The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-10-10

Richmond Locomotive Works Have COM
tracted with the Virginia Electric Co.

1t was learned yesterday for the first
time that the Richmond Locomotive
Works have decided to equip the large
shops with electricity and to use II al
most exclusively as a power. CON
tract has been made with the virginia
Electrical Company, the new water POW.
er company which IS making surveys vi
the James river and is contemplating eS
tablishing an electro water-poWer plan'
I'm Richmond, TO supply them with eiec-
trical power on condition such plant IS
established here A proposition was mace
TO the Richmond Locomotive WORKS ny
a representative of the water-poWer
company. And 1t has been under cor
sideration for over a month. no" II -
known that all the details have been set-
tied between the two parties, the eng
neers have decided on the plan ana ui9-
tribution Of the motors and the auNan-
tages of the new power TO tho LocolDo-
tive Works have seemed such tnde en7
proposition has been accepted and a CON
tract made between the two companies
The shops are to be equipped wltn over
fifteen motors and so placed that any one
set of machines can be run at one tiile
by their own motor without the neceS-
sity Of running any other part or the
works unless necessary. Each motor
will have it's own switch, but entirely IN
dependent OF the other motors ana VIII
be placed as close as possible to the ma
chimes, 1t will run so as 70 AVOID the
great waste Of power in long shaftnss
and belts.
Theoer are over $50 different machines
I'm operation at the Locomotive WORKS
and great advantage is expected in
this way. 1t IS estimated that a saw
ing Of over 25 per cent. will be made as
compared 10 the present cost OF steam
power which Is obtained from the most
improved style OF COrlss engine Inc
possible reduction I'm insurance through
the Introduction of electricity ana the
disbanding Of steam power was also
special inducement The Locomotive
Works are at present equipped with one
350-hOrse power Greene Corliss engine
and four other engines Of smaller capa-
city. Arrangements have also beeh
made with the waterpower company LOT
lighting the plant throughout with cleo
TRICKY and arc lamps will be used so that
work can be carried on in any part or the
works night or day. Plans nave also
been made for the water-power com
pany TO supply and install all the neces-
sary motors which will probably be or
General Electric Company's make.
The Baldwin Locomotive Works, or
PHILADELPHIA, have recently introduced
the use OF electricity largely into their
plant and their success has drawn The
attention Of owners OF all such plants TO
the advantages I'm this power
The water-power company have
closed many contracts for electrical
power, some with large consumers OF
power, but the exact amount in horse
power and with what companies, has
not been given out as yet
DnNfDADILnN on OTHER WATER
POWER.
The people Of Richmond have become
deeply interested in the success OF the
contemplated development OF the James
and the effect IL viii have upon the fu-
ture Of Richmond.
A well-knOwn electrical and hydraulic
engineer on a recent visit 10 the city.
who is familiar with the possibilities OF
the James river, said:
THE advantages that Richmond has
from its large population in close proxi-
nifty 70 the water power and the large
number OF power users at present In the
city are obvious.
The four great water power plants in
this country have all long transmissions.
The great Niagara plant has a trans
mission, Of over % miles 70 Buffalo. the
plant that supplies power TO Sacra-
mento, car, has a transmission OF p
miles, the plant at Portland, ore, IA
miles and Niagaras rival the Lachlne
Rapids plant on the ST. Lawrence, which
is being constructed at present with
capacity Of 1900 horse power. has no
large city near 1t at all and must either
make it's consumers or transmit it's power
to 4 great distance. The longest trans
mission that will be made in Richmond is
two miles and I understand there are
5000 horsepower out Of the present e'ist-
ing power users. which use 1000 horse
power all together TO whom cleo
tricity can be sold as soon as the plant
is established"
The advantage IN population IS seen
in tho following comparison Of the large
water power plants Of the Atlantic
cOagt.