From: moroney@world.std.spaamtrap.com   
      
   Stephen Sprunk  writes:   
      
   >On 10-Jan-16 12:36, hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com wrote:   
   >> Stephen Sprunk wrote:   
   >>> One of the things that's frustrating about Amtrak is that they tie   
   >>> numerous projects together into one mega-project, then complain they   
   >>> don't have the funding and do nothing, whereas they _do_ have funding   
   >>> for one project at a time, and its benefits would fund the rest.   
   >>   
   >> Could you elaborate on some examples of the above?  Thanks.   
      
   >The first that comes to mind is constant-tension catenary, switching to   
   >2x25kV, switching to 60Hz, and upgrading to 150mph+.  Any of those could   
   >be done independently, and at least two of them would save enough money   
   >to pay for the other(s) later.   
      
   >The result is that most of Amtrak's trackage is still on   
   >variable-tension at 11kV 25Hz at 125/135mph, aside from the   
   >newly-electrified section in RI/MA and (recently) one short section in   
   >NJ.  In contrast, MNRR long ago upgraded their trackage to   
   >constant-tension at 2x12.5kV 60Hz, so it's not like Amtrak could think   
   >it's impossible.   
      
   They really aren't completely independent.  Converting to 2x25kV as the   
   first step would require 25kV 25Hz transformers and equipment, only to   
   be replaced by 60Hz on the next step.  If combined, one entire set of   
   equipment could be skipped.   
      
   Also, going to constant tension with insulators good for only 12.5kV   
   would be a waste of money.   
      
   Where is the recent 25kV 25Hz section?   
      
   --- SoupGate/W32 v1.03   
    * Origin: LiveWire BBS -=*=- UseNet FTN Gateway (1:2320/1)