Virginian EL-C: Question about Ignitron

[gp792]

Hi guys,

I was just looking up about the Virginian EL-C, and have always been confused about what an Ignitron is, or does. Also, is this locomotive really any different from other electric locomotives?

 

[captainkman]

Perhaps this will answer any questions you have about the ignitron:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignitron

They were also fitted to the PRR E44: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRR_E44

Kieran.

 

[JCitron]

The New Haven used it also and the complete fleet was sold to the New Haven.

http://www.vmt.org/Loops-Collections/Electric-Locomotive-Loop/Electric-Locomotive-GE-EL-C-135.html

K-Man has the link on the Ignitron tubes, which today's replacements are silicon-controlled rectifiers or SCRs, which are much safer since they don't contain mercury.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon-controlled_rectifier

John