Rail roads and their tracks.

[MossRoad]

Some interesting reading on battery powered trains. Don't want to comment on all the known issues of battery procurement, environmental impacts of manufacturing and disposing of batteries, etc., because we all know where that discussion goes, because we've had it already over in the electric car thread.

Just interesting reading....

https://dieselnet.com/news/2021/12berkeley.php

Battery-Electric Freight Trains Could Happen, Eventually

New battery-electric freight trains are beginning to hit the rails, and they could soon be joined by electrified diesel locomotives, too.

cleantechnica.com

One thing I find interesting about electric trains is that electricity can be made from so many sources, Vs diesel fuels.

There's also the differences between battery powered trains VS overhead centenary wires.

Anyhow, all very interesting to see where things will head.

 

[Hay Dude]

Some interesting reading on battery powered trains. Don't want to comment on all the known issues of battery procurement, environmental impacts of manufacturing and disposing of batteries, etc., because we all know where that discussion goes, because we've had it already over in the electric car thread.

Just interesting reading....

https://dieselnet.com/news/2021/12berkeley.php

Battery-Electric Freight Trains Could Happen, Eventually

New battery-electric freight trains are beginning to hit the rails, and they could soon be joined by electrified diesel locomotives, too.

cleantechnica.com

One thing I find interesting about electric trains is that electricity can be made from so many sources, Vs diesel fuels.

There's also the differences between battery powered trains VS overhead centenary wires.

Anyhow, all very interesting to see where things will head.

I could see that being a very viable use of batteries. They’re heavy and locomotives need weight for traction. Already partly or fully electric. Charging stations wouldnt be much of an issue.

 

[MossRoad]

I could see that being a very viable use of batteries. They’re heavy and locomotives need weight for traction. Already partly or fully electric. Charging stations wouldnt be much of an issue.

Yep. And they mentioned they could switch to diesel power if the batteries died. They talked about having battery cars behind the locos.

All kinds of possibilities.

 

[5030]

Charging stations wouldnt be much of an issue.

Certainly would be. I can envision a 1 foot diameter extension cord plugged into a substation that is getting it's juice from a power plant somewhere. That somewhere is fueled by what?

Kind of like the electric car thing. Where does the power originate at?

 

[the old grind]

My trains (~ a dozen) are all electric, run on three evenly-spaced rails, and operate on AC.

 

[5030]

Aw geeze, another hour I have to dedicate to the cause!

Thanks, I'll watch it tonight after the family goes to bed.

You love every minute of it and you know it....

 

[Hay Dude]

Can’t understand why a hybrid couldn’t charge loco batteries on the fly? A diesel with extremely low emissions?

 

[Hay Dude]

Certainly would be. I can envision a 1 foot diameter extension cord plugged into a substation that is getting it's juice from a power plant somewhere. That somewhere is fueled by what?

Kind of like the electric car thing. Where does the power originate at?

Small Power stations built at train yards? Loco houses? Near power generation stations?
I mean this is the United States. We do have some skilz

 

[MossRoad]

Think of the regenerative braking a mile-plus long freight train would have going down a good grade.

 

[5030]

Think of the regenerative braking a mile-plus long freight train would have going down a good grade.

Has to go up the other side....lol