'<strong>Palace on rails':</strong> French designer Thierry Gaugain is hoping to take the rail travel experience to a new level with his latest concept, a private luxury train made for just one owner.
'Palace on rails': French designer Thierry Gaugain is hoping to take the rail travel experience to a new level with his latest concept, a private luxury train made for just one owner.
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Futuristic design: </strong>The G Train will measure 400 meters and is to be made of hi-tech glass that can be switched from opaque to complete transparency.<br />
Futuristic design: The G Train will measure 400 meters and is to be made of hi-tech glass that can be switched from opaque to complete transparency.
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Unique project: </strong>"The owner we envision is someone who is aware of the uniqueness of this train and understands that we are not just talking about transportation,"Gaugain says. "It's about travel, not how fast you get from point A to point B."<br />
Unique project: "The owner we envision is someone who is aware of the uniqueness of this train and understands that we are not just talking about transportation,"Gaugain says. "It's about travel, not how fast you get from point A to point B."
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>'Secret' garden: </strong>The G Train is to have a garden on board that gives passengers the opportunity to "explore different atmospheres each time."
'Secret' garden: The G Train is to have a garden on board that gives passengers the opportunity to "explore different atmospheres each time."
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Party central:</strong> The wings of the train can be folded down to create alfresco terraces, where elaborate parties can take place as well as concerts.<br />
Party central: The wings of the train can be folded down to create alfresco terraces, where elaborate parties can take place as well as concerts.
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Instant transformation: </strong>"The train is a stage," says Gaugain. "You can change the light, the season or the pace in order to change your relationship to time."
Instant transformation: "The train is a stage," says Gaugain. "You can change the light, the season or the pace in order to change your relationship to time."
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Long distance travel:</strong> With space for up to 18 guests, the train will run at 160 kilometers per hour and is set to be adapted to travel on railways across the Americas and Europe.
Long distance travel: With space for up to 18 guests, the train will run at 160 kilometers per hour and is set to be adapted to travel on railways across the Americas and Europe.
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Rediscovering travel: </strong>Gaugain believes that there is too much emphasis on speed when it comes to travel, and sees the G Train as a place where those on board can slow down and enjoy the journey.
Rediscovering travel: Gaugain believes that there is too much emphasis on speed when it comes to travel, and sees the G Train as a place where those on board can slow down and enjoy the journey.
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Complicated concept: </strong>The designer is working with a number of experts, such as Swiss train builder Stadler, glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain, UK engineering firm Eckersley O'Callaghan and security company Marine Guard onboard to ensure that the concept is "feasible."
Complicated concept: The designer is working with a number of experts, such as Swiss train builder Stadler, glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain, UK engineering firm Eckersley O'Callaghan and security company Marine Guard onboard to ensure that the concept is "feasible."
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain
<strong>Multi-million dollar train</strong>: If Gaugain finds a buyer for the concept, it's likely be at a cost of around $350 million and the G Train will take at least two and a half years to build.
Multi-million dollar train: If Gaugain finds a buyer for the concept, it's likely be at a cost of around $350 million and the G Train will take at least two and a half years to build.
Courtesy Thierry Gaugain