From:  Bill Kaufman@MITEL on 02/27/2001 09:49 PM
"Interestingly, GE is now a large manufacturer of AC power
transformers.  If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.  Also interesting
that the GE traction motor division kept its original designs, and
most train, subway and trolley power stayed DC for a long time(maybe
still is?)."

GE (and their competitor GM) use both DC and AC traction motors
in modern locomotives. AC motors came to play around 1990. They
could not get enough horsepower out of the DC motors so they
changed to AC motors. AC has a lot of advantages but some railroads
in NA prefer the DC motors because they are used to them, they
don't cost as much and they work.

So to answer the DC traction motor question, Yes DC is still in
use but AC is coming up fast.

Bill

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