Above: The TGV needs overhead wires for power

The main three fuels used for traction on railways is steam, diesel and electric. Unlike steam and diesel, electric trains do not carry their fuel with them because to store enough electricity to have a reasonable range, the batteries would probably take up more room than the train itself! So electric trains receive a continuos supply of electricity by picking it up from wires suspended over the top of the train.

Electric trains are much more efficient than steam or diesel trains. As a result they have much lower fuel costs, in fact the fuel costs of an electric locomotive will be around half the fuel costs of a diesel of similar top speed and power. Fuel costs make up quite a large section of operating expenses. If you remove some of the operating expenses then you will keep more money, profits go up. Also some electric trains can run at very high speeds, much faster than diesel. These are the Shinkansen Bullet, Thalys and the Mag-lev TBX-1.

What is the drawback of electric trains?

To run electric trains you have to carefully suspend wires all the way along the track. This is a delicate operation and as a result it costs money. In fact it costs about 3 times as much to lay electrified track as it does to lay. You can upgrade existing track to electric track just by selecting electric track and dragging it along your existing track. Also electrified track is about twice as costly to maintain, although track maintenance costs form a very small part of total expenses. Infrastructure costs are very high for electric trains.

When each scenario is set up, the general costs for each of the three different types of traction are defined. In North America, electric costs are set at high, whereas diesel and steam costs are set medium. In Europe, diesel costs are set at high, whereas electric and steam costs are set at medium. As a result, it is much more financially desirable to have electrified track in Europe than in America. This is done to mimmick the real life situation. In America, diesels are widespread and electrification is limited to the North-East Corridor (mainly Washington-New York). In Europe, almost all major railways are electrified.

You will only be able to build electrified track once the first electic train is available As a businessman, you have to decide what will make you more money. If you have some money, you can either use it to upgrade your existing lines for electric trains, and increase profits by lower fuel costs, or you can use the money to expand your network and increase profits. You have to decide which one will lead to greater profits. Or, if electrified track is available at the beginning you have to decide between a small but efficient network, or a large but less efficient network.. To help make this decision I have some tips.

1. If you have money available, look to see if there is anywhere you can expand your rail network, to a new large town or new industry without having to build many stations. If you can make a small extension then do it, that is the best way to grow. If not then consider electrification.
2. Look at the fuel costs of diesel, steam and electric and compare them. If in North America, you will find there is little benefit in electric trains.
3. Look at the trains available. In the early days, electric trains are very slow, not getting above 40mph or 68km/h. While this is fine for freight, it isn't very suitable for passenger services. In 1936 the American GG1 comes out with a top speed of 100mph (160km/h) and the German E18 with a top speed of 93mph (150km/h). These speeds are more suitable for passenger and mail operations.
4. Use the traffic density map to show you the heavily used sections of track. By upgrading the heavily used sections first, you will then be able to convert a large number of trains to electric traction. The more trains you can upgrade, then the better return you are likely to get for your investment.
5. Don't bother upgrading sections of track which receive very little use. The increased track maintainance costs will probably outweigh the fuel cost benefit and you will have wasted your money. However, by all means electrify such sections if you plan to subsequently increase the use of the track by adding more trains.

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