Did NYC ever plan to extend its electrification?

"Why did The Central go with a 3rd rail that people could step on and get electrocuted, rather than with overhead that's relatively out of harms way?"

NY City has a law against unprotected high tension wires.

The Central had a height clearance around 14'-6"


http://www.alfredbarten.com/oldmaud2.html


Eric

One word - technology. Overhead wire systems strong enough for main line railroading (as opposed to trolley lines) hadn't been perfected yet. Third rail worked for what it was needed for - relatively short distances, and simple to maintain.

And if someone was stupid enough to step on the third rail and get electrocuted, they never did it again.

In the late 50's,prior to 1960 the NYS Power Auth. constructed a twin line
from Nia Fls east to some point.
It may be just legend but two of the engineers were talking to my dad at
the time and they commented that NYSPA offered a deal on electric to the
NYC in return for allowing the constructing of the towers ,spanning the r-o-w.

trlinkcaso wrote:The 4th Quarter 1982 issue of the NYCSHS Central Headlight had an article on proposed electrification of the NYC. It was prepared by GE in 1945. It covered New York City to Buffalo and included the West Shore between Syracuse and Buffalo.

I never knew NYC had an Eletrice Line see you learn something new Eveyday.

AmtrakFan