Freight Maglev?

[ironhorseman]

OK, now we're getting somewhere. At least I know now where you're getting your info from. Thank You.

I still think that arguing the scientific points of how the darn thing works is pointless. Whatever it's mechanical downfalls are will have to discovered through trial and error, but that's no reason to kill the whole project altogether. If the Wright brothers test flight went off like it did at yesterday's reenactment (Dec 17, 2003) should they have just called the whole thing off? Where would we be then?

I think the greater issue is it's practical use and it's cost. Right now it probably does cost too much to be practical. Right now in the U.S. the cost is still way under a billion dollars (but climbing), but overseas the cost is reaching into the billions (and still climbing).

Widespread maglev train use is still decades off. Perhaps someone else can invent a way to use magnetic levitation for uses other than the form of transportation we think of now. Maybe it could be used in construction. Maybe it can be used in elevators, eliminating cables and hydraulics. Maybe it can be used in ware houses to move stuff. Maybe post offices (the major centers) can use it move mail accross the complex. Or something.

The most absurd thing I did see while searching for maglev articles (and I don't think I saved it because I couldn't find the link) was one city, somewhere, considering a maglev plan actually rejected a plan to utilize abandoned railroad tracks for light rail commuter service BECASUE (get this) THEIR CHILDREN PLAY ON THE TRACKS! For crying out loud! What is this world coming to? "Don't you dare reactivate those RR tracks because that's my child's playground!" Can you believe????!!!!!! I wish I could find the article. When and if I do I'll amend this post.

In conculsion, something's gotta give. I saw on the History Channel the problem the airports are having is trying to handle the large volumes of people coming and going through airports every year. The new airport in Colorado is a monstrosity that shortly after it opened it couldn't handle parking and they're working on expanding the airport. Which leads me to another point. Highways are overcrowded, too. If people aren't driving to airports they're driving everywhere else. With major volumes of people traveling everywhere alternate modes of transportation are needed, whether it be light rail or maglev. Everyone I know would rather fly or drive. They won't consider a bus or train because "that's not serious transportation." To them public transporation is for the "lower class." I live in a place where everybody thinks they can drive their cars to a concert or sporting event 5 minutes before it starts and park in the front row everytime. I think the maglev's greatest competition is the automobile. But I guess that's just the way it is and how it's always been.