Re: [Melb] Citadis: Seat Layout

["David Bennetts" <davibenn@ozemail.com.au>]

>
> These so call "latest state of the art" new trams, the technology  was
> probabily available in Europe 80 years ago....
>
>
>  --
> Cheers
>
> Railway Rasputin
>
> remove <dot> to email
>
Have to disagree with you there about tram technology.   Although some rigid
low floor trams were available about 80 years ago (emenating from USA),
these did not incorporate the small wheel bogies which enable multi-section
articulated trams to be built incorporating access just above track level.
The US also developed the PCC car in the 1930s which was a great advance in
acceleration, braking and passenger comfort over old type cars - Europe
didn't lead the way here but followed on.  The thyristor "chopper" control
technology for more modern control systems, which makes for more efficient
power consumption,  is only about twenty-five years old.  Plus of course air
conditioning etc which wasn't around 80 years ago.

Regards

David Bennetts