[otd] 21 April (1958) - First battery powered electric train in public service

grahame

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[otd] 21 April (1958) - First battery powered electric train in public service

« on: April 21, 2023, 08:15:40 »

65 YEARS since the first battery powered electric train in the UK^▸ entered public service on the Dee Valley (Aberdeen to Ballater) line

Long report at https://railcar.co.uk/type/battery-multiple-unit/operations

Quote

A formal initial run on the line was made on Wednesday 26th March 1958, with many of the population of the town of Ballater turning up, despite the wintry conditions.

[snip]

Regular workings by the vehicles began several weeks later, to allow for drivers and maintenance staff to be trained. The first day, Monday 21st April, was a Spring holiday and when it left at 9.40am every seat was occupied.


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broadgage

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Re: [otd] 21 April (1958) - First battery powered electric train in public service

« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2023, 10:22:17 »

A range of 300 miles a day is mentioned, with some charging during layovers. So why are battery trains so problematic today ?
Batteries have improved a lot since the 1950s, So a greater range, or the same range from a smaller and lighter battery should be achievable today.


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A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU^▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.

Electric train

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The future is 25000 Volts AC 750V DC has its place

Re: [otd] 21 April (1958) - First battery powered electric train in public service

« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2023, 12:47:29 »

Quote from: broadgage on April 21, 2023, 10:22:17

It also mentioned partial recharging during the day, it mentions a top speed of 60 mph but not how long it took to get there!

The weight of the batteries must have been quite high even if the used NiCads.

There must have been good reasons why the use of batteries was not pursued


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