Sections and branches

The Institute paper on the “Log of the New Haven Electrification” formed the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Branch held on March 5. Mr. Perrin discussed the relative cost of alternating-current and direct-current railway construction, and gave some figures bearing on the subject. Mr. Rosenthal brought out the advantages of the catenary construction for high speed heavy electric traction. Mr. Van Etten showed the disadvantages of the single-phase motor, especially in difficulties of operation. Mr. Rose made a comparison between alternating-current and direct-current locomotives, showing the good points, and the serious defects of each. Mr. Simpson reviewed the history of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven & Hartford electrification, giving an instructive account of the difficulties encountered and the methods of surmounting them. Mr. Stadeker took up the subject of the auxiliary trolley wire as employed in this system, and showed some results not only on the line under consideration, but also its possibilities with other systems with similar characteristics. Mr. Downton closed the discussion with a very excellent talk on circuit-breaker troubles and impedances on the generator circuit.