Alternatives to Overhead Current Collection
roy winslow
Thursday, October 4, 2001 12:56 AM
London was a BIG user of the underground conduit system and old film of the changeover points from the conduit to overhead (which was used on outer sections of some routes) is really fascinating to watch.
Another form of current collection used in the UK was the stud system, where a magnetic collector under the tram car would pull the moveable stud from the pavement, before it would drop back flush once the tram passed. Studs were positioned so that at least one stud at any time was engaged. I once saw a photo of stud track that is on display at Criche.
The overhead system has been (and still is) the industry standard due to its simplicity, reduced cost and ease of maintenance compared to either the conduit or stud system. I doubt this story of replacing overhead is true, but harks back to an earlier age when the gentry of Collins Street complained loudly about the replacement of the cable trams with 'filthy' overhead wires. I personally think that the overhead system used in Melbourne is not all that visually polluting and certainly the span poles installed in days gone by are much more attractive that the shockers they tend to use on new light rail systems, such as Croyden.
Roy Winslow
Perth WA
in with gossip in the hope of winning a prize) this morning, someone
claiming to work for the 'local' company which builds / installs the tram
tracks in Melbourne claimed that between now and the Commonwealth Games in
2006, all the overhead tram lines would be removed and the power provided
from an on ground system. He was pretty vague about the on ground system and
the implication seemed to be that the power would be provided similarly to a
model train ie power in one track and earth on the other. He claimed all new
track laid recently had the capability for the 'new system' built in.
It sounds like a load of crap to me although he won the $500 prize. My
questions to the more knowledgeable people are:
1. Is there any truth in it? Are there plans to remove the overhead wire?
2. For interest sake, what are methods other than overhead wire of powering
trams?
Some obvious ones I thought of were the battery trams, diesel engine powered
trams, a conduit underground with the power and I think there is some system
with studs in the road. Any others? I haven't included the model train
system for the obvious reason it probably woldn't be practical from a safety
viewpoint (750V DC anyone...)
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Another form of current collection used in the UK was the stud system, where a magnetic collector under the tram car would pull the moveable stud from the pavement, before it would drop back flush once the tram passed. Studs were positioned so that at least one stud at any time was engaged. I once saw a photo of stud track that is on display at Criche.
The overhead system has been (and still is) the industry standard due to its simplicity, reduced cost and ease of maintenance compared to either the conduit or stud system. I doubt this story of replacing overhead is true, but harks back to an earlier age when the gentry of Collins Street complained loudly about the replacement of the cable trams with 'filthy' overhead wires. I personally think that the overhead system used in Melbourne is not all that visually polluting and certainly the span poles installed in days gone by are much more attractive that the shockers they tend to use on new light rail systems, such as Croyden.
Roy Winslow
Perth WA
On MMMs Buttscuttling (a local radio station competition where people ring[email protected] 10/04/01 08:11AM >>>
in with gossip in the hope of winning a prize) this morning, someone
claiming to work for the 'local' company which builds / installs the tram
tracks in Melbourne claimed that between now and the Commonwealth Games in
2006, all the overhead tram lines would be removed and the power provided
from an on ground system. He was pretty vague about the on ground system and
the implication seemed to be that the power would be provided similarly to a
model train ie power in one track and earth on the other. He claimed all new
track laid recently had the capability for the 'new system' built in.
It sounds like a load of crap to me although he won the $500 prize. My
questions to the more knowledgeable people are:
1. Is there any truth in it? Are there plans to remove the overhead wire?
2. For interest sake, what are methods other than overhead wire of powering
trams?
Some obvious ones I thought of were the battery trams, diesel engine powered
trams, a conduit underground with the power and I think there is some system
with studs in the road. Any others? I haven't included the model train
system for the obvious reason it probably woldn't be practical from a safety
viewpoint (750V DC anyone...)
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
Don't be afraid to try something new.
Amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Protect your servers with 128-bit SSL encryption! Grab your copy of VeriSign's FREE guide: "Securing Your Website for business" Get it Now!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/M.WTOC/m1FDAA/cosFAA/DiTxlB/TM
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