New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-01
Electricity ON THE CENTRAL.

OF the two methods OF using electric power
which the New-York Central is preparing 10
adopt that which will be witnessed IN us SUP
urban service will possess no novelty for the
people of this city. 1t is practically Identical
with the system already in vogue on the eIe-
waited roads. Several of the cars composing
train will be equipped with their own motive
machinery. and the motorman in charge will
occupy a compartment IN what happens TO be
the foremost coach. The through traffic VIII be
handled in q different fashion. Special electric
engines viii be attached TO trains FOR Chatham'
Pittsfield Albany and the West before depart
ure from the Grand Central Station When
White Plains, on the Harlem division and Gro
ton on the Hudson River division, have been
reached, these engines will be detached ana
steam locomotives will be substituted The
procedure will be reversed at the same places
with southbound expresses. Inasmuch as that
plan will be comparatively new to the metrop-
oils the description Of the electric motors now
being built for such service-given on another
page of The Tribune to-day-wilI attract much
attention.
One important feature Of these machines IS
that they will run equally well in either direc-
ton, both ends being alike. Hence no time
need be wasted by the use Of turntable when
trip IS finished An engine will be ready 10
start back Immediately, since 1t will be I'M
necessary to stop for supplies OF coal or water.
1t will also be observed that two or more Of the
new electric engines be coupled together
end operated one under the direction OF q
single motOrman. Provision for such combina-
tons was made a year or more ago with the
latest motors employed by the Baltimore and
Ohio company ia hauling trains through the
Baltimore tunnel. The first electric engines
built for that service were not designed. In
external appearance the motors for the New
York Central resemble the latest ones built for
the Baltimore and Ohio, but they look cleaner
and will probably encounter less atmospheric
resistance when running at high speeds. Again,
they are expected 10 generate little more
power than the Baltimore engines, the maxi
mum capacity of two in combination being 1900
horsepower, whereas those now on duty in the
Monumental City develop only 1900. Finally,
while they may not be permitted TO travel faster
than forty-ive or fifty miles an hour, It is an
nOunced that they will be capable of going fully
seventy-hve miles an hour when the condition
of the track renders such velocity safe.
Though the preliminary tests and the actual ser
vice OF these machines will be awaited eagerly,
the utmost confidence may be felt In the result
The Central could not have found better tech
nical advisers than II has anywhere in the
world.
On one part Of its policy the company Is stin
reticent. II wisely conforms TO established
precedent in adopting the third rail a means
OF conducting the electric current TO fits trains
but 1t does not yet say whether It will try 70
protect its workmen from injury by coming in
contact herewith. Several methods of securing
immunity are already known 1t is possible for
instance, TO place some form OF shield over the
third rail. The latter may also be arranged in
such way that all sections will remain dead"
except those Immediately under train. So far
as the outside public is concerned, It is entitled
TO little consideration. Persons who trespass
on private right OF way do at their own
risk. The company's own servants, though.
stand on different footing, and deserve kinder
treatment