Future of Direct-Current Traction.

Progress, Volume I, Issue 7, 1 May 1906, Page 179

Future of Direct-Current Traction.

According to the Scientific American, the controversy as to the relative merits of direct and alternating current traction, particularly with reference to steam railroads, shows no signs of abating. It was aroused by the fact that two great railroad systems which enter the same New York terminus, and use the same suburban and terminal tracks for a distance of several miles, are employing two different types of motor, one direct current and the other single-phase alternating current. The controversy is wider than that of merely the two railroads concerned, for it includes the two largest electrical manufacturing concerns in the world ; one the General Electric Company, which is furnishing the direct - current equipment, both for power stations, lines, and rolling stock ; and the other the Westmghouse Company, which is furnishing the single-phase alternating equipment for the New Haven lines from Stamford to their junction with the New York central system at Woodlawn. The alternating-current advocates have expressed surprise that such an important installation as that of the New York Central terminal lines should have

been equipped with the direct current, arguing that it is approaching the stage at which it will not compare in economy, particularly for long-distance work, with the more convenient and flexible alternating current. It is stoutly maintained by the direct-current advocates that it has by no means reached its final stage of development, as proved by the fact that recently tests and results of 1,500- volt, direct-current railway motors have become available, and that there are rumours of a 700-mile, direct-current transmission. It is urged that 500 to 600 volts is merely a stepping stone to more efficient pressures, which are sure to be used. A correspondent of one of the contemporary journals devoted to street railways, claims that it is now practically possible to furnish reliable direct-current railway apparatus for a voltage of from 1,000 to 1,200 pressure ; and that with proper designing of the magnetic circuit in the motors, and the placing and insulation of the controlling apparatus, there is no reason why the advantages of high voltage should not be realised under the direct-current system, as they now are in the alternating system.

Do not put grease m gear boxes which are intended to take oil, for the grease may get into the grooves and pipes intended to take the oil to the various bearings, and, blocking the passages up, prevent the oil reaching its destination.

The London and South- Western Railway Company has inaugurated a motor-rail service between Exeter and Honiton.