Transport in Hergom
Roads
In the resourceful world of Hergom, highways and transportation infrastructure have evolved in innovative ways to accommodate the absence of oil and the need for practical living. The backbone of Hergom’s road network is comprised of highways made from geopolymer concrete and Ferrock. These materials, derived from the by-products and waste products of the aggregate and steel industries, provide reliable and durable surfaces for the country's most heavily used roads. This approach effectively utilizes industrial waste, aligning with Hergom's commitment to efficient resource use.
Road Construction
A century ago, the discovery of promising oil deposits in Hergom suggested a future where asphalt roads would become commonplace. However, as these oil deposits turned out to be minor and fleeting, the nation had to pivot. During this period, roads and highways largely remained gravel-surfaced or concrete-surfaced. It wasn’t until the development and adoption of cheaper ceramic geopolymer concrete and the innovative Ferrock, made from waste products, that Hergom could affordably construct high-use highways.
Geopolymer concrete and Ferrock have revolutionized road construction in Hergom. Geopolymer concrete, made from industrial waste such as fly ash and slag, offers superior durability. Similarly, Ferrock, created using recycled iron dust and silica, provides a robust construction material. These materials have enabled Hergom to maintain high-quality highways while minimizing costs.
In less frequented or trafficked areas, gravel roads remain a practical and popular solution. These gravel roads, prevalent throughout Gotha, provide a cost-effective and straightforward way to maintain connectivity in regions with lower traffic volumes.
Highway Maintenance and Services
Highways in Hergom are maintained through a system of tolls operated by various tribes. These tribes are responsible for ensuring that the roads meet state-set construction standards. The toll revenues are used to fund the maintenance and improvement of the highways, ensuring they remain in good condition for all users.
In addition to maintaining the roads, these tribes operate a variety of roadside stops. These stops provide essential services to travelers and cargo haulers, including food, rest areas, and mechanical services. These roadside businesses not only help pay for the maintenance of the highways but also provide a profitable venture for the tribes, fostering a symbiotic relationship between infrastructure upkeep and community livelihood.
Mobility and Lifestyle
Automobile ownership in Hergom, as in much of Gotha, is an expensive affair. Most families own a single automobile at most, reflecting the high cost and practical considerations of vehicle ownership. Despite this, a significant portion of families live in mobile homes, which they relocate whenever new opportunities arise, whether within a city or in different parts of the country. These relocations are typically facilitated using the family or clan automobiles.
For families that require a higher degree of mobility, especially those living and working in remote or far-flung places, mobile platforms offer an ideal solution. These platforms are large trucks equipped with enormous all-terrain wheels, resembling haul trucks but designed to carry homes and working spaces rather than aggregates. Weighing about 200 tons and standing around 7-8 meters tall depending on the maker, these mobile platforms provide a versatile and robust option for those needing to move frequently. They offer a unique blend of mobility and comfort, allowing families to maintain a stable home environment while adapting to the demands of their work and lifestyle.
Rail
In the expansive and diverse landscape of Hergom, the rail network stands as a marvel of engineering and social innovation, connecting the vast territory, which is three times the size of Russia. Central to this network is the use of a 4-meter broad gauge, the widest in the nation of Gotha, specifically designed to accommodate the immense and powerful trains powered by 15 MW molten salt thorium reactors. These trains, capable of speeds between 160 to 180 km/h, are a testament to the blend of advanced technology and traditional communal living, operating as mobile villages that traverse the length and breadth of the country. The broad gauge is not merely a technical specification but a necessity for the large, heavy-duty trains that travel these tracks. The use of molten salt thorium reactors provides a sustainable and long-lasting energy source, allowing these trains to operate for years without the need for refuelling. This efficiency is critical for the long distances these trains cover, ensuring continuous and reliable service across the expansive terrain of Hergom.
The rail network also includes a secondary 2-meter gauge, used in regions characterized by high and rugged topography. These areas, challenging for broad gauge trains, benefit from the more agile and adaptable narrow gauge trains. These narrower tracks weave through mountainous landscapes and difficult terrains, connecting remote regions to the main arterial networks of the 4-meter gauge. This dual gauge system ensures that even the most isolated communities have access to the broader national infrastructure, fostering connectivity and economic integration.
Nuclear trains in Hergom are typically operated as family franchises, a system that reflects the country’s deep-rooted values of family and community. These trains are not just modes of transport; they are homes and businesses, with families or groups of families owning and operating them as a livelihood. Under the umbrella of tribal corporations that provide expertise and management, these families handle all aspects of the train’s operation, from driving and maintenance to cargo handling and passenger services. This model transforms the trains into moving villages, where each family has a specific role, contributing to the smooth running of the entire operation. These trains are often remarkably long, stretching from 1.8 to 3.3 kilometres. They comprise a variety of cars, each serving a different purpose. Residential cars provide living quarters for the families operating the train, complete with sleeping areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. Communal areas offer dining halls, recreational spaces, educational facilities, and medical centres, ensuring that the residents have all necessary amenities at hand.
