Skunk Train offers an unforgettable electric rail experience in Northern California

Skunk Train offers an unforgettable electric rail experience in Northern California that is both unique and unique to itself. Travel the historic railway tracks through Mendocino County's ancient redwood forests on an all-electric pedal-powered railbike ride through Mendocino County while admiring breathtaking views of lush flora, trees and creeks while riding alongside this historic railway.

Electric rail ride can be traced back to 1879 when visitors to the Berlin Industrial Exposition witnessed an electric locomotive that traveled without emitting smoke or steam. Werner von Siemens quickly recognized its potential, embarking on work on an innovative system which would revolutionize passenger rail service.

Electrification of rail is the conversion of alternating current from the power grid into direct current for driving locomotives, passenger cars and other equipment. It may be powered by natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, renewable sources or any other source that produces low-carbon electricity; typically achieved through overhead wires installed above each rail line or third/fourth conductor rails energized at 600 volts DC that contact sliding contact shoes on each railcar.

Woodford haulage system used a surface-mounted track for remote control on industrial tramways such as quarries and strip mines in the early 1900s. Some systems utilize either a center third rail, such as Boston & Albany Metros or side contact fourth rail, such as Vancouver Millennium Line and Expo Line.

Transformers in locomotives step down voltage levels to be usable by traction motors and other loads in order to accommodate long-distance commuter rail and high-speed trains. Electric traction offers several advantages over mechanical, such as lower capital and operating costs, higher efficiency and quieter operation. Unfortunately, its disadvantages include needing third rail or overhead wires limiting where and when trains can operate and vulnerability to power interruptions; hybrid-electric locomotives or electro-diesel multiple units can mitigate some of these drawbacks by running both on diesel fuel while drawing power for normal operations.

Electricity for rail traction typically comes from large fossil fuel power stations; however, renewable sources like wind and solar may also provide electricity. Many cities and regions are looking into moving toward clean power solutions for mass transit purposes.

Newly electrified routes exhibit what's known as the "sparks effect", in which electrification leads to significant increases in patronage and revenue despite other factors like infrastructure upgrades or rolling stock upgrades being in place. This may be attributed to perception that electric trains are faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than their diesel counterparts.