[steam for ever]

Still paying for all that infastructure that is needed can cost millions.
Anyway I do know that a huge amount of power comes from coal fired power stations.
I will now come to safety.
I do not see a way how you can say that it is any safer.
Remember the cumbria crash?
The wires were draged down and prevented escape untill the power was turned off.
In an accident this causes havoc.

I come back to the fact that it is expensive.
I metioned this to begn with and Pre65 has actually strengthened my point.
25000 volts over a long distance is going to eat up the cash.
My knowledge may be flawed but so may be the system.
Remember that deisel and electric traction was considered only for shunting work.
Wonder why?