electric locomotive." The was the risk the NHRR took when they decided in Feb. 05 to have Westinghouse construct a prototype electric locomotive equipped with direct current traction power motors that would perform effectively on alternating current. This was the design criteria--- a trailing load of 200 tons--- a "run" with 10 station-stops--- a 2.2 mile interval between stations--- an average speed of 25mph---a maximum speed of 45 mph. in addition to the obvious concern of "DC on AC" motors was motor overheating because of the many starting exertions with a very brief time-interval between them. The NHRR concluded after thousands of test-runs that the locomotive could perfom effectively in commutor service , the most "severe" type of operation.The man responsible for the flawless motor design was B.G. Lamme who was without peer in designing electrical machinery.His success was an epochal event in the history of locomotive design and was the first step in a new transportation technology , hi-tension AC railroad systems.
I am tempted to note that a little of the 'investment' came because Morgan's railroad expert died in 1906 and they hadn't found a comparable replacement...
But in fact the design of the 'universal' traction motor was a great achievement. It might be added that this type of motor was used in the GG1s (and this has led to a great deal of sometimes hilarious attempts at explaining how they work) even though there was no need for DC operation.
One billion? Wow.
Reminds me of what the late Senator Everett Dirksen once said:
"A billion here, a billion there, and soon you're talking about real money!"
But on the NYNH&H the DC operation was needed, GCT - Woodlawn.
What would happen if an AC motor was fed DC ?
Answers:
AC Series motor with DC style commutator connections (Universal Motor) would run better. Remember rectifiers for shavers to give a bit more oomph by running them on DC, also Lionel trains would run better on DC.
Everything else wouldn't run at all and in most cases would damage the motor.
PATTBAA The man responsible for the flawless motor design was B.G. Lamme who was without peer in designing electrical machinery.His success was an epochal event in the history of locomotive design and was the first step in a new transportation technology , hi-tension AC railroad systems.
The man responsible for the flawless motor design was B.G. Lamme who was without peer in designing electrical machinery.His success was an epochal event in the history of locomotive design and was the first step in a new transportation technology , hi-tension AC railroad systems.
While I have a few quibbles about "flawless motor design", it was still a remarkably good design.
I have absolutely no arguments about B.G. Lamme being without peer in designing electrical machinery. He was the person who made a practical product out of Tesla's induction motor, was responsible for the DC traction motor as we know it today, developing the synchronous (rotary) converter, and other things.
Flintlock76 One billion? Wow. Reminds me of what the late Senator Everett Dirksen once said: "A billion here, a billion there, and soon you're talking about real money!"
Just for 'giggles' : I checked it out on a website: One dollar in 1905 was $1.00
current valuation in 2020 works out to that same dollar being $29.54
website is @ https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/1905?amount=1
total is going to be $29.54 x$1,000,000,000.00
$29.54
x $1,000,000,000.00
$29,540,000,000.00
Not exactly chump change !
samfp1943 $29,540,000,000.00 Not exactly chump change!
Morgan was not averse to overpaying in order to buy out the competition, which is one of the reasons that New Haven was saddled with so much debt.
The "one billion" cost of the 1906 NHRR electrification cost was based on present-day currency.The cost of the Cos Cob generating plant, in P-D-C , might have cost one billion.It is not an exaggeration to describe the decison to electrify with A.C in 1906 as an act of courage when you consider the consequences of a failure.
PATTBAA The "one billion" cost of the 1906 NHRR electrification cost was based on present-day currency.The cost of the Cos Cob generating plant, in P-D-C , might have cost one billion.It is not an exaggeration to describe the decison to electrify with A.C in 1906 as an act of courage when you consider the consequences of a failure.
OK, now it makes sense. The one billion figure was a shocker.
I mean, it cost the equivalent of ten million in US dollars of the time to build the Titanic.
So yes, it was an act of courage to electrify the NHRR. Taking the chance on a new technology, somewhat proven but still doubtful in some peoples minds.
It shows that 100+ years ago, more corporations were willing to invest in the future , with great risk and no short-term returns. "Make no little plans." - Daniel Burnham, 1910.
charlie hebdoIt shows that 100+ years ago, more corporations were willing to invest in the future , with great risk and no short-term returns. "Make no little plans." - Daniel Burnham, 1910.
And today version is - "Make no long term plans, make the next quarter's earnings number'.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Flintlock76I mean, it cost the equivalent of ten million in US dollars of the time to build the Titanic.
As an aside - $10M in 1912 translates to about $262.5M today. And the cost of a 500 passenger cruise ship today is around $260M. OTOH, a Wasp-class aircraft carrier - about the same length as the Titanic, is well over a $1B. One must consider the technology aboard, though.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
BaltACD charlie hebdo It shows that 100+ years ago, more corporations were willing to invest in the future , with great risk and no short-term returns. "Make no little plans." - Daniel Burnham, 1910. And today version is - "Make no long term plans, make the next quarter's earnings number'.
charlie hebdo It shows that 100+ years ago, more corporations were willing to invest in the future , with great risk and no short-term returns. "Make no little plans." - Daniel Burnham, 1910.
"Delayed gratification" is a foreign concept for too many people in this day and age, and right across the spectrum.
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