tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post7647009027824871185..comments2023-04-27T03:19:55.560-07:00Comments on Reason & Rail: Unorganized thoughts and sources on electrificationPaul Drucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01856513230667005087noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post-52701300511521638952012-02-23T10:56:18.699-08:002012-02-23T10:56:18.699-08:00Instead of replacing bridge installations, freight...Instead of replacing bridge installations, freight railroads would probably prefer undercutting the roadbed to accommodate catenary installations inasmuch as is possible. It is an interesting technical challenge, but apparently cheaper and less disruptive than trying to rebuild road overpasses.<br /><br />BTW Norfolk Southern double-stacks clear the catenary at SEPTA's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norristown_Transportation_Center" rel="nofollow">Norristown Transportation Center</a> here in Philly. So it is certainly feasible.Steve Stofkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14825368520377993845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post-88906833192960634452012-02-20T10:26:16.909-08:002012-02-20T10:26:16.909-08:00Overhead wiring is far more energy efficient with ...Overhead wiring is far more energy efficient with third rail. This is especially true of 25kV 50/60Hz systems once you crack the rather annoying technical challenge of having reliable regenerative braking systems on 25kV. (DC systems managed this fifty or more years ago, as you know with the Milwaukee Road experience).<br /><br />At that point the only significant losses in a traction supply system are the resistive losses which scale by current and thus are tiny for 25kV compared to ~750V third rail.<br />Also, as your American Freight railroads have maximum speeds of under ~75-90mph over the majority of the network, non passenger lines could be electrified with simple tram derived fixed termination catenary systems if not full blown trolley wire.<br />That cuts the installation and maintanence costs further.Edmund Irelandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903937763350788308.post-47485917968641355592012-02-16T08:02:10.203-08:002012-02-16T08:02:10.203-08:00Sheesh, is Amtrak buying diesel at retail? I know...Sheesh, is Amtrak buying diesel at retail? I know I paid between $4.09 and $4.49/gal frequently this past year to fuel my Jetta TDI, but contract prices should be on the order of $0.50 to $1.00 cheaper.Mike Hickshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15257599090818492294noreply@blogger.com