Train Basics Free Downloads Electric Railroads

Electric Railroads

By Angela Cotey | April 24, 2017

| Last updated on February 16, 2021


Cover shows a black and white photo of a vintage electric locomotive

The electrification of U.S. railroads has long been a vision for the future that’s never reached its full potential.

From 18th century technology development, to early 20th century progress on major electric traction projects, the United States was a world leader in railroad electrification. But electrification expansion projects were halted during World War II and, despite plenty of postwar optimism, electrification didn’t advance at the pace many had hoped it would.

In this free, 30-page download, learn about the history of railroad electrification in the United States: the progress, the projects and the world events that helped shape — and not shape — electric railroads today. This download also includes rail fans’ personal love for and experiences with famed electric commuter cars and locomotives, as well as an in-depth look at the designer behind the Pennsylvania Railroad’s GG1 locomotive.

Articles included in this free download are:

  • Electrics in the Diesel Age
  • Long Island’s lovable double deckers
  • Donald Dohner: The man who designed ‘Rivets’
  • Remembering the 800s

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8 thoughts on “Electric Railroads

  1. Be sure to have the Acrobat app and one suggests that you create a download folder (on desktop perhaps) and set up your downloads to go to the folder.

  2. There are several scattered around the East & MidWest., David……all though are “stuffed & mounted”…for two reasons. 1) The truck frames have big time cracks and repair would be cost prohibitive to recast or patch weld them. 2) The transformers were Pyranol cooled. This chemical leaked from many of the units, and is a carcinogen, so they have been drained and are unable to be used.

  3. It was funny on the 1st Feb I tried to enter the free 24 hr access only to be told at 1553 Feb 1st that the 24 hrs had expire on the 2/2/2018 so I guess I must have time travelled ahead of my time.

  4. MR. Have you tried to download this? Locked up 3 different computers during the download process. Free gift? I don’t think so. FAIL!

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