The application of electricity for the auxiliaries of railroad trains

Although the application of electricity for the auxiliaries of railroad trains has not been as spectacular as its use for traction purposes this has increased in a remarkable manner since its first application for electric-lighting purposes about 60 years ago.¹ This application was confined largely to lighting purposes until the last few years when streamlined high-speed passenger trains and air-conditioned cars have ushered in a new era of railroad transportation. This paper points out the increased use of electricity for auxiliaries other than those in electric and Diesel-electric locomotives.