Trampower Prototype?
I found a picture of the current trampower LRV offering.
looks like a contender to me.
I also found the following post interesting, found here:
http://stevemunro.ca/?p=891
# Professor Lewis Lesley Says:
July 11th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Dear Steve,
I hope I may be permitted to contribute to this debate, bearing in mind that as one of the two bidders for the new streetcars, we are not allowed to lobby but we can provide information and clarification. Your various contributors have expressed surprise that a small British Company should bid. Obviously we only did so because our product is technically advanced, and yes the development programme over ten years was inspired by the thoroughness of the PCC. We also have in place production capacity and have bids outstanding in some five other countries, with the expectation of a confirmation for 60 cars shortly. We are offering to have up to 50% Canadian content and have had discussions with companies in the Burlington area as subcontractors.
Our bid is also about half the budgeted figure of $1200million. The difference could be used to complete early some of the extensions being planned, and discussed on your web Site.
TTC are proposing to offer 3% ($36million) to allow three demonstration streetcars to be tested for 2 years. TRAM Power would like to float the idea that the $36million be split between the two bidders. For our $18million we would offer at least 6 streetcars. This would allow an on street evaluation of the two types, let passengers and operators give their views, and still allow the new fleet to be delivered from 2012. We can start deliveries within 6 months of contract.
Independent power measurements by Manchester University on the City Class vehicle when it operated in Blackpool showed an average of 1kWh/km, less than energy needed for a small saloon car. It also compares to typically 4kWh/km of other contemporary streetcars with a capacity of 200 passengers. Part of the reason for this economy is the use of advanced power electronics.
The City Class has been designed to climb 10% gradients and has been tested on 8%, and turn through 12m curves. We have seen the detailed track plans for Toronto. The tightest curves are in the depots, where the slowest running takes place.
Finally the purpose of extended prototype running was to get out of the way all the possible risks. When the production vehicle is carrying passengers we know it is safe. As a little comparison in Britain nearly 300 motor cars catch fire every day.
Sincerely,
Lewis Lesley
Technical DIrector,
TRAM Power Ltd.
http://www.trampower.co.uk