Maglev "realistic" acceleration

[Celestar]

This time I have a suggestion:

I've found the Maglevs pretty "realistic acceleration" pretty unrealistic.

Background:
Maglevs, at least the only commercially used one (Transrapid) do not carry their propulsion system around in the carrier, as do other trains. The engine itself is integrated into the TRACK. The propulsive force is generated by switching magnets in the track. The closer the magnets together, the higher the force (trying some ascii art,T = Train, N = North pole track element, S = Southpole Track element).

Small force:
TTTT
NNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSNNNNNNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSS

now, should you need more force, you just place smaller elements:
TTTT
NNNNNSSSSSNNNNNSSSSSNNNNNSSSSSNNNNNSSSS

In other words, the acceleration of a maglev train is MUCH higher (around an order of magnitude) than on a normal train, it can take much steeper slopes (around two orders of magnitude as far I know).

Celestar

[Saskia]

One correction to the background: the TR carries one half of the engine with it, the so called long stator linear motor. I don't know how it works in detail, but the track contains only permanent magnets (it's ferromagnetic), and the TR the electric magnets, the linear motor. If you take a generic motor, the track is the permanent magnets and the TR's lm is the rotor with it coils [Spulen].

Now to the game: Since the TRs don't have a real power specification (HP/KW), I use it for my TRs as method for specifying the acceleration. The values go up to 5-digit numbers.

[Alltaken]

well i think the mag lev train elements need to be included some how just because how else would you have more than one model of train, without needing to build the track again as technology got better.

but i agree perhaps the front and end train bits are replaced with angled passenger cars or other cargo cars. so that you can still have the different speed trains.

Alltaken

[Celestar]

I think you mixed it up:

Actually there are 3 different magnetic parings:

1) Hover-System:
Those are static magnets in the track and eletric magnets in the vehicle, which can be powered by the onboard-batteries. Electronically regulated system

2) Guidance system:
Magnets on the sides of the track to guide the vehicle

3) Propulsion System
Electric magnets along the track that accelerate or brake the vehicle

Data for switches, just if people care:
Max speed:
straight part: 300-500km/h
curved part: 200km/h
maximum slope: 10%

acceleration 0-300km 2minutes, 5km
(high speed trains need around 4-6 times as much)

Celestar

[Saskia]

It's like I said (except that the stator is the perm magnet, and not the linear motor):
http://www.transrapid.de/en/information ... k_txt.html
... the TR uses the Hover system

[Moriarty]

I posted something semi-related yesterday under the openttd problems forum. Thread titled "realisitic acceleration".
Basically it shows that the Chimera can't get to full speed on any-length flat track on a regular map.

[Alltaken]

i oresume the magloev acceleration is using the same physics as the other trains, when really it should be using a unique frictionless set

Alltaken