Does anyone have info on the cost per mile of 600V DC third rail vs 25kV AC catenary?
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MACTRAXX wrote: ↑Mon Jul 18, 2022 7:28 pm The UK has some MU car classes that are dual mode with AC pantograph(s) and DC third rail shoes.The only "Dual-Mode" AC/DC electrics in North America are the MNCR/ConnDOT M-8s (and the M-2/M-4/M-6 and New Haven MUs before them). They can also run straight DC, even up to Croton and White Plains from time to time.
There are also some London Overground rail routes using dual-mode MU cars.
electricron wrote: ↑Sun Aug 07, 2022 5:00 am As a general rule, it takes around 1000 volts ac to push electrons a mile. So in theory, one 25kV power station could reach out 25 miles in both directions, or a total of 50 miles of track.Excellent point. Which is why USA electric utility companies' major backbone transmission systems are at 500,000 to 765,000 Volts nominal. Also, at the retail customer level, in significant part the reason for house wiring nominal Voltages changing from years ago 220/110 Volts to present day 240/120 Volt nominal.