Page 330 - (DK) The Ultimate Visual Dictionary 2nd Ed.

RAIL AND ROAD

Electric and
HOW ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)
ELECTRIC TRAINS WORK
high -speed trains Running rail
for return
Feeder station
current provides current Catenary
THE FIRST ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE ran in 1879 in Berlin, Vacuum
circuit
Germany. In Europe, electric trains developed as a more
breaker
efficient alternative to the steam locomotive and diesel- Pantograph
electric power. Like diesels, electric trains employ electric Thyristor converter collects current
converts current (ac)
motors to drive the wheels but, unlike diesels, the electricity to direct current (dc)
is generated externally at a power station. Electric current
is picked up either from a catenary (overhead cable) via a
pantograph, or from a third rail. Since it does not carry its own
power-generating equipment, an electric locomotive has a better
power-to-weight ratio and greater acceleration than its diesel-
Traction motor Transformer Axle
electric equivalent. This makes electric trains suitable for urban
turns wheel steps down brush
routes with many stops. They are also faster, quieter, and cause voltage
Control circuit
less pollution. The latest electric French TGV (Train à Grande
Vitesse) reaches 185 mph (300 kph); other trains, like the
London to Paris and Brussels Eurostar, can run at several voltages FRONT VIEW OF ITALIAN STATE
and operate between different countries. Simpler electric trains RAILROADS CLASS 402 ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE
perform special duties—the “People Mover” at Gatwick Airport
in London runs between terminals. Collector strip for
electric current
FRONT VIEW OF PARIS METRO
Double-arm pantograph
Route number Door open ∕shut Headlight
indicator light
Windshield wiper Windshield
wiper
Driver’s seat
Italian State
Unit number Handle Railroad crest
Operator’s initials Front light Number of electric
(Régie Autonome (white) (E) locomotive
des Transports (class 402 No. 5)
Parisien) Rear light
(red) Buffer
Rubber
running wheel Buffing pad Jumper cable
Front
Guard for Rubber light (white) Conventional
rubber wheel guide wheel hook-screw
Rear light (red) coupling
SIDE VIEW OF SHANGHAI MAGLEV TRAIN

Automatic door Onboard levitation magnet Driver compartment Guideway

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