Green mini-trains to reverse Beeching’s cuts

[Jorge Da Silva]

Found an article here but I do not have access to the full article

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...a-green-reversal-of-beeching-s-cuts-j2d59q67g

Trains no bigger than a single-decker bus could be rolled out across Britain under plans to cut emissions and reopen branch lines.

The government is funding trials of an “ultra-light”, environmentally friendly train powered by gas from organic waste in place of a conventional diesel engine.

The train, to be tested in the West Midlands, would run on conventional lines but cost half as much to build as a normal carriage and cause less damage to tracks because of the lighter load.

It is hoped that the new generation of trains will make it far easier to operate small loss-making branch lines. It could even lead to the reopening of some of the 5,000 miles of railway shut as part of the infamous Beeching cuts…

Any thoughts?

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

Found an article here but I do not have access to the full article

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...a-green-reversal-of-beeching-s-cuts-j2d59q67g



Any thoughts?

Given the long standing antipathy shown by the Treasury to railways generally my guess is this is intended as a cost saving measure to be inflicted on lighter used lines on Northern and East Midlands. As I stated in another current thread the desire to provide as little subsidy as possible does not take into account the effect on the passenger experience. We are about to get rid of Pacers but this "scheme" will simply create a new version. As for re-openings... no chance. [/cynic mode]

 

[Bletchleyite]

JPM Parry again? They are too small to be useful on existing lines, so I wouldn't worry about Pacerisation.

 

[Mag_seven]

The government is funding trials of an “ultra-light”, environmentally friendly train powered by gas from organic waste in place of a conventional diesel engine.

A bit early for 1st April isn't it?

 

[Harpers Tate]

Tram(-train)s. One person operated. Quicker, cheaper, and the onboard experience could be good enough if they are specified well enough.

 

[Puffing Devil]

Surely this is a pacer?

 

[edwin_m]

I think it's this one: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/research/hvmcatapult/research/rail/vlr/

The main objective of the project is to reduce the weight and cost of a railcar by half in order to facilitate low cost connectivity of suburban and rural areas. The Radical Train will demonstrate unique self-powered bogies (with integral hybrid propulsion and kinetic energy recovery system) combined with a modular, lightweight body-shell utilising advanced materials. WMG will be transferring expertise in lightweighting technology from the automotive sector into this project. Automotive lightweighting solutions are already employing advanced materials including ultra-high strength steels and fibre-reinforced polymer composites.

 

[Adlington]

I think it's this one: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/research/hvmcatapult/research/rail/vlr/

Which, in turn, is discussed at lengths elsewhere in this forum: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/very-light-rail-technology.169513/

 

[6Gman]

Found an article here but I do not have access to the full article

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/...a-green-reversal-of-beeching-s-cuts-j2d59q67g



Any thoughts?

"No bigger than a single-decker bus".

Well, something as big as a double-decker would struggle rather wouldn't it?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Surely this is a pacer?

It's not really. If you want to see it, go ride on it, it operates from Stourbridge Town to Junction.

 

[johnnychips]

Well, it certainly won't reverse Beeching cuts as a huge amount would have to be spent rebuilding track, reinstating bridges etc. The cost of running a lightweight train and the savings in fuel costs would be a minuscule proportion of the reopening costs.

 

[Puffing Devil]

It's not really. If you want to see it, go ride on it, it operates from Stourbridge Town to Junction.

I'm aware of the PPM. My intention was to point out the resemblance to the existing Pacer - Single Decker Bus as a train......

 

[edwin_m]

Well, it certainly won't reverse Beeching cuts as a huge amount would have to be spent rebuilding track, reinstating bridges etc. The cost of running a lightweight train and the savings in fuel costs would be a minuscule proportion of the reopening costs.

Part of the idea is that a lighter train requires lighter track, and if the vehicle is suitable for line of sight operation they could save on signalling and stations (flat crossings instead of footbridges) and might be able to retain former level crossings as tramway junctions rather than eliminating them as would be needed for a full-spec railway.

But I do agree there are lots of other costs associated with (re)opening that this concept won't change much.

 

[yorksrob]

I notice the "it could even" line in the original post.

Essentially it's a cheap way of kitting out existing routes, with "reversing Beeching cuts" thrown in to sugar the pill.

By all means develop lighter carriages - just make them full size as that's what these lines need.

 

[AndyHudds]

Haven't they already got this kind of thing with Vivarail's converted and modernised ex tube stock?

We could do with some on the Huddersfield to Castleford service which no longer calls at Westgate meaning it has about 3 passengers per trip as it no longers connects for London services. The single 153 unit could be moved off elsewhere.

 

[thealm]

I personally believe that they should use ordinary trains and not ultra light modes of transport.

 

[Harpers Tate]

https://www.railcar.co.uk/type/ac-cars-railbus/

 

[yorksrob]

Haven't they already got this kind of thing with Vivarail's converted and modernised ex tube stock?

We could do with some on the Huddersfield to Castleford service which no longer calls at Westgate meaning it has about 3 passengers per trip as it no longers connects for London services. The single 153 unit could be moved off elsewhere.

That service is surprisingly busy sometimes, when full of schoolchildren.