South Eastern and Chatham Railway - Electrification

Electrification

Prior to grouping, with the development and implementation by competitors (notably L&SWR, LB&SCR, various "Tube" companies) and electric trams) of electric traction in the early twentieth century, SECR planned to start electrifying its lines. The proposed method of electrification was 1500V DC using two additional rails - i.e. four rails (like London Underground and L&NWR), this very high voltage (for rail track level systems) was only used in elsewhere on the L&YR's 1200V DC side contact third rail line from Manchester Victoria to Bury. Grouping in 1923 led to Southern Railway's adopting L&SWR's standard of 660V DC third rail over SECR's network.