that actually has one (streetcar/light rail vehicle) or two (electric trolley
bus), the power would naturally be electricity, and therefore easy to measure
in kilowatts. Normal line voltage is 600 volts DC, sometimes 750 on newer
systems. The track forms the ground (streetcar only).
Old-timey coachwork mounted on top of bus or truck chassis and powered by a
diesel engine, used for sightseeing or other purposes, are sometimes called
"trolleys", but they're not.
Cable cars in San Francisco aren't trolleys either (though in this case the
cable is moved by a HUGE electric motor).
Carleton
In a message dated 2001-03-04 21:18:46 Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Dear Duncan and All,
I suspect that the power rating of the super-trolley was supplied by the
trolley's owners (from The USA) and the innumerate reporter was unable to
change it into metric or SI units. On the other hand they were able to
convert 14 feet into 4.2 m.
All, and I repeat all, reports that I have seen describing any kind of motor
vehicle have reported the power rating in kilowatts. This is true both for
motoring magazines and for daily newspapers. I am also aware of some
petrolheads going to considerable trouble to convert these values into some
kind of 'cheval vapeur', presumably so that they can make comparisons with
past jalopies.
BTW Does anyone know the origin of the word, jalopy. I have tried all of my
dictionaries to no avail.
Cheers,
Pat Naughtin CAMS
Geelong, Australia
on 2001-03-04 11.10, Duncan Bath at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> Globe & Mail A10, Mar 02:
>
> "A tall order"
>
> The "Super Trolley" is, quite correctly reported as being 4.2 metres
tall.
> HOWEVER, when it came to reporting the power capability, the result was
> "1,000 horsepower".
>
> In disjointed units, power is quantified in horsepower, Btu/hr and in kW.
> The latter, kW, is the only unit which should be used. It permits
> comparisons of power no matter what the situation. Furthermore, it is
> doubtful if horsepower were to be used, at this time, in Australia.
> Duncan
>
