The Cost Savings of Steam Today.

[NW Mailing List]

Gents 
Once again a very interesting rerun of the evergreen debate.

Coal may be cheaper than oil now and into the future.    Labour is becoming disproportionately expensive.

Steam turbines -  See Rails Remembered Vol 4, Jawn H. 
Yes current technology could well improved the prototype but the conclusion of the book would in today's  economics probably be the same.  i.e 
Burn your coal in big fixed plant power stations to feed your  locomotives' traction motors . 
Advantages ?
You can use other fuels as available 
The locos MU and start at the flick of a switch.
Better control of emissions from big plant.
Disadvantages ?
Capital cost and maintenance of wires. v Cost of steam support infrastructure ?
Higher costs per train mile on secondary routes 
Less flexibility re low density areas.
Higher distribution costs over large distances.

Regards 
John 
of Chester 



 



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: NW Mailing List 
  To: 'NW Mailing List' 
  Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 11:26 PM
  Subject: RE: The Cost Savings of Steam Today.


   

   

   Guys:  No matter what, physics still dictate the overall thermal efficiency of the diesel cycle and thee steam locomotive cycle.  ...................................


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