Design of ignitron tubes for rectifier locomotives

IGNITRONS are used to rectify a-c power to operate d-c drive motors on 22 rectifier locomotives. These rectifier locomotives represent the first large-scale application of the ignitron in railroad locomotive service. Ignitrons in railroad locomotive service are subjected to an electrical cycle which closely matches their inherent capabilities; although a motion environment of roll, pitch, vibration, and shock makes necessary certain mechanical design and construction techniques which are not required for ignitrons in other industrial applications.