RE: [SG][DS][Campaigns] Mass transport and low G planets

If the atmosphere is fairly thick (like earth) then airplane (air
train?)
travel is much more practical (less gravity equates to less energy
needed to
fly). Ultralights may be the "cars" of such a planet.

A grav or hover train may be practicle in such an environment. Less cost
than maglev (all you need is a flat clear trail for the train to
follow).

---
Brian Bell
bkb@beol.net <mailto:bkb@beol.net>
http://members.xoom.com/rlyehable/ft/
ICQ: 12848051
AIM: Rlyehable
---

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-gzg-l@CSUA.Berkeley.EDU
[mailto:owner-gzg-l@CSUA.Berkeley.EDU]On Behalf Of Terrance L. Smith
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2000 22:29
To: gzg-l@CSUA.Berkeley.EDU
Subject: [SG][DS][Campaigns] Mass transport and low G planets

I have been wondering about what type of bulk and mass passenger
transportation might be the norm on low G planets in the future. The
reason
for my pondering is for scenario design; a planetary invasion will
likely
make control or destruction of the transportation network a fairly high
priority.

Assumptions: 1) We are talking about a planet with gravity about the
same
as Mars (38% of earth's gravity) 2) Bulk freight and large masses of
people
will still be most cost effectively moved using ground transportation.
(It
is not economical to move iron ore using C141s.) Note: I am not
concerned
with water transport at this point.

Rail travel could be a problem. Inertia remains the same, but the wheel
to
rail contact force will only be 40% (I assume this is proportional to
gravity?) what it is on earth. Presumably that will reduce the load that
can be started and greatly increase the braking distance.

There must be ways this problem could be reduced:
-All wheels powered
-Cog railway
-Maglev (Something like Maglev feels right for a Sci-Fi setting. Much
more
futuristic than steel rails. But how does the construction cost
compare.)
-What else?

What are the list's thoughts?

Terrance Smith, Ph.D., ELS