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I'm not an expert on electricfication, but it appears to be used the most where you have lightly loaded trains running on a frequent basis, such as commuter rail and light rail systems. This is probably due to the limitations of an overhead catenary. The light rail system in Salt Lkae uses a 700 VDC optimum voltage. This of course floats around due to a wide assortment of things. If we assume 700 VDC, we get a few numbers that can be scary: A 4400 hp locomotive will consume roughly 750 watts X 4400 hp = 3.3 megawatts, or 3,300,000 / 700 volts = 4700 amps!!!!!! Even if by chance the system voltage is kicked up to 2800 volts, you're still looking at close to 1200 amps. Not many wires can carry this current. Imagine if you have multiple engines pulling a coal drag..... Get the idea? You also have a substantial voltage drop along the wire, so you have to space the substations (DC power supplies) fairly close along the route. You'd have to run a LOT of freight to pay for such a system. Mark in Utah
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