SNCF
Paris
The first TGV test runs began, ushering in the era of high-speed rail in Europe with advanced technology and faster travel times.
Tsarskoye Selo Railway
Tsarskoye Selo
The Tsarskoye Selo Railway in Russia became the first public railway in the Russian Empire, marking the start of rail transport in the country with a steam locomotive pulling passenger cars over a 27-kilometer line.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Baltimore
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad commenced its first regular train services, marking the beginning of commercial rail transport in the United States and spurring national expansion.
London Underground
London
The London Underground began using electric multiple units, revolutionizing urban transit with faster, cleaner trains and expanding subway networks.
China Railway
Beijing
The Beijing-Tianjin intercity rail line, opened on April 12, 2007, became China's first high-speed passenger dedicated line, showcasing rapid rail expansion ahead of the 2008 Olympics.
SNCF
Paris
The unveiling of the TGV high-speed train prototype on April 12, 1981, represented a leap in rail technology, setting the stage for France's dominance in high-speed rail networks across Europe.
Warm Springs
President Roosevelt's passing ended an era of New Deal policies that modernized U.S. railroads through regulations and wartime mobilization.
American Civil War: The Andrews Raid (the Great Locomotive Chase) occurs, starting from Big Shanty, Georgia (now Kennesaw).
Warm Springs
On April 12, 1945, FDR's death marked the end of an era for U.S. rail policy, as his New Deal initiatives had previously supported railroad regulations and infrastructure projects during the Great Depression.
Showing 9 of 12 events for this date.
View Full ArchiveRailScanPro subscribers get access to our complete archive of railroad historical events, with advanced search, filtering, and the ability to explore events by railroad, location, and era.