Can anyone fill me on the construction costs or the economical feasibility of this?

[Adam Smith]

Originally posted by Azazel
Not neccessarily a weight issue, but more of a HP/Weight issue.

Correct. Trucks usually have about 10 horsepower per gross ton. Trains usually have about 2 horsepower per gross ton (in part due to less resistance from riding on a fixed guideway)

Originally posted by Azazel
So, Adam, do you think it's feasible?

How much freight do you expect and how far will it travel? How many mountain ranges do you need to cross and how many cities do you need to pass through? My gut feel is that the ME economies on the south end of the line are not large enough to make this profitable ... yet.

[Az]

Can one take a look at the amounts of trade between countries in cash, and then make an estimation of the amount of TUs it would take to transport it, from looking at the types of goods taking the journey?