Here is what Google AI says about charging, Super:
The North Staffordshire Railway’s battery-electric No. 1 was charged by a system of rails that were powered when the train halted at the end of its journey, providing power to recharge the onboard batteries. This was a key part of its design as a shunting locomotive, which allowed it to operate for up to six hours on a single charge without relying on third rails or overhead wires.
How the Charging System Worked
- Halt and Pause:
The battery-electric train would come to a complete stop at its destination.
- Powered Rails:
At the halt, the rails would become powered, providing the necessary electrical current.
- Recharging:
This electrical current would then be transferred to the train’s onboard batteries to recharge them.
- Quick Turnaround:
This charging process was designed to be completed within minutes, the time it took for the driver to move from one end of the locomotive to the other for the return journey.
Benefits of This System
Eliminates Wires:
The battery-electric system meant the North Staffordshire Railway’s No. 1 did not need external infrastructure like overhead wires or a third rail.
Versatile Shunting:
This made the locomotive highly convenient and economical for shunting duties, especially where it was difficult to install traditional railway power systems.
Operational Efficiency:
The system allowed for quick recharges, ensuring the locomotive could return to service efficiently.
