Several films have shown us different cars and trucks using train tracks. Getting around in some cities is a real nightmare, and more than one driver has dreamed of imitating a train and following its route. Well... the folks at Smart decided to make that dream a reality. They took one of their super-compact Forfour models, modified its wheels and chassis, processed all the necessary permits, and turned it into the Smart ForRail project. No, they are not going to sell it.
What at first glance seems like a crazy idea from a cartoon or a movie has actually gone through extensive research in the past. Placing a traditional vehicle on train tracks is a complex process, though not necessarily impossible. There are examples like the Schi-Stra-Bus, which was used as public transport in the mid-20th century, and there are also modifications that lift the front wheels or temporarily lock the steering to avoid derailment. The point is that when traffic jams hit their peak, more than one would love to take a shortcut along the tracks and continue on their way.
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed
A quick fast forward to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the most important motoring festivals in the United Kingdom. Tens of thousands of fans gather there to enjoy the activities, which causes some traffic problems. That's when Smart steps in with its Smart ForRail, a project that probably gave shape to the world's most compact train. At first glance it's just a regular Smart Forfour, but it required many modifications to be placed on the tracks, including a total lock on the steering, reinforced axles, and four steel wheels that add more than 300 kilograms to the car. The speed during the whole trip was relatively low (32 kilometers per hour), and Smart needed several permits before carrying out this experiment... but it worked perfectly.
As the video indicates, Smart has no serious plans to bring the ForRail to market or anything like that. The car required many changes to be safe and authorized to travel on train tracks, although that doesn't change the fact that as a promotional stunt, Smart managed to present something different from what we were used to. Different... but not unique. After all, the comparison with a couple of Top Gear episodes is inevitable.
