Hi Mike
On (11 Oct 97) MIKE ROSS wrote to Alec Cameron...
 MR> New more permeable metal alloys also make the motors much smaller for a
 MR> given power. So much so that instead of using 1 big motor you can
 MR> install an equivalent distributed motor drive for each wheel. What's
 MR> more these can also be used in regenerative braking which recuperates
 MR> the car's inertia, otherwise wasted as heat, back into electric power.
Regeneration was also used with the old technology, but without the passion 
o
recover energy. It was for the money saved in brake maintenance, that NSW
introduced it to our 1500v DC locos around 1949. These 3780HP machines each
had a 36v motor generator dedicated to excite the fields of the traction
motors when retardation was required. Variable field control of the mg set,
would establish the braking as desired by the driver.
 AC> On most rail systems, the lateral roll is too severe to risk rim
 AC> filled beverages.
 MR> The turns are banked. Taking a turn at 70 mph you feel like you're in a
 MR> race track oval.
I wasn't thinking of curves, but of the hills and dales due to trackbed
settling and water damage.
I ride trains a lot here. The banked curve is a failure if the coffee cup is
full as the train stops on the banked curve. I find myself leaning heavily
against the window, or against my unfortunate neighbour.  "Sorry Miss!".
 MR> rubber formulation I guess. Incidentally the brake shoes are made of
 MR> linseed oil impregnated wood because the alternative type would of
 MR> course fill the tunnels with asbestos fibers.
Surely, no railroad still uses asbestos?! That wood would surely smoulder, if
a dragging brake rig left the shoes permanently on the wheel tyres!
Cheers.......ALEC
... ........The hasty and the slow meet at the ferry
--- PPoint 1.92
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