On 1 Nov, 18:46, John B wrote:
Haven't got a cite to be honest - it's something I've picked up here
and from the Wiki (so it might be rubbish - but it is certainly true
that all DC EMUs post-465s are readily AC-able).

I've definitely seen the same thing (eg The Class 444 article says
"Like all new build third rail stock in the UK, one coach in each unit
is fitted with a recess for a pantograph"), which implies a rule, but
really is just stating the facts on the ground.

(There is a rule that all new electrification has to be AC overhead -
both as a standardisation guideline and a health and safety rule -
which may be where the confusion comes from)

U

--
http://londonconnections.blogspot.com/
A blog about transport projects in London

Mr Thant wrote:

(There is a rule that all new electrification has to be AC overhead -
both as a standardisation guideline and a health and safety rule -
which may be where the confusion comes from)

Not quite. The ban is new, independent systems with unprotected 3rd
rail, and comes from H&S law about bare conductors in the workplace.
There is an exemption for extentions to existing systems (Southern
region, LU, Merseyside, Glasgow Subway (though I doubt that will be
extended), and protected 3rd rail systems are permitted (eg DLR). There
has been plenty of non-AC overhead since the rule came in, to name a
few, Tyne and Wear Metro (1500V DC overhead); Manchester, Sheffield,
Birmingham, Croydon, Nottingham tramways (all 750 V DC) and DLR (750 V
DC protected 3rd rail). In that time there have also been extentions to
the Southern system (Solent Link, Bournemouth-Weymouth spring to mind)
and the Jubilee Line Extention on LU.

Robin

In message , R.C. Payne
writes
Glasgow Subway (though I doubt that will be extended)
When it was first opened after complete refurbish, all the trains were
two car sets, now they're all three car sets, implying greater usage, so
there is hope yet.
--
Clive.

Clive. wrote:
In message , R.C. Payne
writes
Glasgow Subway (though I doubt that will be extended)
When it was first opened after complete refurbish, all the trains were
two car sets, now they're all three car sets, implying greater usage, so
there is hope yet.

I still would be surprised to see such a non-standard system with even
smaller than tube sized trains on narrow gauge track extended, rather
than a separate line built to more conventional standards built.

Robin