On 6/6/2014 10:41 AM, Philippe wrote:
More here if interested
http://www.yourepeat.com/watch/?v=TNaH4IiTdVU
This looks a lot like what I've seen a great deal of out here in the US far
west, concrete ties on crushed rock road bed.
I was a bit confused when earlier posts seemed to only consider wood on rock or concrete on concrete. Then again, I
wasn't paying much attention, as railroads don't much interest me.
I've taken trains in other parts of the world, but I haven't been on anything but commuter rail in the US in over 65
years, and don't remember those trips.
As AG says, the US is spread out, most especially in the west. At least out here, passenger rail is slow, unreliable and
more expensive than air.
Every time we think a rail trip would be fun, we look at Amtrak prices, schedules and rider reviews, we end up going a
different way, and can't figure out why anyone rides it.
When we last went to visit Old Sacramento, and the rail museum there, rail was slower and more expensive than driving.
Driving, we were able to choose our route through the delta and up the river, stop to look at whatever we wanted - and
take pictures - along the way. Even with a picnic lunch along a quiet stretch of river, it was quicker than the train,
cheaper, more pleasant and more flexible. (Rail also doesn't have a convertible top.) For longer trips, air is quicker,
more reliable and cheaper.
I'm amazed that no one seems to include meal costs for the multi day RR routes as part of the overall cost. Fly across
the US, and it costs $8-10 for a decent meal carry-on from an airport restaurant or one may make one to take. What are
meal costs for the trip by rail?
I did ride one of the very early high speed trains in Japan in 1960. It's was fine way to go medium distances. I imagine
I may one day take high speed rail in Europe. But your distances are shorter and population densities much higher.
Anyone who has flown across the US west, sometimes seeing nothing but an endless, unoccupied dirt road or two in an
hour, should understand that the cost per mile/KM of high speed rail makes no economic sense here.
As AG has pointed out, it's freight that pays for rail here. Passenger is just
an afterthought.
An endless debate is playing out in Calif. over high speed rail between two huge population centers, LA and SF areas.
There are even some good sized cities along the way. Yet if the economics were clear, it would have happened or not by now.
Just the musings of one who is not in love with choo-choo trains for their own
sake.
Alternate Route Moose
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What if the Hokey Pokey *IS* what it's all about?
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