Flybe problems - did they take rail improvements into account?

[squizzler]

On performance up to 125mph a modern diesel will match the electric equivalent.

Really? If you wanted a modern 125mph diesel (an oxymoron IMO) that even approached electric performance, what would your options be? The Hitachi AT300 variant which is yet to be built for the Midlands route is all that springs to mind.

 

[Bletchleyite]

as for electrification, where do you think all the electricity is coming from, its not 100% renewable.

There have been summer days when almost all of it was, and a fairly large chunk is nuclear, which while it has its own issues does not emit carbon. Today it's mostly non-renewables as the demand is very high - even the pumped storage is on at the moment, presumably for hot drinks being made on arrival at offices!

This:
https://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/
...is always an interesting read.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Really? If you wanted a modern 125mph diesel (an oxymoron IMO) that even approached electric performance, what would your options be? The Hitachi AT300 variant which is yet to be built for the Midlands route is all that springs to mind.

Could a variant of 68+Mk5 be produced? In their current formations they take off like an EMU and sound like an old-style HST!

 

[edwin_m]

The 22x and the future Hitachi replacement on the MML are close to electric performance, but have very high operating cost. A big enough diesel (under each coach) is probably going to be inefficient because when accelerating it will be flat out and when running at steady speed may be below its most efficient power saving. The big engine and the fuel to power it increases weight and therefore increases the engine size and fuel load needed to move it around. It may even need a stronger and heavier coach structure to support it.

 

[furnessvale]

In the great scheme of things this weight is not material and certainly not a justification for diverting £bn that should be spent making trains faster by improving track, signals and level crossings and making trains longer.

On performance up to 125mph a modern diesel will match the electric equivalent.

1. Agreed, but I did not bring weight into the equation in the first place!

2. Self evident, but how do you define "equivalent". As I mentioned earlier, this must be power at the railhead including the ability of an electric motor to have increased power for limited time.