daybeers wrote: ↑Tue Oct 08, 2019 11:38 pm
Like the solar-powered Byron Bay Train in Australia?
Interesting website! Aluminum body cars that are lighter than "Light Rail" cars, built by former WWII aircraft builder in Australia. Similar to RDC. Solar powered seems exciting, except most of the panels are on their building, only a few on the train, and they are connected to the grid which is providing "only renewable energy". Still, they claim to produce net surplus power. Basically it's lithium-ion battery powered, with regenerative braking recovering 25% of the power used during acceleration, operating with only one engine, the other truck having a 1973 Cummins "very clean burning" diesel for emergency use. No mention about whether the train is heated!
Obviously these won't meet FRA standards, so just lease some of the RDC's from VT. And set up a wood-to-synfuel refinery.