Quote:
Originally Posted by swisstrains
I like steam locos and even have a soft spot for some diesels but as far as modern day traction goes it is hard to better electrics.
Electric trains, with fewer moving parts, are much cheaper to maintain than diesels, which more than compensates for any costs involved in servicing the overhead line equipment.
Although it’s true that most power generation at present does cause pollution this can’t be used as an argument against electrification because the technology exists to rectify the matter and most governments are actively working towards that end. Even in today’s situation diesel fuel isn’t any better as it still has to be produced and oil refineries are amongst the biggest polluters on the planet.
It has also been suggested that further railway electrification shouldn’t take place because of the risk of power cuts and industrial action. Why? Using the same logic we would have to go back to gas lighting and candles just in case.
As for potential weather problems it has to be said that many countries with far harsher climates than ours cope perfectly well with electrified railways. Overhead line equipment when properly installed is pretty robust.
The preference for a loco to carry its own power supply no doubt stems from a liking for steam and diesels but it’s this feature that helps make these locos so inefficient. Because it doesn’t have to carry round a steam boiler or diesel engine and tons/gallons of fuel an electric loco has a much better power to weight ratio. A Class 91 electric has more than twice the power of a Class 67 diesel yet weighs 6 tonnes less.
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I totally agree with all you say John. The foreseeable future is electric with diesel filling in the gaps. Any return to steam as a day to day motive power is pure fantasy. The only proven motive power for high speed lines is electric. I do not see steam locomotives that can routinely run reliably at speeds 50% above current world record being developed, when there is doubt about financing the high speed routes using proven motive power!
We have our heritage steam which is great, but for day to day use forget it.
Swiss Railways have managed fine with electric for decades!
Best wishes,
John H-T.