http://www.bettertransport.org.nz/2009/08/brian-rudman-cheap-wont-be-a-bargain-for-aucklands-new-rail-system/ Better Transport for the 21st Century Thu, 26 Jul 2012 22:40:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.23 http://www.bettertransport.org.nz/2009/08/brian-rudman-cheap-wont-be-a-bargain-for-aucklands-new-rail-system/comment-page-1/#comment-146 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 03:16:27 +0000 http://www.bettertransport.org.nz/?p=745#comment-146 My experience in Philadelphia, PA USA with the Frankford Elavated trains is that the standardization of track size is a paramount concern. The riveted steel truss structure of Frankford Elavated (a supposedly temporary construction completed in 1929 was successfully reinforced while in operation over a number of years. The big glitch occured when the Budd Company cars (manufactured in Philadelphia) were replaced with cars which Unfortunately needed to be modified to accept a non-standard track size, making them heavier and slower. Electric rail might be a post mature industry since speeds over (sorry for the SAE) 100 miles per hour seem energy deficient. If America could get some inflation (post-Keynesian economic success) going, maybe NZ could buy American.

]]>