Windowless trains?

[whole diary]

[grahame]

Windowless aircraft proposals are making the news - for example

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2809303/Windowless-plane-designed-Centre-Process-Innovation.html

* Windows would be replaced with ultra-thin and highly-flexible screens
* Concept designed by Centre for Process Innovation in north-east England
* It says the design could become reality in the next ten years
* Fuselage would be lighter without windows and that could cut costs

A UK^▸ (United Kingdom) company is set to revolutionise the future of commercial air travel with a windowless plane that allows passengers to choose panoramic views of the world around them or swipe a touch screen to surf the internet or check their email from 35,000ft.
Windows would be replaced with ultra-thin and highly-flexible screens that would display outside scenery captured by cameras attached to the plane^s exterior or act as a personal touch screen computer.

These days, windows don't align with seats on many trains.   What do you think of the idea of dispensing with train windows entirely to make for a lighter yet more robust and uniform vehicle body?

[TeaStew]

Interesting. I like the view from the train for more than just the scenery - so I can tell where I am and roughly how far there is to go. Without windows then the announcements would have to work, be audible and maybe automatic to announce approach to stations. Probably not such an issue as we are talking of new stock not refits here. But it brings accessibility to mind. It doesn't matter (as much) if you cannot hear on an aeroplane as there are other clues that you have reached your destination.

In a time where there have been new vehicles I like to imagine there is little crowding but I would personally dislike sardining on a train with no suggestion of there being an outside.

[trainer]

Not a new idea, of course.  Early tube trains were windowless, it being considered unnecessary to give the punters a view of the tunnel walls under London. The 'announcements' were live in those days and I think each carriage had it's own gate man.

A more modern experience for me was on a Swedish X2000 (high speed train) where I was allocated (in first class) a seat going backwards next to the bulk head and no window whatsoever in that row or the one in front on either  I asked to move. Presumably a business person travelling on a long winter's night with a lap-top would not mind, but a sight-seeing Brit on a mid-summer holiday did!

[PhilWakely]

Not a new idea, of course.  Early tube trains were windowless, it being considered unnecessary to give the punters a view of the tunnel walls under London.....

can understand why!  Today's quiz............"Where am I?"