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211 comments on DrumBeat: November 24, 2006

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AlanfromBigEasy on November 24, 2006 - 7:04pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
People who really believe they, via their efforts, can change the world are both amusing and pitiful. They are one of six and one half billion people. And that is about how much they affect the world as a whole.

I think that there is a low probability (originally 1%-3%, now my guess is 5% - 7%) that I can change the emphasis "later" towards electrified rail.

Not turn the world (or the US) on a dime, but alter the course once the first fragments of excrement hit the rotating blade.

Part of my strategy is to preposition a logical, medium term alternative that others can focus on when they start grasping at straws.

One of my first steps was to convince the community at TOD that this is a silver BB.  I have succeeded, thus my increased odds.

Best Hopes,

Alan

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ThatsItImout on November 24, 2006 - 10:27pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Alan, how's things going?  I been looking for ya' around here, I hope you read your responses....I want you to take a look at something...
http://www.ruf.dk/

This idea has at least a 10 year history, and instead of dying away, it seems to be gaining momentum...what do ya' think?
When I first saw it, I thought it was idiotic....but then starting visualizing it in areas around me, Hardin County KY, between Radcliff and Elizabethtown, with a cross that would extend backwards into Vine Grove and Meade County, and the other end mirroring I-65 north to Louisville, the airport and straight through to the river.....ahhh, this could possibly work....it was passing the "usability" test....I want what's his name, totenella, with the "spider" pipe rider idea to see it too, it's not so far off what he talks about....dreamin', ain't it fun...:-)
What was it someone just said, "People who really believe they, via their efforts, can change the world are both amusing and pitiful."
I'll take that, how many people do you know are truly amusing....:-)

Roger Conner  known to you as ThatsItImout

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AlanfromBigEasy on November 25, 2006 - 12:38am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
RUF is "gadgetbahn".

New tecnology simply takes time to work out the "bugs" in the details.  And only then can one make a valid comparision with the alternatives.

RUF does not strike me a very good idea at all from a technology/engineering POV.  I think the attraction for others is a "have your cake & eat it too appeal".  Your personal car in "electric train mode".

Another poster is very "up" on the concept of wind turbines floating and not anchored to the seabed offshore.  At first glance "nice" but I see a host of potential problems.

He proposes masses of these offshore Florida for example (good winds there) that can move aside for hurricanes.  I see side loadings and leverage issues that will be difficult to engineer around economically (they cartainly can be made stable but at what price ?)

So experiment, get a half dozen years experience, and I will consider that it MIGHT be practical.

In the case of RUF, I see it as a distraction from viable, workable solutions.

Few people realise how rich is the operating experience of 175+ years of railroad experience.  SO many problems have been resolved.  Thus my preference in the few years we have left prePO (if we are not post-PO today).

Best Hopes,

Alan

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ThatsItImout on November 25, 2006 - 5:49am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Alan,
Thanks for the feedback..., I think you are exactly right on your remark,
 I think the attraction for others is a "have your cake & eat it too appeal".  Your personal car in "electric train mode".

I have to admit, that was the first and overwhelming appeal to me.  I absolutely love trains, electric ones all the better...and the older generation certainly proved "tried and true".  

My central problem is that when I look at my local area, it is so scattered out that trying to get rider density up would be almost impossible unless we tore down and restructed the communties almost completely.  Some fellow fanciers of the "efficient transportation" idea have drawn out map after map, but to no avail...the cities and towns would have to be "recentered" or the area would have to be literally buried in train track...either way, for central KY, the expense would be astronomical, or people would have to be expected to walk long distances...I still like the idea of the old fashioned train type system, ala east coast commuter, with electric station cars to the neighborhoods...:-)
It makes a fun hobby just trying to figure it out....:-)

Roger Conner  known to you as ThatsItImout

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sf on November 25, 2006 - 2:05am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Alan, what happens when you get to the end of the electrical rail line?  is the rolling stock compatible with conventional tracks and locomotives?  I live in a relatively isolated area that is less likely to be electrified, but does have a small Amtrak station.  As long as the train could switch engines, this would be a manageable problem.  
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AlanfromBigEasy on November 25, 2006 - 9:04am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
The only difference is the locomotives.  Either change them or have diesel-electrics (today 99+% are diesel electrics) that can switch fromm on-board diesel generation to grid by raising a pantograph.

In other nations with mixed electric & FF rail lines (UK, Russia, India) changing locos is the normal practive.

Long distance trains through rural areas are good candidates for electrification.

Best Hopes,

Alan

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hummingbird on November 25, 2006 - 7:34am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Alan you are a saint.  Ghandi comes to mind.  You just might make a difference.  I wish you all the best.
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tstreet on November 25, 2006 - 4:48pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Let me add, also, someone is making a difference, if only in the wrong direction. Alan will make a difference. Keep pushing, Alan, and keep us informed what you are doing on the political front and with respect direct communication between you those making decisions.

Yes, TOD has its entertainment value, but beyond that it is a testing ground for ideas, some of which may go somewhere. Testing it here first in this laboratory, one can take it elsewhere with a better reasoned argument that just might make a difference with one's legislatures.  

 

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AlanfromBigEasy on November 25, 2006 - 7:31pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
{blush}

Best Hopes,

Alan

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211 comments on DrumBeat: November 24, 2006

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