Trainician
Member
Hi this thread is for opinions on what should be done about the lines electrified with 3rd rail (not considering London underground).
You mean that some EMUs can run on third rail and 25Kv AC at the same time?Honestly it seems to me to not be worth the effort when all modern third rail EMUs can be converted to run on pantographs and some EMUs can run on both, or can be converted to dual voltage.
yeah, like the class 319 and 700.You mean that some EMUs can run on third rail and 25Kv AC at the same time?
Well, not quite at the same time, but sequentially on the same journey if required.yeah, like the class 319 and 700.
Ah didn't read the question properly. No they don't operate on both at the same time because I don't think much track exists with both third rail and pantograph exist, although in theory they probably could operate both at the same time.Well, not quite at the same time, but sequentially on the same journey if required.
Dual voltage trains have a changeover switch, - indeed, I think the Electrostars need a reboot to go from one system to another. The track from Farringdon to City Thameslink is equipped for both DC and ac running but is both complicated and expensive to operate. I believe that some of the tracks into Euston also have both systems to enble some flexibility in platforming the Overground services there.Ah didn't read the question properly. No they don't operate on both at the same time because I don't think much track exists with both third rail and pantograph exist, although in theory they probably could operate both at the same time.
Electrified freight does not need AC conversion.Basingstoke-Bournemouth would be the obvious first route (when they did Southampton tunnel did they allow for wires?) to allow for future electrified freight and bimode XC.
So you are saying that in the event of major work at Euston (remember the rider in the post that you responded to) a mix of 3rd rail and OHLE should be retained.No, waste of precious capital for very small gains.
The 25kV programme has enough problems without trying to generate additional work for it.
I didn't actually respond to that person, I was technically responding to the OP.So you are saying that in the event of major work at Euston (remember the rider in the post that you responded to) a mix of 3rd rail and OHLE should be retained.
yeah, like the class 319 and 700.
All mainline EMUs ordered since the noughties have been either dual system ready or convertible. Look at the DC-only class 375, 376, 377, they have pantograph wells and suspension set up for a transformer. Most ac-only EMUs have passive provision for 3rd rail collection, - fitting of shoes is a minor depot operation. A 750V DC bus is now the norm for system design.717's. Welwyn Garden City - Moorgate.
377's (some) and 387's when they were used on Thameslink, Bedford/Luton to Brighton/south of the river. Not sure about now as they've been cascaded.
Plenty of reading material to be found: https://www.google.com/search?safe=...d+with+3rd+rail+convert+site:railforums.co.ukOh I didn't know it was frequent