NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: I'm making this to keep people up to date with the re build of my transport network. Feel free to say what you like, comments, criticisms or get involved. I'l 'semi-RP' the whole thing, but I'm not writing page long pieces if no-one plays.

IC:

Luke Holding had been looking over the plans on his desk for a few hours now, there were plenty of suggestions covering hundreds of pages. He has been given the un-enviable(sp?) task of giving one of the ideas the go ahead, and the deadline had passed 12 hours ago.
Holding has a shortlist of 3 designs, and really couldnt pick one. His finger hovered over the 3 stacks of paper, moving slowly as he thought.
"For God's sake, this is stupid" called a tall man who came striding into the office, "You've got to pick one right now, the team is getting really pissed. So?"

"Oh, um, I don't Chris, how should I know. This one?" he said, pointing tentatively to 'Project Urban'.
"Read it?" questioned Chris, leaning over the desk.
"Have you?" Holding retorted, but before his team-mate could say anything he picked up the plans on his right. A slick blue folder which read 'Fast/-/tracks'.
"That one?" asked Chris, his voice was eager.
"That one." Luke confirmed, and it was done.

"Great" yelled Chris, "They've got a test track outisde Waterloo, I'l get this thing started while we head down there"






11 'Multi Access International Hub', one in each major city of Pablicosta. The Hub's will feature a high capacity airport, MagLev station for all new routes, Urban transport center and Space Docks.

High Speed MagLev trains will ply the InterCity routes, aiming for speeds of above 370mph. The trains will use technology allowing them to continue levitatating whilst stationary in stations meaning no wheels at all. Luxury trains for all routes, 12ft wide interiors allowing great space and comfort. Some cars will feature twin floor layout, allowing double loads.

The Urban transport center will be used for all Urban transport as private vehicles are phased out of 'inner city' areas. Low speed MagLev trains will be introduced to run the majority of transport in the cities operating in Underground tunnels. These are geared towards the commute and have a massive cappacity, unlike the other methods we will be introducing. Lower capacity computer driven TramTrains are in development for introduction on the roads which will be far quieter. These trains will be for general transportation and will make frequent stops.

The airport's will be central to each Hub, and will each hold 3 long runways aswell as 2 back up/emergency runway one 000 and 270 headings with several luxury terminals and ultra efficient boarding procedures to speed up turn arround times.

The Space Docks are designed to handle the new Grade 3 Pax1 ships, which can take 3000 passengers into Space. They dock vertically ontop of the Docking tower, and take off in the same manner. Grade 1 and 2 Pax1 ships are also able to lock into the Dock, which carry 200 and 1000 passengers or equivelent cargo weight.

We understand that our current power infrastructure is not sufficient to power the MagLev lines, so we are looking into constructing a 'Nuclear Village' power plant, to create massive power 24/7.
[/quote]

"There it is" whispered Holding from the back of the black 'Site Caddy' vehicle, similar to a golf buggy. Holding was pointing up to a raised track, only arround 12ft in the air with columns supporting it every 50ft.The track dissapeared into a tunnel in the side of a mountain a little down the line in one direction, and in the other it turned gently to the right.
"Monorail, sweet" said Chris, also in the back of the autonomous buggy which was taking them up a ramp to the station where the test track set off from, upon which stood a woman.
"Gentlemen, I'm very glad to have you here at last"
"It's my...our pleasure Ms-"
"Huskins. I know both of you, I've been hoping to get you on our line for some time now"
"Well, we've chosen your design so I thought it best to try it out maybe?" said Chris, interupting the discourse.
"Oh of course, I've arranged to send us on 2 loops of our 8 track. We've got the standard loop line, but it splits about 2 miles from here into the 'AccelOval', we can push her up to 300mph round there"
"Wow", Chris and Holding both uttered at the same time.
There was a gentle humming from behind the party as the beautifull train slowly approached the station, its blue and white paint glinting as it righted itself after tilting round the long corner.
It stopped gently in the station and the doors lifted up and out allowing the group to board before being closed again. The feeling inside was immense, the front area was quite rounded with holding bars arround the side, but further back was a conventional carriage idea, though wider and with well kept seats.
A gentlemen at the back of the train, pushed a button which buzzed through a speaker where Holding stood, as a green light popped on.
"I suggest you hold on to the bar gentlemen, for your first trip the tilt may be a little tricky"
The train set off smoothly picking up speed quickly to about 40 or 50 miles an hour which was a bizzare sensation as the train floated into the first corner, tilting over to the left as it passed into the tunnel.
The first loop went well, and the train passed back through the station and into the mountain, only touching 70 or 80 miles an hour through the corners.
"What do you think then gentlemen" asked the guide
"Amazing, absolutely amazing" said Holding, the smile across his face said it all.
"Do you want to see what she can do then?"
"Do you have to ask?"
Ms Huskins nodded down the carriage and the gent hit another button. The light turned red and Holding felt the train accelorate.
"You need to take a seat Gentlemen".

From his seat, Holding watched as the inside of the tunnel gave way to open countryside, the track expanding out ahead of them for 6 or 7 miles before turning back towards the loop. As the train leveled itself again the feeling of acceleration was overpowering. The train lifted a few inches more off the track.
At the front of the carriage was a read-out, red writing upon it.
"160mph"
It rose all the way to 300mph, in time to cruise for a few miles before slowing a little for the turn and coasting into the main loop again.