Modern Light Rail Vehicles

Well, I would be interested if I modeled modern times.  Near as I can figure out, "light rail" is pretty much "trolley car" and I plan to model those on my 1950-ish timeframe layout.  That said, I have not seen any modern trolleys or light rail cars offered.

I'd agree, though with a slight twist:

In Europe there is an increasing trend to build LRV's that are also capable [ from a catenary voltage / signalling / wheel standards, etc  standpoint ] of running over 'main line' railways out into the far suburbs as well as over conventional street running in the city centre portions.  I think a model of this type would sell well in Europe if well executed.

If I were MTH -- admittedly a scary thought -- I would consider bringing out a scale, two rail only version aimed primarily at the European [ read "Germany" ] market;  in addition to being a stand alone sale model, it would make a great starter set when combined with their 24" radius track.  Working doors and command would be a prerequisite;  nonpowered vehicles would also be made, which need not have all the bells and whistles.  For North America, a three rail version with tinplate compromises would follow, and it would be more generic. 

To answer your question:  I'd probably buy a scale version.

With best rgds, SZ

We already have something to that effect in New Jersey - Newark Light Rail traverses the subway system and runs on street level; the Riverline runs from Trenton to Camden; Hudson Bergen Light Rail.

Yes Bob, that would be fun, especially if one could customize it to resemble their own local.

Unfortunately, the FRA's crashworthy standards won't allow LRV's to run on mixed use lines in the US like in Europe. At least maybe not until PTC is in place on all lines.  

Having said that, I'd love to see some O gauge LRV stuff. Then again, I prefer having toy train versions of real trains I can still ride on.

An exception and work around to this is the Sprinter LRV that runs from Escondido to Oceanside CA on track that is used at night by BNSF and during the day by the commuter line. They use German Diesel LRVs. It is a pretty cool operation.

If you want a prototypic excuse to run electric light rail on three-rail track without overhead wires, here it is:          

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alimentation_par_Sol          

"Ground-level power supply" is a system with sectionalized electric third-rail between the running rails which are only energized when a railcar is over it, so there is no live third rail exposed to street traffic.

The 3rd rail's even a different color from the other 2 (like GarGraves) even if the colors are reversed!  Cool.