Further Information

1.1 This Website, 1.2 Conversion Options, 1.3 Types of Modules and 1.4 Types of AI

1.1 This Website — Site is a proof of concept document dedicated to exploring the maybe not in the near FUTURE option of simplistically removing the rails and infrastructure from railways and replacing with a flat concrete  or asphalt bed on which mainly on demand battery powered autonomous tyred modules, linked modules or platooned module swarms replace existing railway trains, interfacing with and using adjacent infrastructure to provide a flexible / high capacity public transport system.

Future as the following need to be all sufficiently developed to allow the track conversion, all these are discussed further in the below: –

1 — Autonomy needs to be developed to level 6 or even level 7 (See 0.2 3e) and 1.4 below).
2 — Central control and control systems for operations generally, and systems for billing / customer and third party use need to be developed. Include backup control centre(s) for disaster recovery and to provide diversity.
3 — Modules need to be developed, or existing solutions developed to suit operation.
4 — Platforms need to be lowered or part lowered for the reasons and in the manner of the options as discussed later.
5 — Optioneering, feasibility needs to be addressed including development of the off road element of the routes.
6 — Conversion to be meticulously planned, and should be wherever possible be limited to the replacement of the rail and possibly sleepers with ideally an asphalt track over a short period working on a number of sections of part or all of entire route to be converted simultaneously.
7 — Construction may need to be in annual stages, with unconverted track etc crossing or in parallel.

1.2 Conversion Options

Track etc removal and following norailway replacement is dependent on location and specific setup. 1 – The main solution would be for a concrete (But may be timber) sleepered ballasted track — Rails are removed possibly with the sleepers attached. May be possible for speed and cost to leave the sleeper (Not timber) in place and asphalt. If the track is in a cutting the depth of asphalt would not be an issue as the ballast below is well compacted, but if on an embankment structure sleeper may need to be removed if additional loading is not acceptable.

2 – For rails on already concreted track — Depends if reinforced then add a special screed to level (1:100 fall say), if unreinforced may be able to be planned to level. There as certain types where this may not be suitable.

3 – For where existing track is to be retained as part of route not yet converted — Suitable for independently powered existing trains (Diesel, electric or even hydrogen powered), OHLE track but NOT THIRD RAIL — Concrete between tracks allowing gap at inner rail edge and concrete / asphalt outside. This work could be done in sections at night in advance of the conversion, unless track needs to be lowered and then refitted, this only where overall loading should not increase.

Note immediately prior to track removal, power is turned off and cables rolled out of the way, for now. Signalling and other cables are similarly disconnected and rolled back. 

Power cables may be repurposed (Feasible?) for battery swap stations, power for remainder of stations, other developments including station car park part repurposing / redevelopments???

1.3 Types of Modules — All need electric powered ONLY level 7 vehicle autonomy as discussed elsewhere.

Divided into: – 

1 – Modules to be used ALSO on public roads
1a — Minibus sized modules to be used in less densely populated areas.

1b — Single deck sized (Maybe existing, except for routes to termini) modules or buses to feed urban or semi urban area near norailway. Not for feeder tunnels (See note below). Double deck existing buses may be possible where there are no overbridges. Single decker buses could be used generally (Where platforms lowered or track raised) if no wider than existing trains and IF they have access/egress doors BOTH sides.

1c — Other vehicles used by local taxi drivers or qualified private vehicles, using norailways as part of route. Ideally electric, but must be electric if tunnels are part of route, or small feeder tunnels are added to be part of route.

2 – Modules for main no rails sections only (Module trains that stay on existing railway sections only)

Existing size train carriage modules. For platforms not converted they would have to raise and then lower for lowered platforms. Could NOT be used on existing roads or feeder tunnels (For example feeds off route near a terminus stopping at a number of small stations before returning the other way, route possible with tight bends and steep gradients).

1.4 Use of AI

To look mainly ahead but also to the sides and even behind to identify and analyse risks and communicate results to adjacent vehicles and to central system control, who then re-advises back as necessary. In detail:-

1 – Risks are such as wild, domestic and farmyard animals with action recommended dependant largely on the type and size of animal.

2 – Trees that have fallen, action to be dependent on where fallen and size. Also, particularly when windy, can see if any trees are leaning further (Compared with database of data) or are swaying and may be about to fall and where.

3 – Fire, say in adjacent fields and whether approaching.

4 – As no track may be greater risk of humans on track. Need to establish why on track and what doing, and then inform police etc as necessary.

5 – Monitor adverse weather, particularly snow, frost, ice or flood.

6 – Monitor inside module:-

— 6a – Module operation generally and any faults.

— 6b – Passengers getting on / off as planned, identify any freeloaders.

— 6c – Passenger assaults, theft or anti social behaviour incl graffiti AI remains ON even when module parked up).
— 6d – ADD

This site is Under Development

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