THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE METROPOLITAN RAILWAY (1904)

Our Readers will remember the controversy which took plate some three years ago on the question as to the method of electrification to be employed on the systems of the Metropolitan and District Railways. The Hoard of Trade finally decided that direct current of comparatively low tension — from 500 to 600 volts—was to be used on both railways, which were to arrange matters in such a way that the trains of either company could run on the other’s line as well as on its own. Since the decision was arrived at, both railways have been busy making preparation for the conversion to electric traction, and the object of the following series of articles is to set out the progress which has been made in this direction by the Metropolitan Railway.

The equipment of such a line as the Metropolitan Railway for electrical working is an undertaking of considerable magnitude.  For one thing, it is a line which is largely used by the trains of other companies which have running powers over its network. One result of this is that the train density, if such on expression may be permitted, is high. The number of trains per hour passing over its metals is large. This, of course, renders the equipment of the permanent way a matter of difficulty, if not of danger. Then, too, the portion of the whole line which it has been determined to convert is extensive, there being some 26 miles of double track to be dealt with.

A glance at the accompanying plan map will serve to give some idea of the area covered by the operations which are now in progress. As many of our readers will be aware, the Metropolitan forms the northern portion of the circle of what is generally known as the Underground Railway. The company’s sphere in this locality extends from Aldgate East on the east to South Kensington on the west, passing through Moorgate-street. King’s Cross, (Gower-street, Baker-street, Edgware-road, Notting-hill. and other stations on the way. From Baker-street the main line runs north- westwards through Neasden to Harrow, and thence on to Aylesbury. At Aldgate East connection is made with the District Railway…