The effect of electric traction on the track

This paper surveys the detrimental effects of multiple-unit electric trains on surface track in England. Electric track deterioration is almost entirely of mechanical origin, accentuated by intense traffic and similarity in the design and operation of trains embodying power bogies with axle-hung motors. The effects of track damage are cumulative and are enhanced by maintenance difficulties peculiar to electric lines. Reference is made to the factors influencing the performance of the track as a whole, and to more specific forms of rail damage among which periodic side-cutting figures importantly and is at present being studied by high-speed cinematography. The effects of electrification on the capital and maintenance costs of track are briefly considered.