QUOTE: Originally posted by daveklepper We might even see a captive two-rail electified automotic rapid transit line without third rail or trolley wire. Remember Edison's first backyard demonstration electric railroad was two rail, like a model train set.
USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman
-Tim
QUOTE: Originally posted by SteamerFan In watching the price of oil over the last 30 years, it become evident that in 30-40 years it's price will become to much. that being said, railroads will be forced to look at alternatives that don't use oil based products. this means that lubercation wiould have to be at a minimal, and the only thing that could be cost effective and oil free (relatively) would be the Maglev system. Thus in 30-40 years when oil prices are to high for railroads to handle, they will be forced to switch to a maglev system. there are 2 schools of this in thought now, the transistion trains, where two maglev rails are mounted along side the current rails on the ground and the train will be modified to use the system, but still use wheels. the final system is one where the entire train loses it's wheels and that is the one the governement is pushing for now.
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QUOTE: Originally posted by eastside In a decade or so trains may be the relevant term only for collections of cars going long distances to a common location. By then the information revolution will have taken over and they'll be WI-FI capable, self-propelled, semi-autonomous vehicles able to switch, assemble or proceed to local spurs without human intervention. In other words, the railways will resemble automated conveyor belts. The WI-FI will enable all facets of cars condition to be monitored anywhere at an Internet terminal. Any railroad that doesn't head in this direction will be out of business.
QUOTE: Originally posted by daveklepper I don't think it will be maglev. You have to use energy to lift the train as well as propel it, and the advantages of less friction come into play only at very high speeds.
Quentin
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