Why Were Steam Locomotives Prioritized Over Electric Locomotives in the US?

The United States faced an interesting dilemma during the early 20th century when it came to choosing between steam and electric locomotives.While electric railroads, such as the WBA railroad between Baltimore, Washington DC, and Annapolis, existed, they were eventually abandoned. This article explores the reasons behind this choice, highlighting the economic and practical constraints that favor steam locomotives over electric ones during a significant period in US history.

The Case of the WBA Railroad

In the early part of the 20th century, the WBA railroad operated in the Northeast—specifically, between Baltimore, Washington DC, and Annapolis. This railroad was notable for running on overhead power lines, supplying power through substations. However, just a few decades later, in 1935, the WBA railroad shut down and was dismantled rapidly. This quick demise suggests that the high cost of maintaining the electric infrastructure was a significant factor in its decline.

Economic Constraints: High Cost of Electrification

The earliest electric trains were tested in high-speed environments, such as the London Underground in 1990. However, the primary reason for persisting with steam locomotives was the high cost of electrifying extensive rail networks. The monumental expense of building extensive electric infrastructure was a decisive factor, especially considering the vast existing rail network that needed to be electrified.

Practical Considerations: Infrastructure and Power Supply

Electrifying railways required a substantial infrastructure, including overhead power lines and substations, which needed to be strategically placed to avoid power losses. In the 1930s and 1940s, direct current (DC) transmission was the main method used, but it dropped significantly beyond about 60 miles. This limited the effective range of electric locomotives and made it impractical to electrify the entire US rail network.

The Role of Steam Locomotives

By the early 20th century, steam locomotives had a long-standing history and an already established infrastructure. They offered a practical alternative to electrification, especially in regions where large-scale infrastructure projects were too costly or logistically challenging. Steam locomotives were more than capable of powering long-distance rail lines, and they offered a reliable and ubiquitous solution that did not rely on complex and expensive electrical systems.

Electric Locomotives: A Practical Solution for Urban Areas

While steam locomotives were common for long-distance railway lines, electric locomotives were particularly useful in urban areas where smoke was a significant concern. The "Milwaukee Road," for example, used pure electricity through the Rocky and Cascade Mountains, but most of its line was powered by steam due to urban constraints and cost considerations. Pure electric locomotives could run in cities without causing coal smoke, making them ideal for operations like subways.

Comparing Steam and Electric Locomotives: Cost and Efficiency

Though early electric trains were impressive, the economic and practical realities of the time favored steam locomotives. Electric locomotives required substantial infrastructure and often faced significant performance limitations. By the 1930s, the rise of diesel-electric locomotives provided a viable alternative. However, by the 1950s and 1960s, modern diesel-electric locomotives had comparable power outputs to steam locomotives, making both technologies viable for different applications.

Conclusion: The Economic Driver

The priority given to steam locomotives over electric ones during the early 20th century can be attributed primarily to the high costs of building and maintaining extensive electric rail networks. Economic constraints, coupled with the established infrastructure of steam locomotives, made it more practical to continue using steam engines in a large portion of the US rail network. This choice reflects the pragmatic and economizing approach taken by US rail companies and the government during a period of significant technological change.