iank01. So where do we go from here? If they want us to do away with diesel engines, and go electric, where do we get the electricity? We could start by getting a lot of freight off the roads and on to the railways. One electric loco with one driver can shift a load of several thousand tons, replacing probably over 100 large trucks. Only much smaller trucks would be needed for local deliveries. Replace diesel buses with trolley buses and trams. We are going to have to build power stations of some sort, whatever anyone thinks or doesn't want.
What doesn't put people out of a job these days GCMS2012? Don't get me started on that one! It seems that all companies want to do is downsize or automate. They are even talking about driver-less lorries now, and trains. I have driven both, incidentally, but retired now.
Whilst Rail Freight to Local Distribution Depots, worked in the past.
It is now a Non Starter!
Because all the Land those Distribution Depots used, has been sold of and re purposed. So it would involve a huge bill for Compulsory Purchase, demolition and rebuilding and new resources. Then there is recruiting staff and training them.
And all of that supposes there were no Legal Challenges of any sort, cost Billions.
The Horse has bolted on Rail Freight Distribution, just look at what HS2 and eventually HS3 will cost, and the Legal Challenges faced.
Many years ago, I lived near 3 Rail Freight Distribution Centres, Two based at a Main Line Stations for Parcels, the other a LGV based yard. Over the years, both Stations have been down sized, one re purposed in part for Trams.
The Yard was sold of and built on.
Dave
------------- 2015 Dates
April Llyn Rhys Farm
August Barleylands Essex
September TBA
Halloween field in Bala sharing with Birds of Prey
Whilst rail freight to local yards is a non starter, the trunk rail freight network is one of the success stories of privatisation. Felixstowe container port expanding, and the freight terminal there also. There are many more freights working on my local line than in 1990, when BR priced fright off the railways. But that's an argument for another forum an another place.
I'm old enough to remember the doom and gloom predicted for all drivers of older cars when 4star was phased out and we had to have unleaded.
------------- Alan
2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Banning of diesel usage.
