Vancouver Island Train

[johnywalker87]

The ones who lived on the island before 2011 probably remember Victoria-Courtney train.
The rail tracks are still there , except Johnson Bridge section that has been removed.
Is there any hope some day this train service would be resume? It would be nice to keep it at least for the scenic ride across the Malahat pass.

 

[maniacalone]

The ones who lived on the island before 2011 probably remember Victoria-Courtney train.
The rail tracks are still there , except Johnson Bridge section that has been removed.
Is there any hope some day this train service would be resume? It would be nice to keep it at least for the scenic ride across the Malahat pass.

The title of this thread feels misleading to me. I came here expecting something else.

 

[Wakeup]

I never realized it ran till 2011, we owned a piece of property the tracks were on near Dunsmere , got expropriated probably 25-30 years ago.funny piece was i think 33' wide or maybe narower by a about a mile or so. Wasn't worth much then. blast from the past. Cheers

 

[oldshark]

I live on the North Shore so it would be great to take the Horseshoe Bay-Nanaimo ferry and take a train down to Victoria. It would be a nice relaxing journey, methinks.

 

[Fiona]

The title of this thread feels misleading to me. I came here expecting something else.

You’re not alone 😂❤

 

[luvsdaty]

The ones who lived on the island before 2011 probably remember Victoria-Courtney train.
The rail tracks are still there , except Johnson Bridge section that has been removed.
Is there any hope some day this train service would be resume? It would be nice to keep it at least for the scenic ride across the Malahat pass.

Rode on it many times,really relaxing and beautiful scenery.

 

[masterpoonhunter]

Train travel.
The most underutilized means of transportation in North America.
Truly needs to be implemented so much more.
Fun fact.
Do you know why the tracks are the width they are? Which is narrow and if wider would allow for so much more stability, speed, etc.
Narrow gauge 4ft - 8.5in was the approx width the romans used for their horse drawn carts, chariots etc. The width carried through the ages based on ruts found in various digs.
No one had the foresight to widen this way back when.

 

[oldshark]

Train travel.
The most underutilized means of transportation in North America.
Truly needs to be implemented so much more.
Fun fact.
Do you know why the tracks are the width they are? Which is narrow and if wider would allow for so much more stability, speed, etc.
Narrow gauge 4ft - 8.5in was the approx width the romans used for their horse drawn carts, chariots etc. The width carried through the ages based on ruts found in various digs.
No one had the foresight to widen this way back when.

You are right about the width but it is referred to as 'standard gauge'. Narrow is less than that.

 

[oldshark]

I took the train from Seattle down to Redding California. Very, very nice - a great trip. I also did the calculations, flying would have used far less energy. Rail is very efficient below 100km but as you increase the distance or go over mountains, it is better to fly. If you want to see Canada take the train back east, but if you care about the environment take a plane. Sorry Greta but sometimes calcs are calcs.

 

[masterpoonhunter]

You are right about the width but it is referred to as 'standard gauge'. Narrow is less than that.

I stand corrected.
And projecting into the future with battery development going as it is, hoping for EV Trains.

 

[oldshark]

I stand corrected.
And projecting into the future with battery development going as it is, hoping for EV Trains.

I personally think the best approach would be hydrogen powered trains. You can pull the hydrogen storage in an unit behind the locomotive. With the new hydrogen lightweight turbine technology being developed it would be better than fuel cell or electronic battery. he only requirement is hydrogen by true green technology. Then this form of travel will be better than other types.

 

[80watts]

Trains that are Electric, with miles of solar along the tracks to provide the energy... Also could tap into a national power grid, or be the basis of one...

 

[johnywalker87]

When they stopped the service in 2011, they said they are just renovating the tracks and will resume the service in few months. Why this has never happened?

 

[oldshark]

Trains that are Electric, with miles of solar along the tracks to provide the energy... Also could tap into a national power grid, or be the basis of one...

I think that the cost and complexity of that is too high. I deal with complex power systems and the cost of electrification over long distances can be very capital intensive. I prefer a hydrogen turbine system even over the fuel cell approach as you could probably get a wider range of power which you need going up and down hills, etc.

 

[Bridge]

It has amazing potential but the costs of getting the infrastructure up to the right standard are huge and, despite high gas prices the motorists still like the convenience of their cars. Personally, I like the idea of making large stretches of it cycle friendly without ripping up the rail tracks. That way Vancouver Island could become a cyclists' Mecca.

 

[Bridge]

The title of this thread feels misleading to me. I came here expecting something else.

What a wonderful lateral thought!!

 

[Corym]

I live on the North Shore so it would be great to take the Horseshoe Bay-Nanaimo ferry and take a train down to Victoria. It would be a nice relaxing journey, methinks.

A bridge should be built between Vancouver and Vancouver Island but that means stopping a route for BC Ferries and displace jobs.

Wouldn't look good for the politicians if jobs where lost or if the people want this bridge due to cost, environment, etc.

Corym

 

[Uncled]

I lived in a house that was a block away from a railway crossing for that train.

The warning horn was freaking LOUD.

Good thing I was usually at work when the train came through.

 

[westwoody]

A bridge should be built between Vancouver and Vancouver Island

Such a bridge would be in steps, hopping from island to island.
No property owner on those islands like Saturna or Mayne wants a bridge and all the associated traffic and riffraff.
Nobody wants Vancouver twats in loud stinky diesel pickups or tuner cars racing around here. You made Vancouver a mess and we don’t want you making a mess here.

 

[Wakeup]

Bridge is just a stupid idea, look at a chart.