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Re: The XPT


Oliver Keating wrote in message ...

>One question still remains, the XPT is based partly at least on the British
>IC 125. However, the British train has a top speed of 200km/h the XPT
>160km/h. Seeing as the XPT came after the IC 125 it would seem that it was
>downgraded. If this is the case, why was it downgraded?


The gearing was changed on the XPT to allow for the fact that NSW track is
much more curved and much steeper in general than UK track. The lower
gearing gave it better acceleration out of curves and up hills. As well as
that there isn't anywhere that 200km could be safely used in NSW - at least
for any distance. Also, the Paxman Valentas were rated at a lower horsepower
in Aust due to the higher ambient temperatures.


Barry Campbell