Should the third rail ban be lifted?

[zwk500]

Note something similar to the Dolter stud boxes embedded in the road might make a good alternative static charging station at terminals, switched on only when a suitable vehicle is present. I think e-buses today mostly use the shoreside upside down pantograph charging system, contacting twin rails on the vehicle roof.

Conveniently, Alstom have already adapted APS into something very similar to your suggestion - SRS https://www.alstom.com/solutions/in...d-automatic-charging-trams-and-electric-buses

Note the adaptation of APS for non-french language markets!

Building on over 20 years of expertise acquired from the development of APS™ (Aesthetic Power Supply), Alstom extends its feeding systems portfolio with SRS™ (Static Recharging Sytem). This innovative, safe, and automatic ground-based charging solution is designed for trams and electric buses, offering a catenary-free alternative that blends seamlessly into the urban landscape.
[...]
Power is supplied through a conductive device (rails or pads) embedded in the road or track surface at the bus or tram stop. When tram or electric bus stops, a current collector shoe automatically lowers and makes contact to charge the on-board battery. In tramway operation, this process takes no longer than 20 seconds – ordinary dwell time - leading to seamless operations.

 

[MarkyT]

Conveniently, Alstom have already adapted APS into something very similar to your suggestion - SRS https://www.alstom.com/solutions/in...d-automatic-charging-trams-and-electric-buses

Note the adaptation of APS for non-french language markets!

Interesting thanks. More reliable and secure than the Dolter system I'd hope, in which a simple armature and contactor set under the road was operated over an air gap by a strong electromagnet combined with the pick up contact assembly suspended under the vehicle. Sometimes, vehicles would be stranded when a contact failed to energise, sometimes full voltage remained on the stud after the tram had passed, waiting for an unsuspecting horse to step on it with efficient iron pick-up shoes all of its own. An electric bell rigged up onboard alerted drivers to a stud remaining energised after passage, upon which they were instructed to stop and hit the indicator lug on the contact box with the hefty wooden mallet carried for that purpose.

 

[martin butler]

I think Elf and Safety will have a heart attack over anything that might endanger human life, that's why I remain convinced that there will be no more traditional 3rd rail laid, even if it's to fill in gaps.

Battery power, with the ability to operate from 3rd rail, or overhead will be the most logical answer, especially if topping up can be done on the already live sections,