how about probably never? electric trains not really viable. hydrogen maybe. but the rail should be just simple traditional rail in Canada. all those fancy rails are just a maintenance nightmare, and much more energy intensive.

[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 6 points 2 hours ago (1 children)

What fancy rails? It's one overhang wire and power to the standard rail. This has been done in way less wealthy places than Canada, because it's simple and cheap.

[–] ohulancutash@feddit.uk 2 points 1 hour ago (1 children)

Catenary is a bit more involved than that. There are two overhead cables, one hanging from another, with tight tolerances to allow the pantograph to work correctly. Those catenary systems done on the cheap tend to fail in slightly windy weather.

[–] avidamoeba@lemmy.ca 2 points 25 minutes ago (1 children)

Yeah, you're right but I'm pretty sure you're not disagreeing with the overall statement. Especially in this context we're talking about commuter rail that has trains running frequent as 15 minutes on relatively short distances with frequent stops. We're currently burning diesel and brake pads for that.

[–] ohulancutash@feddit.uk 1 points 12 minutes ago

Yes overall but there are caveats. It also depends on electricity costs. At the moment in Britain electricity is expensive so electric freight locomotives have been put in storage in favour of cheaper diesels. 15min isn’t very frequent but EMUs are best for acceleration.

[–] Sunshine@piefed.ca 13 points 4 hours ago* (last edited 4 hours ago)

electric trains not really viable.

You’re trolling as Europe, China and Japan are covered in electrified lines. They work phenomenally.

Hydrogen trains are just a scam meant to keep fossil fuels in use longer.

all those fancy rails are just a maintenance nightmare, and much more energy intensive.

They’re actually cheaper to service. You’re just making up that last part.

Siberia has an electric railway and it’s doing fine.

[–] Rentlar@lemmy.ca 3 points 3 hours ago

Diesel engines are way tougher to maintain generally needs to be by specialized heavy diesel mechanics. They also need more frequent overhaul over the service life. For regional passenger moves and short haul, battery trains are more viable than hydrogen in the medium to long term. Hydrogen requires specialized containment and a lot of specialized infrastructure. For long haul freight (> 100km), hydrogen could be viable possibly, but electricity is still much lower opex that would offset the higher capex.