Tornado

Yes but in that case there are still physical signals to control trains not equipped with in cab signalling.

In the UK, starting with the ECML there WON’T BE ANY LINE SIDE SIGNALS WHATSOEVER!

A train without a functioning in cab signalling system is BANNED from lines where on in cab signalling is used

Steam will thus find itself becoming increasingly restricted as to where it can operate in the UK as ECTS spreads - unless someone can come up with a suitable interface.

 

There is no such ‘requirement’ for the kit to be mounted on the loco - as you indicate a loco plus tender is essentially a ‘unit’ like a 4 car 455 EMU that can only be split into its constituent bits in a depot with no part able to operate on the mainline by itself.

What is prohibited would be putting the ECTS kit in a support coach for example...

 

It doesn'tjust need a loco capable of breaking Mallards record; it also needs a permanent way of a standard to allow it. Is there anywhere in the US passed for such speeds?

 

Yes. Amtrak’s Acela (reaching 150 mph, 240 km/h) is the US’s only high-speed rail service. Acela trains will reach top speeds of 165 mph (265 km/h) when new trains enter service, and 186 mph (300 km/h) in coming years.
Bearing in mind that we are probably 10 years away from the T1 being ready to go for the record, it is possible the US Railway authorities would allow such an attempt. After all, they were the first to put a man on the moon!

 

..... back when use of silver foil was largely confined to the kitchen!

 

Tempus Fugit.

 

Oh strewth! ..... have you just gone and disproved entropy?

 

But not by using reciprocating steam locomotives, it must be pointed out.

Although if they'd just taken notice of Jules Verne, who knows?

 

You would need a damned good fireman!

 

The opposite I think - the fact that entropy exists and invariably increases is one of the ways you can show that when tempus fugits, it always fugits in one direction only...

Tom

 

or two... ,
Maybe i should have added streamlined Duchess to that list as no one really knows how fast they could go down a long straight slope..

 

Oh I'll grant you the scientific theory is sound enough. Trouble is, real world evidence being what it is, I'm increasingly uncertain that's any longer borne out when it comes to 'Applied Stupidity'*, which if it isn't 'a thing', ruddy well ought to be!

Maybe it's just our understanding of evolutionary theory has been too 'big brain centric' or too rigidly linear and if the cephalopods don't get it right, in the event we manage to wipe ourselves out, that'll just be another evolutionary dead end!

Be aware .... I'm feeling right contentious this morning!

*tin foil hattists, flat earthers, moon landing conspiracy nuts ... you know, waistline heading in opposite direction to IQ.

 

I think Tornado should be well capable of 130mph - Blue Peter's wheels are said to have got there, even if the rest of the loco didn't, in the Durham incident (and they are only 6'2" diameter....)!

 

IIRC, wheels did .... valve gear didn't. So unless you're going to go with my steam catapult suggestion ......

 

I’m sure a Duchess, Merchant Navy, A4 and probably others are capable of that speed on modern high speed track with modern lightweight stock but even Mallard didn’t do 126 without damage. Would you be prepared to foot the bill for the mechanical restoration?

 

That would depend on the price of the the human spirit - untold squillions have been spent over the years in the pursuit of Willy waving!

 

Are you suffering from a "sense of irony" failure?

 

Thing is though, that was an uncontrolled wheelslip... More than likely irregularities in the rotational speeds of the wheelsets would help when it came to bending the coupling rods, and locking the loco's valvegear. What would happen under controlled conditions though, with all wheels gripping the rail, rotating uniformly?
I equate it to the difference between red-lining a car with it on the road under load, and red-lining it without a load. As much as the pistons are trying to drive it faster, the load is balancing and controlling that power output.

Just my two penn'orth, I may be talking complete gonads...

Richard.

 

Naah .... tempting as it is, that would be my catapult suggestion!

 

People think the USA high speed track is level, and without major grade.
I would beg to differ, it might be quick down grade, but the areas of climb and fall tend to be short, so don't really think it is a option.
And how many at grade crossings are their, the recipe for disaster is untold.