OLE 25kv on WCML

[GRALISTAIR]

------ along with the addition of polymeric (silicone) insulators. The new insulators were introduced as they were lighter, and also didn't have the same shatter risk when dropped; an operative lost an eye after one shattered during maintenance a number of years back.

Yes it is a weakness of ceramic materials. They tend to be brittle and shatter. With metals - apart from a few notable exceptions such as high carbon steels, metals are tougher in the sense of resistance to fracture and shatter. Many polymeric materials are likewise. However, even polymers below Tg (pronounced Tee sub Gee - Glass Transition temperature) can be very brittle and shatter.

 

[Ianno87]

For me it’s the symmetry and order of Mk3 headspans on straight 4 track sections of the MML / ECML as they march off into the distance.

Tallington to Stoke Tunnel is pretty therapeutic to me!

 

[londonmidland]

There’s something quite satisfying seeing the headspans sweep round the bends on the MML between Luton and Harpenden. The rolling fields either side of the line add to the effect too.

 

[Bald Rick]

Tallington to Stoke Tunnel is pretty therapeutic to me!

There’s something quite satisfying seeing the headspans sweep round the bends on the MML between Luton and Harpenden. The rolling fields either side of the line add to the effect too.

Like this...

 

[londonmidland]

Like this...

Spot on. Even better when around bends. Almost as if they are leading the way.

 

[McRhu]

As regards current collection at high speeds, I can't help wondering whether there are more advances to be squeezed out of current collection rather than making the OLE heavier and clunkier (Series 1 again). Having the whimsical freedom that comes from knowing next to b*****r all about electricity I would envisage some contactless system whereby the pan head flies a few microns away from the wire, relying on some kind of induction. Simply increase the frequency of the current from 50 hertz to say, 50 yottahertz and there's plenty of flux in the electromagnetic quantum field to stir things up in the immediate vicinity. Seriously though; if we could marry the elegance of the MK 3 headspan with a contact device that doesn't cause lift and sway like a tsunami on steroids when at speed, then we'd all be happy (I think).

 

[edwin_m]

As regards current collection at high speeds, I can't help wondering whether there are more advances to be squeezed out of current collection rather than making the OLE heavier and clunkier (Series 1 again). Having the whimsical freedom that comes from knowing next to b*****r all about electricity I would envisage some contactless system whereby the pan head flies a few microns away from the wire, relying on some kind of induction. Simply increase the frequency of the current from 50 hertz to say, 50 yottahertz and there's plenty of flux in the electromagnetic quantum field to stir things up in the immediate vicinity. Seriously though; if we could marry the elegance of the MK 3 headspan with a contact device that doesn't cause lift and sway like a tsunami on steroids when at speed, then we'd all be happy (I think).

Unfortunately for this idea, current at high frequency can't flow very far except in specialized conductors. So I think your idea of yottahertz wouldn't work more than a few mollymetres from the substation.

 

[McRhu]

Unfortunately for this idea, current at high frequency can't flow very far except in specialized conductors. So I think your idea of yottahertz wouldn't work more than a few mollymetres from the substation.

I knew there'd be a catch somewhere along the line.