Recent content by AndrewE

Given that (if my quick search is right) we might see 500 or 600 W/m squared in Switzerland, and trains generally take megaWatts, you will need thousands of metres squared to power a passing train... it obviously falls at the first crude numerical assessment, and isn't worth wasting any further...

We found the X6 from Haverthwaite station to Grange-over-Sands was pretty exciting last year. A double decker which goes through some narrow tree-lined roads and down some steep hills! Sit upstairs at the front for the full effect...

Looking at the WCML, I was a bit surprised to find that Milton Keynes "only" has 8!

I'm waiting for a second train per hour from Brum to Preston, but I'm not holding my breath. It is sorely needed. The second Brum-Liverpool is good (when it runs) but there is still only the one train an hour from Crewe to Warrington and destinations/interchanges further north...

That's a proper train! Walking along one like that to get to your coach to board gives you a feel of what night (and some day) trains used to be like. None of this fixed-consist EMU rubbish...

I would offer the single-track on the southern slow lines approach to Crewe Station, 4 track all the way from Stafford, 13 lines in the station (every single one accessible from the up and down fast and slows) and you have a pinch point immediately S at S Junction.

I just did a web search for "Wooden platelayers trolley." I expected one to show up in the collection at York museum, but his was almost the first result. p.s. another good one on https://www.nymr.co.uk/lineside-huts Otherwise most of the results are adverts for models!

and brake pad/disc wear - and the material and labour costs of replacements. It's why rheostatic / regenerative braking pays for itself regardless of whether you can harvest the power.

but wasn't there an awful lot of "Old company" loyalty or "not invented here" around back then - especially from ex-GWR people?

How about the one on https://www.bidefordrailway.co.uk/rolling-stock/trolley/

I suspect they were basically square, the length governed by how heavy they were. They needed to be able to be lifted above the rails to get them onto the wheelsets - and quickly off the track if the need arose (many years ago.) So no longer than the robust build would allow a small gang to lift!

Maybe not the '60s, but https://www.batteriesinternational.com/2015/03/14/james-sudworth/ is a good read if you are interested in the details and history of the chemistry: and and lots more history. Quite interesting.

Perhaps MKC should be pick-up only?

Given the prejudice against serving the city, I wouldn't hold your breath....

Many years ago my parents (in the SE) were expecting a visitor from Russia... She wrote to them that she would arrive at Liverpool Station at some specific time, cue panic: Could I get there to meet her and escort her back to them? After a bit of thought I realised that she was interpreting...