冷酷的反义词：篇章翻译练习3

2020年11月29日发(作者：陈鲁豫)
Electric Traction
It is generally held that the most efficient method of railway operation, and
ultimately the most economical, given a reasonably cheap electricity supply, is with
electricity as the motive power. The electric locomotive is not dependent, like its
steam counterpart, on the competence of driving and firing or the quality of the fuel
burned. On the other hand, the speeds that will be possible with any given load are
completely predictable and apart from signal or permanent way checks, or other
delay- producing casualties, exact observance of schedule times can be guaranteed
within narrow limits. With such accurate timetable observance trains can be operated
with shorter turnaround times at terminals, which means that more intensive use can
be made of rolling stock than is generally possible with steam power.
In suburban areas the rapid acceleration afforded by electric motors from rest and
in recovery from speed restrictions makes it possible to work trains with very frequent
stops at higher speeds and a closer headway than with steam locomotives.
Multiple-unit working, which brings the motors of two or more sets of passenger
stock, or two of more locomotives, under the control of one motorman in the leading
driving cabin, would be impossible with steam, for each steam locomotive must be
manned by its own driver and fireman. Moreover, except on the fastest and heaviest
passenger and freight duties, on which it is advisable to have a second man at the head
end to assist in the observation of signals and, if necessary, to attend to the electrical
equipment, the equivalent of the steam locomotive fireman is unnecessary; thus the
great majority of electric trains have a driver only, which makes for considerable
economies in staffing.
So much for the credit side of the ledger with electric operation. It has also some
obvious disadvantages.