TDegenhart
Diamond
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2011
- Location
- Geneva Illinois USA
I had a discussion with my local service garage owner about the future of the industry from the repair/maintenance standpoint.
His take is that in the next 10 to 15 years the repair shop as we know it will no longer exist. The small independent shops will go out of business or the bought up by larger shops. His mix is 45% automotive, 15% transmission and 40% small engines, lawn mowers and such. Engine and transmission work will largely disappear, brakes will go 75,000 to 100,000 miles. Service work on the power electrical system will be either at dealerships or large independents that can afford the diagnostic equipment and training. Battery life is not an issue. None of this is probably new to the membership.
One application that I have not read about is the replacement of diesel electric locomotives with battery operations. Many of the disadvantages of batteries could be easily handled. The batteries could be housed in a separate car behind the locomotive as was the tender in steam days. Change out the tender with a fresh one and off the train goes. There would be tremendous savings in maintenance of the diesel electric system. backup batteries would be carried in place d/e.
Your thoughts?
Tom
His take is that in the next 10 to 15 years the repair shop as we know it will no longer exist. The small independent shops will go out of business or the bought up by larger shops. His mix is 45% automotive, 15% transmission and 40% small engines, lawn mowers and such. Engine and transmission work will largely disappear, brakes will go 75,000 to 100,000 miles. Service work on the power electrical system will be either at dealerships or large independents that can afford the diagnostic equipment and training. Battery life is not an issue. None of this is probably new to the membership.
One application that I have not read about is the replacement of diesel electric locomotives with battery operations. Many of the disadvantages of batteries could be easily handled. The batteries could be housed in a separate car behind the locomotive as was the tender in steam days. Change out the tender with a fresh one and off the train goes. There would be tremendous savings in maintenance of the diesel electric system. backup batteries would be carried in place d/e.
Your thoughts?
Tom