TT Scale. The Ideal Scale.

^^^ didn't know that. Pretty cool! And in all fairness we do have the Accela. But still, we're still behind.

Just think... in the 1950s, there were trains running at over 140 mph in the United States... and now? Does anything ever break 90?

East of Chicago across flat Indiana at 80 mph is a real ride. Same across the prairies in the Superliner.

ConducTTor wrote:^^^ didn't know that. Pretty cool! And in all fairness we do have the Accela. But still, we're still behind.

I didn't know it either. Prompted by your post I searched Amtrak electric locomotives and found the news.

A few years ago I read a comment, on Friends of Amtrak web site I think, that the oil interests wanted everyone using cars and burning gas rather than traveling more efficiently. About that time a car attendant on VIA told me they could get a train across Canada with the same amount of fuel it takes to get a 747 to cruising altitude. Although the comments can't be confirmed, the ideas explain things.

In case it's of interest here's a site about a new cold fusion power generator. http://www.e-catworld.com/. I visualize new locomotive power.

^^^ Well, if the Great Streetcar Conspiracy in which GM, Firestone Tire and I believe Standard Oil was found guilty of buying up/into streetcar companies all over the US in order to kill the streetcar and have public transit switch to busses is possible, then yeah, I wouldn't put that past Big Oil either.

North America went from world leader to world chaser in rail transport...

(For the record, GM, for being found guilty in the streetcar conspiracy, was fined a grand total of $5000...)

PS: re E-Cat - I've heard of this, and so far it's looking like a lot of hot air.

It's wikipedia, I know, but as a summary, it works: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_Catalyzer

Marquette wrote:^^^ Well, if the Great Streetcar Conspiracy in which GM, Firestone Tire and I believe Standard Oil was found guilty of buying up/into streetcar companies all over the US in order to kill the streetcar and have public transit switch to busses is possible, then yeah, I wouldn't put that past Big Oil either.

North America went from world leader to world chaser in rail transport...

(For the record, GM, for being found guilty in the streetcar conspiracy, was fined a grand total of $5000...)

There are reasons why we refuse to buy, drive, or ride in GM products.

Try going to the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Winsdor, CT; and bragging about owning a GM product - you will be lucky if someone doesn't run you of the lot.

We need more trains (and trolleys and interurbans)

I'm not sure when I'll ever find myself in Connecticut, but if ever it happens I'll make sure to check it out.

Marquette wrote:I'm not sure when I'll ever find myself in Connecticut, but if ever it happens I'll make sure to check it out.

Most of Connecticut does suck, but there are a few areas that do not, and the areas around most of the train museums are ok.