The end of coal

[whole diary]

[broadgage]

I saw the piece repeated on Sky News within the last hour.   Saying by one bloke "if this is not solved, [some] heritage railways will have to close".  How many heritage railways are there without alternative diesel traction?  Is it time to electrify some more heritage railways?

Almost all heritage railways have some diesel traction, but most of the visitors to such railways expect steam. If the diesel traction is something old, interesting, or unusual, then some enthusiasts will prefer this and may travel specially to experience same, but most visitors expect steam.

I have previously suggested that the larger heritage lines should consider battery locomotives for ECS^▸ (Empty Coaching Stock) moves and engineering trains, and as the first reserve in case of failures.
A battery multiple unit is worth considering for any local commuter trains that may be offered outside of the steam season.

I have also suggested that electric heaters be fitted to steam locomotives for warming up before the days work.

Returning to coal, I am not aware of any general coal shortage. I have promotional material inviting me to stock up before next winter which does not imply any shortage.

[broadgage]

Suggest merging this thread with the "end of coal" thread.

[grahame]

Suggest merging this thread with the "end of coal" thread.

Makes sense. Done.

[ChrisB]

There would be a lot fewer supporters/users of heritage rail should it all go diesel/electric such that many won’t raise sufficient funds to continue. That was what I understand

[broadgage]

The website of a local coal merchants lists a wide variety of coal and smokeless fuels, at about the usual prices.
The only product out of stock is Colombian house coal trebles. Doubles are available.

[ChrisB]

The calorific value of coal for heritage steam needs to be really high, and since the demise of the uk coal mines, has been sourced from Russia. Obviously now unavailable, the worldwide hunt is now on as other current supplies don’tburn hot enough

[TaplowGreen]

Do the heritage steam groups actively practice carbon offsetting in respect of the coal they burn?

[TonyK]

Do the heritage steam groups actively practice carbon offsetting in respect of the coal they burn?

I wouldn't have thought they have the money to splurge on greenwashing, or to buy indulgences, as broadgage calls it.

[TaplowGreen]

Do the heritage steam groups actively practice carbon offsetting in respect of the coal they burn?

I wouldn't have thought they have the money to splurge on greenwashing, or to buy indulgences, as broadgage calls it.

How dare you!

I see Broadgage as the Greta Thunberg of this forum with his strident views on the environment!  (I think he drinks more Port than Greta though!) 

[broadgage]

Do the heritage steam groups actively practice carbon offsetting in respect of the coal they burn?

I wouldn't have thought they have the money to splurge on greenwashing, or to buy indulgences, as broadgage calls it.

I expect that a new and improved version of indulgences is under development and will soon be available. At present the purchase of indulgences permits fossil fuel to be burnt as normal in return for a payment.

The new and improved version will permit of burning Russian coal and other fossil fuels in return for a payment. Making the payment will ensure that the Russian fuel is now called "not really russian" Perhaps by offsetting whereby a poor farmer in Malawi agrees to stop burning Russian coal.

In some cases BOTH types of indulgence will be needed.

The old style, whereby fossil fuel becomes not really carbon emitting, AND the new style whereby russian becomes not really russian.

[TonyK]

How dare you!

I see Broadgage as the Greta Thunberg of this forum with his strident views on the environment!  (I think he drinks more Port than Greta though!) 

I stand by my comment, which was actually a compliment. broadgage and myself are of very similar mind on this issue, if not on all issues. Pigtails probably wouldn't suit him, though. 

I expect that a new and improved version of indulgences is under development and will soon be available. At present the purchase of indulgences permits fossil fuel to be burnt as normal in return for a payment.

The new and improved version will permit of burning Russian coal and other fossil fuels in return for a payment. Making the payment will ensure that the Russian fuel is now called "not really russian" Perhaps by offsetting whereby a poor farmer in Malawi agrees to stop burning Russian coal.

In some cases BOTH types of indulgence will be needed.

The old style, whereby fossil fuel becomes not really carbon emitting, AND the new style whereby russian becomes not really russian.

I am surely vindicated 

broadgage's system of Hybrid Indulgences is probably already being worked into a Commons announcement as we speak, as a positive step towards Ground Zero. I have only one minor criticism - won't it be Rwanda, not Malawi?

[broadgage]

ISTR^▸ (I seem to recall/remember) that Malawi featured in some earlier scheme whereby carbon emissions could be offset by insulating the loft spaces in the homes of poor farmers.

BTW^▸ (by the way), I do not regard regard the comparison with Greta to be in any way derogatory.
Not perhaps entirely accurate, but fine as a light hearted compliment.

[Surrey 455]

The Talyllyn Railway has shared an update on the different types of "coal" that they have been using recently.
https://youtu.be/KGaP3iCB_XM

[Bmblbzzz]

Very interesting. I wonder what the rapeseed oil smoke smells like (probably not quite like your kitchen!).

[broadgage]

I have misgivings about the yellow "coal" which is a byproduct of rapeseed oil production.
So far as I can tell this is the solid residue left after the edible oil has been extracted by pressing. AKA^▸ (also known as) "spent oil seed"

Firstly presuming that this Is spent oil seed, then it is a valuable animal feeding stuff and burning it for fuel is rather a waste. When eaten by animals, the dung of the animals is a valuable fertiliser.

Secondly, spent oil seed still contains traces of oil and as a result it is prone to self heating and then to spontaneous combustion. Bulk storage is therefore a considerable fire risk.

It might of course be the case that the yellow "coal" is NOT in fact the spent seeds, but is some other residue such as the stalks or leaves of the plants, in that case the idea may have more merit.