-=> Quoting Alec Cameron to Gregory Procter <=-
 AC> However there has to be good reason why condensing locos were so rare,
 AC> 'tho the technology is ancient and the first practical versions ran
 AC> long long ago. I suppose that the build up of electrolytes in the water
 AC> led to accelerated corrosion. And on a long uphill grind, it may have
 AC> been a nuisance to suffer drive power drop as the back pressure
 AC> increased with the inevitable temperature rise of the condensate.
 AC>
 AC> Hey, no one else seems interested in this thread. I suppose we need to
 AC> change the subject:
 Sydney trams returned to commercial service this
 AC> week. But, the fancy name Light Rail is used. Dunno if the supply is
 AC> 600v dc, dunno if the rail shape is compatible with before. There are
 AC> quite a few preserved working cars in outdoor museums, I wonder if
 AC> these veterans will ever join the new cars for special events??
Our City Council had some tracks laid around Christchurch several years ago,
and historic trams are leased from Ferrymead (our local preservation
organization)
The route wanders around some interesting areas near the central city. I 
hink
the scheme  makes enough money to be worth the effort. It certainly adds
something to the city.
There wasn't any attempt to cater for commuters, the fares are too high 
anyway.
The European city trams seem to work well, they're great "people movers".
From TV pictures of Los Angeles I've seen, they could do with something more
efficient than their present system of paving over everything so the cars can
drive quicker to the next traffic jam!
(that should draw someone else into the arguement ;-)
Greg.
Chch.
New Zealand.
  
... I call things as I see them; If I didn't see them, I make them up!
--- FMail 1.02
---------------