We do this a lot - we built the first XYZ in the world, and then say “OK that'll do” and never bother to improve it. Others then make a succession of better ones, and we look surprised when we are overtaken.
It is quite pleasant to be native of a country that is a living museum, but there are times it is not appropriate, and when a change is required, it is clearly not good that all the folk who originally understood something have retired, and no-one dares change anything in case it breaks.
“The UK Government has announced that diesel-only trains will be phased out by 2040. Currently, 29% of the UK’s fleet is diesel and the move has been received positively by campaigners. But what does the phase-out involve? ”
I suspect there will be a few bridges to be raised for electrics then, or trains that can accept a supply from a gapped line without hiccuping.
Mind you
“42% of the UK’s network is currently electrified, putting it behind the Netherlands (76%), Italy (71%) and Spain (61%). ”
Other sources suggest that France and Germany are both around the 50% mark
Mike.
The UK were well ahead of the rest of Europe on building railways, good at the time but as other nations caught up lessons learned and purpose built lines for electrification, most have surpassed us on electrification years ago.
We have too many existing lines in the too hard to do box but you will find that any new line, even if its for diesel rolling stock will have provision built in for future electrification now.
I am not sure how the previous comment aligns with the Govt decision to use diesel trains on the new East - West rail line form Oxford to Cambridge. The line is not even restored yet, and diesel has been decided for the new rolling stock!
Most people seem to prefer electric trains. It will be expensive to convert to electric after the line has opened!
“The UK Government has announced that diesel-only trains will be phased out by 2040. Currently, 29% of the UK’s fleet is diesel and the move has been received positively by campaigners. But what does the phase-out involve? ”
I suspect there will be a few bridges to be raised for electrics then, or trains that can accept a supply from a gapped line without hiccuping.
Mind you
“42% of the UK’s network is currently electrified, putting it behind the Netherlands (76%), Italy (71%) and Spain (61%). ”
Other sources suggest that France and Germany are both around the 50% mark
The Deltic was a great engine, but a two stroke today is very dirty in today’s terms and so could not be used on the future and the whole point of this discussion is to look forward. I think there are some ex-British destroyers sold to the third world with deltic engines that may be still running?
My finest heritage trip was behind a Class 55 Deltic Royal Highland Fusilier to Edinburgh and back down the ECML at nearly 100mph. Far better than any steam hauled trip.
