUCH lower than other modes of transportation (like wood wheels on dirt roads). A lower coefficient of friction means less energy is wasted trying to move a heavy load. 2) Metal rails were less susceptible to the elements than dirt roads, so winter snow and spring rains had less of an impact on transportation. 3) Laying metal rails with wooden cross-ties is cheaper and faster than alternative improved transportation. Paving roads required high costs of purchasing stone, employing workers, and took a long time to build. Digging canals also took a long time, required more maintenance, and couldn’t travel uphill.
