Re: Solar Train?

[pierson@gone.enet.dec.com (dave pierson)]

>I have just been reading about another Solar Car challenge that has been 
>anounced similar to the Darwin to Adelaide variety. This got me thinking... 
>has anybody ever thought about or more importantly BUILT a solar powered 
>train.
	Not that i've heard of.  Solar powered signalling gear for remote
	locations, yes.  Solar powered level crossing gates.

>The beauty of a solar powered train, unlike a solar car is the extended 
>length that one can give to the train. Imagine several "cars" whose sole 
>purpose is the generation of electricity to drive the passenger/motor car at 
>the front. Some solar vehicles have reached quite respectable speeds on the 
>road but power generation is limited by the length of the vehicle.
	If it comes to that (which it might) I suspect large scale
	electrification, with solar inputting TO that would be more practical.

>Imagine if one removed the driver and lenthened the car so that it was 10-15 
>metres long with little more that a light chassis, wheels, brakes and flat, 
>low to the ground solar panels.The wieght of the solar panels would keep teh 
>wheels on the track.
	And the weight of the batteries, unless this is to be a purpose
	built racing train....

thanks
dave pierson                        |the facts, as accurately as i can manage,
Digital Equipment Corporation       |the opinions, my own.
334 South St                        |
Shrewbury, Mass USA                 pierson@gone.enet.dec.com
"He has read everything, and, to his credit, written nothing."  A J Raffles