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MichaelSol: I will auto correct myself. Spacing on the polish system ( 3kV dc) is between 5 and 20 miles - depending on the traffic density. Typical substation is about 4,5 MW continuus and currents may reach 2,6 kA when ET42 (6600 hp) class loco is working hard. Considering that a single Little Joe was 5500 hp - that is about the same - buuut - with longer substation spacing (28 miles - as yau claim) the loss of voltage might be higher. I suspect that currents could go up to 3 kA then... impressive to say the least. As for the 'giant' savings. Maybe the better word would be 'substantial'. Electrification pays off when the line is havily trafficked. With longer segments and euro-style traffic density (think 3 minute headways) with longer segments there are, ferinstance more chances to regenerate energy. If one really tried then 25 kV would suffice for 200 or so miles - with low enough traffic density. BTW - spacing of 25 kV system is about 40-60 miles. But nonetheless - in the US type of railroading electrification does not make sense at all. The traffic density is too low (there are too few places with really tight spacing), trains are, by euro standards, underpowered and speeds are moderate. EDIT: as for clearances - what is the problem to step down from 25 kV to say - 8,33 kV? That would be the same as clearances for 3 kV DC. Isambard: When polish electrification was coined there was a plan to electrify a coal line from Upper Silesia to the Gdynia seaport - in that tume that line run along the border with Germany. Also - electrification started in 1935 - the war started in 1939. By 1939 there were only 8 locos and several EMUS in service. Obviously later it was a moot point. When the war ended communists simply started with what was there - so 3 kV DCsystem was there to stay - esp since the BIg Brother also electrified with 3kV DC
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