ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAYS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10139, 9 December 1910, Page 4

ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAYS.

The complete electrification of a railway will necessitate a re-arrange-ment of ideas and practices in regard to operations, says "Engineering," and these have been clearly stated by Mr George Westinghouse, the well-known railway and electrical expert, of London. Coaling and watering places will not be needed; passenger trains will be differently composed, some classes being of less weight, and they will operate more frequently, thus promoting travel. Other trains will be heavier than at present, or will operate at high speeds; and branch lines, by the use of electrically-fitted cars, can be given a thorough service not now enjoyed. The movement of freight will undergo great changes, due to the fact that electric locomotives can, be constructed with great excess capacity, enabling them to move longer trains on rising gradients at schedule speed. The large percentage of shunting operations, due entirely to the use of steam locomotives, will be required no longer. The railway companies can combine upon some' co-operative plan for the generation of electricity, thereby effecting large savings in capital expenditure, and can utilise their own rights of way for the transmission of the current, not only for the operation of trains, but for many other useful purposes. Notwithstanding the fact that great strides have already been made in cheapening the cost of generating electricity by steam engines, the progress made in the development of gas and oil-engine power will bring a still further reduction in cost, which will accelerate the work of electrifying existing railways. Ono important aspect of this great question will engage the thoughtful consideration of every government—namely, the military necessity for uniform railway equipment in times of war.