AyrAlex (AyrAlex) wrote in message news:f%0tc.51$YT4.7@newsfe5-win...
Tom Anderson wrote:
wouldn't it have made sense to build the underground to be
compatible with the rest of the network, as, AIUI, in Tokyo?

Digressing a bit, I've always wondered why the South coast of England
(mainly the South East) uses the 700V DC "third rail" system for electrical
power, when the entire rest of the UK uses the 25000V AC overhead cable
system. Wouldn't it make more sense to have the same used all over the UK?
It means that a lot of national-running trains have to be diesel.

No , they could be dual voltage like the Thameslink trains or WAGN services
to Moorgate. Also 750V 3rd rail is used up in Merseyside too. Bear in mind
however that outside of the southeast , merseyside and strathclyde regions,
only a small percentage of the local lines are electrified by any means and
even the midland mainline to nottingham and derby is still diesel powered
past Bedford.

B2003