Three-phase traction

The development of the single-phase motor and the progress made toward the electrification of the terminals of the great railways entering New York City have given new interest to the discussion of the more general application of electricity to the operation of main line railways. The only line essentially of such a character which has thus far actually handled its entire traffic electrically, is the so-called Valtellina line, in Italy, where high-pressure, low-frequency three-phase motors are employed. The final acceptance of this equipment and the planning of its extension to other parts of the system bring the subject of three-phase traction prominently to the front and make it especially worthy of study at this time.