Comments by "Helmuth Schultes" (@helmuthschultes9243) on "Two Bit da Vinci" channel.

  1. With a few exceptions, like needing multiple locomotives due to gradients, like crossing the Rockies, if a train needs multiple locomotives due to number of hauled cars and total tonnage, then legally the train MUST be split, dividing the load between separate engines. The resulting trains will be safer as far as emergency situations, needing to stop, track damage fallen trees, damages to tracks bridges, crossings, vehicles stuck over crossings all benefit from quicker, shorter stopping. Cause far less damage and clearing/repair time to reopen the rail line, if any derailing occurs. As far as disruption to traffic where level crossings, or worse rail runs through main roads of country towns , these Super long trains are an extreme time disruption. The cost for train staff must be small compared to rail company charges for the transport services. Breakdowns will also be easier to manage for smaller total train composition. Also less costly as less freight is delayed as the smaller train will delay less of the total volume being transported. Less shunting too where portions of the train are routed to different places mid trip. To me the Super long trains are definitely the wrong way.
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  2. Sadly not all places in this world are urban locations. Take Australia, there are many places where current fuel stops are on highways stretching thousands of kilomters, with existing fuel stops at intervals of up to 400km or more, in some cases at keast 1000 km, so carry jerry cans or have extra fuel tanks. However most of these are no even larger towns, but small towns to as little as a fuel stop, general store, maybe camping ground or motel. No for EV charging it is hard as mostly only a local Diesel generator provides electricity, all highway traffic in effect relies on each stop or at best every second stop to fill up, cars, trucks, semitrailer, buses all need fuel/power. If each EV needs charging possibly 100 to 200 cars alone, ignoring larger vehicles, need to get full charge. That is a lot of charge nodes, if all take several hours connected to power, or less time say 1hr on high rate chargers., but still need say 100 or more connect nodes. But electrical capacity is hardly several MEGAWATT capacity. At low charge rates like single phase home node taking up to 8 hrs, say 4kW each, needs maybe 800 nodes, so still way over MEGAWATT capacity. No way dependant on diesel generator , at least no emission benefit. Huge solar panel farm would do daytime, but night no go, or need huge battery storage and even larger solar array to supply and charge storage battery. Now consider if all those larger vehicles also convert to EV, the huge extra power demand and charging station nodes needed would cover a huge space, and still delay traffic flow massively. I see towing as even wider needs than simple box folding camper. There are horse float trailers, large boats and yachts, full size caravans. I have a Disel Toyota Landcruiser with standard dual fuel tanks, that on such long trours in more remote places works a wonder, as on highway keeping optimum speeds, 80 to 85 kph, I get range up to 1400 km between fillup, and around city at least 1100 to 1200km range. For many years I towed a full height 9m long caravan, dual axel, approx 2700kgm ( near 6000 pound) . Even towing that my range remained 800 to 1000km worst case, if driving in hilly terrain or strong headwinds. At 100kph I stll got over 800km in most cases. To fillup rarely took longer than 10min, if not waiting on available fuel bowser. Usually need more for reststop than fuelling itself. On EV even with extremely high energy fast chargers, I would expect to need about 1hr for a full charge, and be able to reach the next charge stop. However can not visualise any chance to be towing anything significant. On specific 4WD trips have needed 4 jerry cans, 80L, plus my normal 145 L dual fuel tank to jndertake real remote travel. No plannsd EV I have heard of could do that. I also know of two trips that I considered in the past, where the only possibility was to contract drop of fuel drums at two locations by helicopter, as not possible to carry enough fuel and water, plus oth et r food and gear within vehicle capacity. Again no EV possible.
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