Cargo cars form the backbone of the train’s economic activity, transporting a wide range of goods across the country. These include general freight cars for bulk goods, refrigerated cars for perishable items, and specialized cars for vehicles or livestock. The efficient loading and unloading systems ensure quick turnaround times at stops, maximizing the train’s operational efficiency. Passenger cars cater to both long-distance travellers and local commuters, with standard and luxury options available. These cars are designed for comfort, ensuring a pleasant journey for all passengers. Support cars, such as those for healthcare and education, ensure that the residents and passengers have access to essential services even while on the move. Operational and maintenance cars are crucial for the train’s functionality, housing the engineer’s cabin, tools, and spare parts for repairs, and offices for administrative tasks. These cars ensure that the train can operate smoothly and safely, even on long and isolated journeys. One of the most innovative aspects of these trains is the leasing of cars to traveling professionals. Hotels, doctors, mechanics, and other service providers lease cars to offer their services to remote communities. This system transforms the train into a mobile hub of essential services, bringing healthcare, education, and other vital services to areas that might otherwise be underserved.
When these trains stop at major metropolises, they bring with them a flurry of economic activity. There is often a competitive bidding process for cargo space, with small businesses vying for the opportunity to transport their goods. Passengers flock to these trains for their efficient and comfortable service, and crowds gather to access the services of renowned traveling professionals. This dynamic creates a vibrant marketplace at each stop, blending the economic benefits of cargo transport with the social advantages of passenger services and professional offerings. In essence, the rail network of Hergom is more than just a means of transport. It is a living, breathing entity that supports the economic and social fabric of the nation. These nuclear-powered trains, operated by families and serving as moving villages, represent a unique fusion of advanced technology and traditional communal living. They ensure that even the most remote regions are connected, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose across the vast expanse of Hergom.
Adding to the unique character of this system is the boisterous and lively atmosphere that defines every aspect of train life. Families living and working on the trains infuse their routines with energy and camaraderie, making each journey a dynamic experience. Children are often seen running through the communal areas, engaging in spirited games, while meals in the dining car are noisy, bustling affairs filled with animated conversations and laughter. The interactions between residents and passengers are marked by a robust and hearty manner, fostering a sense of rugged community. Waking up to the sounds of bustling activity, passengers are quickly enveloped in the vibrant life aboard the train. Breakfast is a lively event, with passengers joining others in the dining car, where the air is filled with the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation. Throughout the day, the energy remains high: educational sessions are interactive and engaging, medical consultations are brisk but friendly, and recreational times are filled with various activities that keep the atmosphere buzzing. At each stop, the train becomes a flurry of economic activity, with local vendors boarding to sell fresh produce, craftsmen displaying their wares, and traders negotiating deals with a vigour that matches the train’s pace. The atmosphere is one of controlled chaos. Local interactions are conducted with a sense of hearty practicality, with train operators and vendors engaging in robust, direct exchanges. Goods are bartered and sold in a manner that reflects the energetic and pragmatic nature of the train’s community.
Air transport
Ports
River
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Physiology topics: Wolgos Psyche - Wolgos Development From Birth to Adulthood - Death for the Wolgos - Wolgos Sexuality - Wolgos Masculinity - Wolgos Womanhood | |||||
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| Dhonowlgos | The Bind | Hergom ep swekorwos | United New Kingdoms | ||
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| ~3000 CE - 7505 CE | 7508 CE - 7603 CE | 7608 CE - Present | |||
| History & Geography |
History of Dhonowlgos: History of Dhonowlgos - Stained Era - Era of Rising Lilies
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| Politics & Economy |
Dhonowlgos Politics: Politics - Foreign Relations
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| Society & Culture |
Dhonowlgos Society: Monuments - Society - Brochs of Dhonowlgos
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| History & Geography |
History of The Bind: History - Geography - Military - Science - Brochs of The Bind
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The Bind: Politics - Military - Administrative Divisions of the Bind
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| Society & Culture |
Society in The Bind: Brochs of The Bind - communication in The Bind - Demographics
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| History & Geography |
History of The United New Kingdoms: History
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| Politics & Economy |
Politics of The United New Kingdoms: Politics - Military
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| Society & Culture |
Society and Culture in The United New Kingdoms: Wolgos Culture in the UNK - Demographics - Humans of the UNK
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