Peter Sarf
Established Member
Thread prompted by mentions of 25KvAC from Reading to Southampton, mentions of the reliability of the (ancient) 3rd rail technology and hints of future conversion to 25KvAC.
Occurs to me that wireing up for 25KvAC most/all of the Southern half of the Thameslink routes would be a good place to start. Then, at least, the new Thameslink trains would not need to be dual voltage (DC capable). The 3rd rail need not be removed straight away as this is needed for other services (e.g. Victoria to Brighton). However there are plenty of existing dual voltage units that could cope if some of it was removed.
If conversion is on the cards then the above would, in my opinion, be a good place to start. I expect its not on the cards but any views ?.
Any other ideas/priorities ?.
Occurs to me that wireing up for 25KvAC most/all of the Southern half of the Thameslink routes would be a good place to start. Then, at least, the new Thameslink trains would not need to be dual voltage (DC capable). The 3rd rail need not be removed straight away as this is needed for other services (e.g. Victoria to Brighton). However there are plenty of existing dual voltage units that could cope if some of it was removed.
If conversion is on the cards then the above would, in my opinion, be a good place to start. I expect its not on the cards but any views ?.
Any other ideas/priorities ?.