Discussion on “some impressions of the electric traction situation in Europe” (Eveleth), Schenectady, N. Y., May 17, 1912. (see proceedings for May, 1912)

B. G. Lamme: One important point brought cut by Mr. Eveleth is the small drawbar pull in European locomotive practise. From all I have been able to learn from various publications and from engineers who have visited European roads, Mr. Eveleth´s statement is entirely correct. The drawbar pulls, even in the case of their largest electric locomotives, are relatively small, compared with what we find in every-day practise in this country. For instance, in the case of one of the largest foreign electrifications now being undertaken, 30,000 1b. (13,600 kg.) is the largest drawbar pull contemplated, according to my information. This may be compared with some of the results obtained in this country. Take the Hoosac Tunnel electrification, for example, where the locomotives are able to develop 22,000 1b. (9980 kg.) continuously, and 72,000 1b. (32,658 kg.) during starting and acceleration. These locomotives will start and pull 2000-ton trains through the tunnel, using only a single locomotive. Some of the terminal electrifications in New York City will also compare well with the Hoosac Tunnel in tractive effort. Also, the Sarnia Tunnel locomotives, which handle through-service largely, have gone up to tractive efforts as high as 98,000 1b. (44,452 kg.) b y actual measurement. These locomotives will develop tractive effort up to a point where they slip the wheels, even though the locomotives are relatively heavy and have all their weight on their drivers.