Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Gold/Mining/Energy : Big Dog's Boom Boom Room -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: energyplay who wrote (51525)	10/15/2005 4:48:44 AM
From: altannr	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 206220

Train gauge is identical in France, Germany and the UK -- you are right, and that surprised me. It seems that Spain uses several gauges and equipment that can adjust between gauges. Spain's newest high speed lines, intended for the TGV interlink, uses standard gauge. \| en.wikipedia.org I've read so much about mutual incompatibilities which present problems for moving freight around Europe on rail. I suppose that I don't know what they are, though. This is from a report about improving "intermodal" transport using transnational European freight lines: << Historically, national transport systems were designed in part for national defense purposes, thus the physical design (e.g., rail track gauge) and operations strategies (e.g., ability to use locomotives across national boundaries) have often been incompatible. There are 37 different combinations of rail gauge/tunnel clearance/power systems in Europe. This legacy has left a significant challenge to modern Europe of providing a compatible transport network that is interoperable. >> As far as TGV economics go, I don't know the "inside story." But the public story is that each TGV line must be a money-winner and is not subsidized. But there are significant subsidies for local train operations. I never have the impression of going that fast in a TGV. The smooth ride is very deceptive. It is possible to estimate the relative speed when another train passes yours, though, and that only takes 2 or 3 seconds. Alan energyplay wrote << Standard European rail widths are the same, in fact the same all over the world. ... I was told actual cost of the TGV was about 3 X the ticket price. ... >>