Electric Railways 1880-1990 explores the history of the integration of
both electric and diesel-electric railway systems and identifies the
crucial role that diesel-electric traction played in the development of
wireless electrification. The evolution of electrical technology and the
modern railway produced innovations in engineering that were integral to
the development of traction, power and signalling systems. This book
presents a thorough survey of electric railway development from the
earliest days pf the London Underground to modern electrified main line
trains. The distinction between 'enforced electrification' and 'economic
electrification' is also discussed and the pioneering role of J.J.
Heilmann assessed.
Developed from many years of research into railway engineering, topics
covered include signalling and communications, power supplies, and a
detailed survey of traction systems, both AC and DC. The introduction
first of mercury arc rectifiers, and later of power semiconductor
controls, is also discussed in detail. The author has a long-standing
interest in engineering history and has written many papers on aspects
of railway technology. This book will be of particular interest to
scientists and historians interested in the development of electric
railways.