3d printing, it’s not just for models any more.
"A new European project is looking at using carbon fibres and 3D printing techniques to design lighter, more reliable and quieter trains. Professor Simon Iwnicki, director of the Institute of Railway Research at the University of Huddersfield, talks about the project’s aims and the challenges of creating change in a risk-adverse industry. "
http://www.railway-technology.com/features/run2rail-bringing-3d-printing-rail-design/
Hey, lithium batteries in a narrow gauge locomotive - it’s just like G scale!
"The rebuild by MÁV Vasjármü included installing a 204 kW Cummins QSB6.7 engine meeting EU Stage IIIB emissions regulations, along with lithium batteries which are charged when the four-axle locomotive is running down the line’s steep gradients. The stored energy is used to power the locomotive in electric mode for shunting at stations. "