Cross Continent Electrics

Fascinating examination of the electrification efforts of two major railroads -- the Great Northern and the Pennsylvania -- and their successes, experiments and failures. The book focusses on the GN's decision to electrify the daunting stretch between Wenatchee and Skykomish, how the electrification system was planned and built, how the locomotives were designed (including the Z-1, Y-1, and W-1), how the Cascade Tunnels were modified, and how the more economical diesels eventually killed them. The book also examines the Pennsylvania Railroad's electric locomotives, including the P5, E2b and FF-1, discusses the PR's working relationship with GN, the effect of diesels on the design of the electrics, the use of data from The Virginian Railroad's electrics and from GN's experiments with the E2b in order to cast new light on this form of motive power. Illustrated with a mix of black and white and some color photographs. With rosters. 64 pages.