Ride the future of urban transit with the Edison System of Electric Railways.
This detailed overview explains how a proven overhead trolley approach powers street railways with reliability, efficiency, and scalable design.
The book explains the Edison System’s two-part circuit—the overhead trolley wire and the grounded return—plus how multiple conductors and carefully placed feeders keep power steady even on long lines and steep grades. It also covers the practical advantages of parallel conductors, sectional safety cutouts, and reinforced feeders that help cars move smoothly and safely, from a single power station to distant tracks.
What you’ll experience
- Clear explanations of overhead versus underground options and why the Edison overhead system is favored for practicality and cost.
- Step-by-step look at power generation, station equipment, and the innovative Controlling Table that simplifies plant expansion.
- Insights on car motors, braking and control switches, and how the design reduces wear and improves operator ease.
- Real-world notes on system performance, maintenance considerations, and the economics of operation.
Ideal for readers of industrial technology, engineering history, and the development of electric transit systems who want a practical, shop-floor view of early electric railways and their rollout challenges.