Steam-Era Electric Locomotives

During the early twentieth century, as steam power began to reach its practical limits, a new form of motive power emerged -- the electric locomotive. Driven by electricity supplied through overhead wires or a third rail, these engines offered cleaner operation, faster acceleration, and reduced maintenance compared to their steam counterparts. Electric traction found particular success in tunnels, mountainous terrain, and densely populated urban routes where smoke and steam were problematic. The transition marked a pivotal moment in railroad history, bridging the gap between the age of steam and the rise of modern electric and diesel-electric technology.