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Electric vs Diesel Commuter Railraods
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You asked about, once the infrastucture was in place. <br /> <br />Building that infrastructure, which possibly could include another power plant, isnt attractive to a short sighted and public money poor American public. <br /> <br />It's cheaper, in part, due to the more energy efficient locomotives. Diesels, carry more weight around with them, which uses more fuel. They also work better when they stay idling when they aren't running, which uses more fuel. The reciprocating motion inside the engine contributes to more maintenance. <br /> <br />I'm not sure on this, but I think Diesel units may currently be cheaper, due to the widespread market for them across the country. If the manufactures pour their resources into technology for them, and to improve the efficiency of their production, then they may end up cheaper than a comparable electric unit. <br /> <br />With electric units, when they arent being needed, you can pretty much turn them off, or at least down to a minimum of loads, which uses a lot less energy. the electrics, getting their energy from the wire, carry less weight, and can run faster. A large generating plant can generate energy very efficiently, and can shift that energy to other uses if the railroad doesn't need it. So they can sell that to other customers, lowering the cost for the railroad. <br /> <br />These are just some thoughts I had, I don't have any information to send to you. <br /> <br />James
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