Another unusual powered train is this GWR 230 class, with runs on batteries.
It seems that GWR has a number of short branch lines perfect for this technology. Like West Midlands Trains and the Stourbridge branch, they provide a testing ground for technology, and also a welcome source of reliable performance figures.
Some of the technology here is amazing Recharges take place at stations with the train dropping a couple of shoes on to electric rails. The process must take place in the three minutes it takes a driver to change ends. It seems that three full charges a day are required for the 19 trips - so the chargeing involves a lot of electric juice!
The big question, is when will a RTR model of the 230 unit appear? Well, at least one manufacturer is looking at is since there would be a reaonably easy job to produce the LT D stock they were converted from...
1 comment:
I think that both this and the hydrogen MU from yesterday are fantastic, the potential for more widespread use of the technology seems obvious to me for areas where OHLE or 3rd rail isn't really feasible. When people say the golden age of rail has passed and the modern scene is boring, I just think that people aren't looking hard enough or their rose tinted glasses may be a bit too thick to see what's in front of them.
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