G-Train
“Palace on Rails” – the $350 million luxury train
In black mode, inspiration from the “Snowpiercer” is evident.
© Thierry Gaugain
The railway is experiencing a revival. In principle, a train can easily be operated with regenerative energy. Designer Thierry Gaugain presented his vision of a luxury private train.
In Asia, Japan, South Korea and China are working on their vision of high-speed trains that are faster than commercial aircraft, while in Europe a network of night trains is being considered as an alternative to air travel. The French designer Thierry Gaugain has now presented his vision of a private luxury train – G-Train – which is to travel the world as a “palace on rails”.
Private trains were once popular with kings and other potentates. But they could become modern again among the super-rich. The train would then be the mainland alternative to the superyachts. Among other things, Gaugain is known for the design of the 80-meter-long yacht “Venus” developed with Philippe Starck by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
“This train is intended for a single owner,” Gaugain told CNN. The owner understands that this is not just about transportation. It’s about travel, not how fast you can get from point A to point B.”
In Gaugain’s mind, the train is the destination of the journey. “Travelling is not about speed,” he said. “It’s about taking your time, because time is the only treasure we have.”
More than just rendering
The 400 meter long train consists of 14 wagons. The outer skin consists of a glass that can change from opaque to completely transparent. The whole train is a staged stage. He can change light, season and pace. It only seats about 18 guests and is scheduled to travel at a moderate speed of 100 miles per hour on rails across America and Europe. Experts such as the Swiss train builder Stadler, the glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain and the British engineering firm Eckersley O’Callaghan ensure that this concept can also be built.
The technology of the train is complex because there is no defined country of use and the technology has to be able to cope with many track and control systems. If desired, the train can split in the middle and both parts can run independently of each other. In the center of the train is a “hall” leading to its main living area with the owner’s quarters. The whole thing resembles the full-size cars on the train in Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi film Snowpiercer.
This is followed by an entertainment area and a guest section, a social room and finally the magnificent Grand Salon, specially designed for receptions. When standing, part of the side walls can be folded down, then the compartments are enlarged with outdoor terraces.
Gaugain believes that trains are not objects of the past. “Trains are meeting the present. There is nothing more sustainable than trains when it comes to travel. There are still no customers. The designer estimates the cost at around 350 million dollars – the construction time should be two and a half years.
Luxury train on the siding?
How realistic is the project? In times when space tourism is celebrated, the immense costs should not be a deterrent. However, it is difficult to imagine the real use. A yacht is bound to seas, coasts and great rivers. The rail network, on the other hand, connects all major cities. However, the part of idyllic rail routes is very limited. It becomes critical, especially during the stay. The rail network is simply not designed to allow private trains to park for a few days in the most beautiful spot. And who wants to experience the world from the siding?
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