David Bromage wrote:
> I still maintain the EL class are the best suited to passenger workings.
> Weighing in at only 114t, the Ghan was allowed 125km/h when hauled by an
> EL. Then AN decides to convert the old and heavy CL class.
Agreed. The CLP's are going to have restrictions on them as per the
C's, which is going to permanently slow trains like the Overland. Do
the EL's have HEP though?
Regardless, I am not a particularly big fan of HEP on loco's. Reason
being that if your HEP unit fails, your locomotive (a very expensive and
operationally valuable piece of equipment) must be withdrawn from
traffic, wheras if your powervan fails, a significantly less expensive
piece of equipment is withdrawn.
A couple of spare powervans (to cover HEP failures) is a lot cheaper
than a couple of spare locomotives!
Yes, you've gotta lug around the extra weight of a van, but still you've
lightened the loco (an important point, which will result in less
restrictions), and the large luggage space in the van can be very
useful.
Cheers,
Craig.
-- Craig Haber albatross@harnessnet.com.au Manufacturing Systems Engineer (almost) Web Page Designer, Harness Racing, Railways, and Essendon Football Club fanatic http://www.harnessnet.com.au/