Abstract
In this paper the author, having been responsible for the recommendation that 25 000 V single-phase electrification at industrial frequency should be adopted as standard for Great Britain, completes the story first unfolded at the previous Electrification Conference in 1960.
The paper is of a general character and reviews the evolution of the art and the contribution made by British Railways and industry, giving historical reasons for the present position.
Reference is made to electrification schemes outside the London Midland scheme, and because of the author's subsequent extensive travel abroad, it has been possible to include some interesting comparisons.
Remarks are also presented on the peculiar situation of Great Britain, geographically located between countries East and West who hold divergent views on motive power policy, and the future of the industry at home and abroad is considered.
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