On 21/03/17 13:58, Tony Gallowayarg@... [TramsDownUnder] wrote:
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>

>

> I also note that on their website Alstom now lists two types of APS -

> “standard” and “tropical”. No doubt the tropical one comes with a fat

> premium on the price, which means Sydney’ll definitely get that one, but

> how much difference you can build into one rail flush with the road

> compared to another rail flush with the road


The APS rail in Dubai is quite different from the APS rail in Bordeaux.
The Dubai installation was described as APS-II , what is destined for
Sydney is described as APS-III.
Although I think the main difference is not visible - the change is the
way the APS rail is switched and the radio signal that controls the
switching.
APS-I uses contactors to switch the traction current as the spikes in
the 750v supply cause 'punch through' in solid state switches. I can't
remember if Dubai's APS-II has sold state switching.
Sydney will almost certainly get solid state switching - cost is no
object in Sydney.