October 16, 2024Oct 16 IronLev says they can run maglev vehicles on conventional rail tracks. https://www.ironlev.com/ Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
October 16, 2024Oct 16 58 minutes ago, Dougal said: IronLev says they can run maglev vehicles on conventional rail tracks. https://www.ironlev.com/ I’m having trouble understanding what the propulsion mechanism is. Levitating over tracks using permanent magnets makes sense, but what makes it actually move? When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
October 16, 2024Oct 16 1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said: I’m having trouble understanding what the propulsion mechanism is. Levitating over tracks using permanent magnets makes sense, but what makes it actually move? I can't believe I'm actually addressing this "tech" but the propulsion is just one of many questions. How does it handle turnouts? Diamonds? Activate flashers/gates at grade crossings? Handle lateral wind forces from opposing trains or in tunnels/close quarters? ADA level boarding/platform gaps? Sabotage? How will its speed be any greater through curves than conventional trains? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 16, 2024Oct 16 2 hours ago, KJP said: I can't believe I'm actually addressing this "tech" but the propulsion is just one of many questions. How does it handle turnouts? Diamonds? Activate flashers/gates at grade crossings? Handle lateral wind forces from opposing trains or in tunnels/close quarters? ADA level boarding/platform gaps? Sabotage? How will its speed be any greater through curves than conventional trains? You're not alone in your skepticism.
October 18, 2024Oct 18 On 10/16/2024 at 6:11 PM, Foraker said: You're not alone in your skepticism. < eyes roll>
October 18, 2024Oct 18 On 10/16/2024 at 4:09 PM, KJP said: I can't believe I'm actually addressing this "tech" but the propulsion is just one of many questions. How does it handle turnouts? Diamonds? Activate flashers/gates at grade crossings? Handle lateral wind forces from opposing trains or in tunnels/close quarters? ADA level boarding/platform gaps? Sabotage? How will its speed be any greater through curves than conventional trains? I had a second thought recently, what if you used this tech only on trailing cars? The engine being driven conventionally. (the concept essentially seems to be using magnets to levitate the train, with roller guides that would engage the sides of the rails to keep the train centered on the tracks -- that's their lateral wind and curve solution) Could this tech result in decrease friction in the towed cars, improving efficiency? You'd still have to overcome inertia, and probably turn it off during braking when you actually want more friction. Hmm. Not convinced, but it's more interesting that way than as a full maglev conversion.
October 19, 2024Oct 19 On 10/18/2024 at 9:54 AM, Foraker said: I had a second thought recently, what if you used this tech only on trailing cars? The engine being driven conventionally. (the concept essentially seems to be using magnets to levitate the train, with roller guides that would engage the sides of the rails to keep the train centered on the tracks -- that's their lateral wind and curve solution) Could this tech result in decrease friction in the towed cars, improving efficiency? You'd still have to overcome inertia, and probably turn it off during braking when you actually want more friction. Hmm. Not convinced, but it's more interesting that way than as a full maglev conversion. You can’t “turn off” permanent magnets. Most maglev systems are using electro-magnets, which can be turned on by applying electricity and off by removing that electricity. This system claims to use permanent magnets to reduce energy consumption. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
October 21, 2024Oct 21 On 10/19/2024 at 11:32 AM, Boomerang_Brian said: You can’t “turn off” permanent magnets. Most maglev systems are using electro-magnets, which can be turned on by applying electricity and off by removing that electricity. This system claims to use permanent magnets to reduce energy consumption. Could you clamp the sides of the rail for braking the trailing cars? I don't suppose there is a practical way to apply an opposing electrical field to overcome the permanent magnets' lift.
December 7, 2024Dec 7 amtrak to … europe? Inside incredible £15.6 trillion Transatlantic Tunnel that would connect UK with US in 54 minutes The proposed Transatlantic Tunnel would connect the UK with the US, allowing for a 54-minute journey time between London and New York - but the cost would be astronomical BY PAIGE INGRAM, CHRIS SAMUEL 00:13, 6 DEC 2024 In the realm of visionary infrastructure, the notion of a tunnel connecting Britain and the United States consistently grabs the limelight. With an astounding projected cost of £15.6 trillion, this colossal endeavour symbolises the drive to diminish physical divides, reinforcing the "special relationship" that spans the 3,400-mile gap between the two countries. more: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/inside-incredible-156-trillion-transatlantic-34259383.amp
March 17Mar 17 First I’ve seen this. Good for a laugh. “President Obama's proposed high-speed train system will be replaced with a fleet of buses that will rocket along highways at speeds up to 165 mph.” When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
March 17Mar 17 Yeah, it made the rounds back in the late-2000s "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 29Apr 29 A Cleveland group, the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association, is restoring a once coal-fired locomotive to burn oil. Apparently the Brits did a lot of oil conversions after WW2, but it never caught on in the US. Now, it's hard to get coal and environmental approvals to burn it; hence the oil.Railfan & Railroad MagazineGroup Restoring Reading 2100 to Says Locomotive Will Burn...American Steam Railroad Preservation Association recently took delivery of locomotive 2100’s new boiler tubes. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
Create an account or sign in to comment