At 09:06 PM 5/18/98 -0400, you wrote:

.....and he said small gas>turbine/electric hybrids.
>Here's the theory in a nutshell.  The turbines
>can run off natural gas, (and then hydrogen if and when fusion becomes a
>reality).  Since the only parts that experience friction are the turbine
>bearings they'll last virtually forever.  They're extremely efficient when
>running at a constant speed and theyll power a generator/capacitor grid with
>computer controlled electric traction motor at each wheel.
>Thoma
>
Isn't this ('hybrid') system just what railroad locomotives use - albeit
with compression diesels instead of a turbine?  Never could figure out,
though, why the diesel engine power isn't just run straight to the drive
wheels...?

Austin