On 1 Nov, 10:29, "R.C. Payne" wrote:
Given that one crossrail branch heads into woolwich , will the trains
be dual voltage or will they put 25KV overhead on the DC lines there?

There hasn't been a 25kV EMU built since, probably, the 322s that isn't
dual voltage under the skin. Modern power electronics means that dual
voltage units are completely trivial, basically a question of bolting on
a few shoes, and isntalling version X of the software rather than version Y.

AIUI, there hasn't been *any* EMU built [for UK rail use, pedantry
fans] since the 322s which isn't dual-voltage under the skin.

However, while all 750V stock is legally required to be easily
convertible to 25kV [see: panto spaces on the 444s and 450s' roofs],
there's no corresponding requirement for 25kV stock.

So (for example) I imagine if you wanted to run 390s on 3rd rail,
although the power electronics could handle it, the new wiring,
finding places to stick the shoes, etc would be something of a
headache...

--
John Band
john at johnband dot org
www.johnband.org