Interesting article in the June 12, 2006 FORTUNE magazine about the new rail line the Chinese built into Tibet; crosses a pass of 16,900 feet and miles of permafrost. Talks a lot about environmental concerns, politics and economics; not much about the actual running of the RR but article is still worthwhile IMO.
Its not a joke: passenger trains running this line will be pressurized…
Dominique
Either that or the Chinese railroad will have to supply an oxygen mask to each passenger. More important, I wonder what they’ll do for the crew since it may be impractical to pressurize the locomotive cab. Masks? Hypoxia is very isidious. Is there a rule for U.S. railroads requiring supplemental oxygen at altitude?
I seem to remember reading that the GE and EMD designed locomotives for this line will include pressurized cabs as well as a supplemental oxygen system for the engines (I mean the diesel prime mover)…Both types will be 6,000 BHP.
In the aviation world, oxygen masks are mandatory for the flight crew above 12000 ft (or 12000’ cabin altitude)…[;)]
Dominique
Do you know if these will be issued from existing designs, let’s say AC6000Ws or SD90MACs?
Dominique