On 15 Jul, 13:56, Adrian wrote:
gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
saying:

Roger Ford guesses a 200 hp diesel generator will need to be included
under one of the carriages in each unit. It's not a terrible idea but
Can't see that happening. They'd have to install diesel fuel supplies
and engine maintenance facilities in the depots. Not cheap or perhaps
even practical. Also Thameslink has some steep sections (eg city
thameslink to blackfriars) and I'm wondering if 200hp would be enough to
propel a 140 ton unit up them.

The diesel engine wouldn't actually be propelling the train, of course -
merely generating enough electrickery to enable the motors to do so. I'm
assuming there'd be batteries involved, too, so if there was insufficient
charge available to do the climb, it'd merely be a question of waiting at
the platform at City Thameslink, with the diesels going full tilt, until
enough sparks had been made and were waiting to be used...

I can't see that working, particularly if the lack of current is down
to snow or something. I've already bored everyone with my anecdote of
a 319 failing twice to get up the slope in snowy conditions before
reversing to the north end of City Thameslink and finally making it
with long runup.