Abstract :
The paper recites the details and cost of construction of the contact systems as originally installed and subsequently modified and extended, including third rail, third rail insulators, protection, joint and cross bonding, track bonding and trolley structure. Operating experiences, as creepage of third rail, sleet formation on third rail, deterioration of rail bonds and detentions to train movements chargeable to failure of these structures, are related. The cost of maintaining the various contact structures for seven consecutive years, in cost per single track mile per year, is presented. Results of actual measurement of third rail and track resistances are also given.
