Experience and conclusions of the running of the cape town-siomonstown electrification of the south african railways

This paper describes the 1500-volt suburban electrification in operation between Cape Town and Simonstown. A general survey is given of the local conditions and of the system, and this is followed by more detailed descriptions of the difficulties experienced in operation. The paper deals only with those difficulties which are connected with the rolling stock and which necessitated modifications to suit local conditions. The items reviewed cover pantographs, main motors, auxiliary machines, gears and pinions-with special reference to the importance of lubrication, bogies, and wheels.