External Information & Side Issues

5.1 — Links to Las Vegas Loop System

(Tesla (Electric) cars (Future when system expands may be modules) transport between main conference centres using very quickly constructed low cost tunnels and cars that run off / on the system. 

To increase capacity of norailways at termini ends, feed off the main system to go to a number of underground or surface stations to then feed back into the network on the return route.

Link to Las Vegas Loop system

The initial 1.7-mile Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Loop cost approximately $52.5 million to construct, including three stations. Built by The Boring Company, this project averaged roughly $25–$30 million per mile, significantly lower than traditional underground transit, with construction completed in about 18 months. [1, 2, 3, 4]

https://www.boringcompany.com/projects

Not a real mass transit system as modules of say 30 people needed to do that, but demonstrates that costs can be considerably lower than current railways.

5.2 — Existing rail systems data

In the UK there is for a two track railway a minimum at stations (Normal speed trains) of 6m between platform edges, another 0.6m to the vertical edge of the platform. However, for single tracks the minimum is about 2.7m with a further 0.3m to the edge of the platform.

For my local station and a single track on a viaduct this is a Google measure… 

ADD Google Measure screengrab <<< Shows 6.2m between platform edges which is more than enough space for two modules to pass — all locations to be surveyed to identify pinch points. Modules should be a maximum of 2.4m wide (?) which is slightly less than existing to allow for current perceived greater positional accuracy of norailways against railways.

Norailways conversion is not suitable for narrow track railways with track gauges less than the standard 4’8.5” (1432/5mm) or high speed railways (For now)

5.5 — Some (Random) Existing Bus Data Links

Note 1 — Trains allow for platforms to be on either side whereas existing buses only have exit / entry doors on kerb side, they could be used on norailways but would not be able to pickup / dropoff passengers on platforms on the “driver side”. To do that buses would need to be re-designed and as in railways there are complicated interlocks to ensure the doors only open on the correct side.

Note 2 — Commuter trains are bi-directional, the go to a terminus and come out of the terminus going in a reverse direction, whereas existing buses go into bus stations where they can reverse. Existing buses cannot turn round at a railway station termini.


5.6 — Some (Random) Existing Module Data Links

Currently no modules I can find fill all the requirements. Modules will need to be designed to: – 

— Be different sizes from “minibus” to “bus” depending on location (Off norailway).

— One to two double door entrances BOTH sides (As platforms can be either side).

— Driverless, uses AI to cover guard functions and much more (Initially guard to monitor AI).

— Bi-directional running (As current commuter trains).

— Crab walking (See below).

Xxx (Follows).

5.7 — Crab Walking Links (Selection)

Note — Not all of the below are what would be needed in norailway module design, namely all 4 wheels rotating 90 degrees and parking / unparking from an adjacent space (Next to a platform).

Huawei — https://www.hiltoncarsupermarket.co.uk/blog/huaweis-new-ev-features-crab-walk-mode 

BYD — https://evmagz.com/byd-denza-z9-gt-shows-off-crab-walking-and-parallel-parking-capabilities/amp/ and https://youtu.be/3JSFjlkkNto

Hyundai — https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/hyundai-unveils-crab-walking-car-that-makes-parallel-parking-a-snap-watch/

Crab walking. 3 types:-
Type 1 — See Hyundai above — ALL wheels turn at 90degrees — IF there is a running lane next to a platform lane, a module would go to adjacent to its intended position on the platform and then go sideways into it, once passengers have been dropped off / picked up module would crab walk sideways out of the bay back into the running lane. This substantially improves flow and journey times at peak periods, when if possible an extra virtual lane (See 9 below) could be created (More discussion).
Type 2 —- See Huawei above — ALL wheels turn first say 1-5 degrees then 1-5 degrees the other way then straightening out —- Module or module train effectively moves sideways to an adjacent lane — Video in the above shows car weaving through two lane of traffic.
Type 3 — See BYD videos (Also does type 2, 4 wheel steering for tight curves and 360 degree spinning on a locked front wheel) — Module moves head first into space and then back wheels go sideways into space — Bit of a party trick (Burns tyres?) — But back wheels could go to 90degrees (As type 1 to do same). Type 3a.

5.8 — Virtual Lanes (And Points / Crossovers)

The current width of track on a railway may be widened from the existing in many locations (Possibly not at stations), allowing more virtual lanes than current tracks and crossovers / points almost anywhere. This will assist in the management and optimisation of flows on the railway (Further explanation / work needed).

5.9 — Repurposing of CESS (For maintenance etc)

In railway engineering, the “cess” is the prepared area of ground immediately alongside the track, located off the outer edge of the ballast. It serves two primary functions: providing drainage to keep the trackbed dry and offering a safe walking route and standing area for track worker.

https://www.jesip.org.uk/webapp/rail-risks-track-layout.html

This is a typical picture of a UK railway showing a Cess, a “six foot” between two tracks on the same direction and “ten foot” between trains going different directions. If paved fully across including the cess virtual lanes (9) can be created to allow a maintenance vehicle to park. Or / also if there was a demand lane at edge could be used, between stations for cyclists.


5.10 — Platform Design and Modification
TBA

This site is Under Development

Hand drawn sketches then graphics and animations (Help needed) to follow in due course. Further relevant links to ba added shortly particularly in this section.
For further information or constructive comments email info@norailways.org with norailways in the title.