Absent Minded Farmer
Well-known Member
- Location
- Gehl Country, Wis.
The railroads had quite a bit of overhead wire before the 70's. Initially it started with smoke abatement laws in New York City &, I believe, New Jersey. Between the smoke from factories & the steam engines that were plying the rails at the time, electrification was a great idea. Amtrak currently runs electric trains between NYC & DC. The "high speed" Acela train runs on these lines & at about 135 MPH when they get up to speed.
They pretty much don't use the overhead wire anymore, due to upkeep. They are a pain in the donkey to keep after. Also, you can't sell fuel to an all-electrified railroad.
That's the short of it. A full explination would have me typing all day. I do reccommend further research, if you are interested. The New York Central Ry., & it's predicessors, would be a good start. The Milwaukee Road would be a good place to end your search.
Mike
They pretty much don't use the overhead wire anymore, due to upkeep. They are a pain in the donkey to keep after. Also, you can't sell fuel to an all-electrified railroad.
That's the short of it. A full explination would have me typing all day. I do reccommend further research, if you are interested. The New York Central Ry., & it's predicessors, would be a good start. The Milwaukee Road would be a good place to end your search.
Mike