The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1907-11-30
EXIT THE LOCOMOTIVE.

Electri6cation of steam railroads
which was halted by the acute state
of the money market is likely to pro-
ceed again ON grand scale at the first
favorable opportunity. The change
from steam to electric power seems
certain to be by far the most important
railroad development in the next five
years. This transition will really
mark new age in transportation fa-
cilities, as it will also fix an epoch in
the advance from one mechanical ap-
pliance in world wide use to another
and better one.
1t has been announced that the
Pennsylvania, which invariable leads
in all great railroad works, will soon
begin toelectrify its main line. Much
has already been done by varions CON-
panies in different parts of the United
States and in Europe, but contem-
plated change in the leading trunk
line of America is a matter of very
profound interest.
The Pennsylvania has now in sue
cessful operation line about sixty
miles long, from Camden to Atlantic
City. Trains of six or eight cars are
regularly run over this road at a high
speed. The New Haven and Hartford
has been engaged in big enterprise,
electrifying its system from New York
to Stamford, Conn. The New York
Central has done similar work on its
main line for a considerable distance
up the Hudson. The Southern Pacific
is about TO electrify its terminal at Oak
land, Cal. But in Germany more
progress has been made in this direc-
ton than in the United State. Great
Britain is also witnessing gradual
change from steam to electricity.
Conditions are more favorable for
electric trains in Europe than in Amer,
lea, for the reason that population is
denser and stops are more frequent.
It is far easier to stop and start an
electric train than a steam hauled
train, so that electricity is particular
ly desirable in suburban districts,
where stations are close together, or
in any populous community where
frequent stops are necessary.
The New York Central made a
series of elaborate tests to determine
the relative merits of steam locomo-
tive and an electric motor. 1t was
proven to the satisfaction of the Off
cials that the locomotive is still the
more efficient of the two when hitch
ed to heavy freight train that travels
slowly. But for high speed and for
efficiency in making quick stops and
starts the motor wins. So faras cleo
trio development has now proceeded,
it would appear that it would be
confined to passenger trains for some
time to come. The locomotive is still
the more economical engine to move
freight.
It has been estimated that it would
. take FIVE yearsoftime and Sc, soc, 900, I
900 of money to substitute electric
power on all the railroads of the Uni
ted States. That is equal TO sixth
of their present capitalization. While
such an expenditure may seem appall-
ing, it will not deter the railroad man
ayers when convinced that the change
will aid in the more economical oper
alton of their properties and when
they can get the necessary capital.
Whatever else is true, it is certain
that in a very few years no obnoxious,
smoke putting locomotive will be per-
mitted to enter any large city. Some
towns have already placed ban upon
them as nuisance since electric pow
er has been made feasible. When
economy, cleanliness and speed all
unite in favor of electri6cation, the
locomotive will have to give up its
work after three quarters of a century,
in which the world material develop
ment has exceeded that in the thous-
and years preceding.