If you had to choose a car that would do good as a locomotive, I bet the Smart ForFour would not be your first choice.

That hasn’t stopped British train engineering specialists at Interfleet from building a one-off Smart ForFour modified to run on rails. Nicknamed the Smart Forrail, the prototype is described as “a fully certified mini-train.”

It took six months of engineering work and sophisticated CAD modeling for the Forrail to become reality. The car was equipped with unique, solid steel wheels each measuring 22-inches in diameter and weighing 80 kg (176 lbs), giving it the necessary traction on rails.

Other modifications had to be done as well – the steering was disconnected by engineers to allow it to handle being driven on rails. Aluminum supports were welded between the axles to avoid any steering movement.

After the conversion, the Smart Forrail was put to the test on the privately operated Bluebell Railway. The unusual vehicle provided a few commuters the chance to avoid the congested roads without having to leave the comfort of the city car.

The Forrail traveled along a 10-mile (16.1-km) stretch of railway, cutting a direct route through Sussex. Although the route represented a significant challenge for the modified Smart ForFour, it managed to complete the runs, taking passengers by surprise.

Each of the Forrail’s six runs took place at low speed with a licensed train driver in the car and supervised by trained staff from the railway at all time.

As you can imagine, it was just a publicity stunt, with the car returned to its original form after the experiment. Smart does not encourage any individual to carry out similar modifications because it’s “incredibly difficult.”

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Smart ForRail – and yes, it's a one-off Smart ForFour modified to run on railsPosted by Carscoops on Monday, June 29, 2015