Diesel versus electric trains

[revrange]

not sure about the claim its cheaper to maintian, don't you have to look after the lines? How many times do they fall down in the winter!

For me, save the billion and put it into proper high speed rail links that would make a real difference not just more Brownite fudge.

[Ponk]

Just noticed this, i'm not sure where the OP's figures have come from. The figures on Network Rail's intranet for the difference between Leccy and diesel in terms of emissions are 20-30% in favour of Leccy.

Also there are other benefits to be considered, Electric trains can accelerate out of stations faster and stop quicker reducing journey times. Diesel trains create more wear and tear on the network (i'm guessing because they are heavier and the weight isn't as well distributed).

[s2art]

Ponk said:

Just noticed this, i'm not sure where the OP's figures have come from. The figures on Network Rail's intranet for the difference between Leccy and diesel in terms of emissions are 20-30% in favour of Leccy.

As said, from the Grauniad report. Got a link to that 20-30% figure? They do talk about 20-30% in favour of electric *vehicles*, but thats bollux too unless the source of power is nuclear or similar.

[The Ben]

Why cant we have Maglev trains here instead of smoky old diesels...

[Ponk]

s2art said:

Ponk said:

Just noticed this, i'm not sure where the OP's figures have come from. The figures on Network Rail's intranet for the difference between Leccy and diesel in terms of emissions are 20-30% in favour of Leccy.

As said, from the Grauniad report. Got a link to that 20-30% figure? They do talk about 20-30% in favour of electric *vehicles*, but thats bollux too unless the source of power is nuclear or similar.

I don't i'm afraid as it's an internal article. I don't have any reason to not believe it, NR can't exactly lie to itself can it? How do you pull the wool over the eyes over a company of railway engineers

[jmorgan]

How are they going to nail the wires to the roof in the Severn Tunnel? Must be interruption of service for that.

[s2art]

Ponk said:

s2art said:

Ponk said:

Just noticed this, i'm not sure where the OP's figures have come from. The figures on Network Rail's intranet for the difference between Leccy and diesel in terms of emissions are 20-30% in favour of Leccy.

As said, from the Grauniad report. Got a link to that 20-30% figure? They do talk about 20-30% in favour of electric *vehicles*, but thats bollux too unless the source of power is nuclear or similar.

I don't i'm afraid as it's an internal article. I don't have any reason to not believe it, NR can't exactly lie to itself can it? How do you pull the wool over the eyes over a company of railway engineers

They seem to be trying to. But then how many railway engineers will have done the well to wheel calcs?

[prand]

The line is due to be elecrified as far as Maidenhead as part of Crossrail, so why not take advantage of this and extend it all the way when the Crossrail project is picking up say, 20% of the tab.

You'll still have trains going to Cornwall adn teh South West which will need to be diesel powered if it's not going all the way in that direction, which make up a great deal of the Great Western traffic.

I can see benefits in using electricity - less reliance on fuel supply and logistic infrastructure, and a greater protection from price fluctuations (which will be handled by the Generating companies).

There must still be a benefit to diesel as National Express use diesel trains when the electric infrastructure is already there (and was used by GNER). No wonder they are going bust...

[odyssey2200]

Where is the electricity coming from?

IIRC the Uk has very little in the way of spare capacity to generate more power.