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Granville T. Woods’ contribution to Mass Transit &
Electric Railroading Overview by David Head
Granville Woods is one of America’s most notable (but ironically least known) inventors. Although Granville T. Woods never became a household name, his reputation as an electrical genius spread
throughout the industry. Granville Woods received his
first patent in 1884 and over the course of his life would invent and patent several dozen different devices; including fifteen new technologies for electric railways. In 1891 Granville T. Woods came to New York City; he brought with him the vision of electrifying transportation in New York. Woods believed that New York’s horse drawn streetcars and the coal
powered steam engines running on New York’s railroads
and elevated transit lines could be replaced with clean, safe, electric traction. Woods would invent a number of devices and bring forth several new technologies that would allow for the electrification and proliferation of New York’s Rapid Transit System.
Granville T. Woods’ Contribution to Railway Communication
By 1891, when Woods would move to New York City he had already become an accomplished inventor; inventing several devises that
dramatically improved railway communication. Woods’ inventions saved lives and helped prevent the almost routine train wrecks that occurred during his era. One of Woods inventions was the “telegraphony” (1885); a
device that allowed telegraph stations to send messages orally and via Morse Code over the same lines. Woods’ invention of the “synchronous multiplex railway telegraph” (1887), allowed messages to be sent to and
from moving trains, enabling train conductors and engineers to avoid collisions and report hazard on tracks ahead.
Granville T. Woods’ field shunting speed control system
Granville T. Woods invented an innovative field shunting speed control system for trolleys and electric rail cars; this system would replace the resistor based speed control systems then in use. The earlier resistor based
systems controlled train speed by reducing the electrical energy being supplied to the traction motors through the application of resistors. This system was not only inefficient but also produced a great deal of
heat, since excess energy would be converted to heat. The excess heat was problematic when combined with the wooden trolleys and rail cars in use at that time; resistor based speed control systems could (and occasionally would) cause the wooden rail cars to spontaneously ignite.
Granville Woods’ invented an electric rail car speed control system that used field shunting instead of resistors. In this system, the field coil in the
electric motor would have a portion (step) of its field coil added or removed from the circuit thereby supplying the motor with more or less energy allowing the car to accelerate, maintain speed or coast (and decelerate by using a regenerative braking system).
The electric railway power distribution
systems invented by Granville T. Woods
On Saturday February 13th 1892 (roughly a year after Woods’ arrival in New York) Woods’ “Multiple Distributing Station System” was tested
by the American Engineering Company and demonstrated to the public at Coney Island, Brooklyn. The Demonstration amazed the crowd and made a very favorable impression with the electrical experts and surface railway magnates of that period. This system was a dramatic departure
from any previous distribution system for electric railway power. This system allowed for the wireless transmission of electric power, utilizing principles of electro magnetic induction instead of overhead wires, a
3rd rail or any physical contact point.
Unfortunately, Wood’s dream of widespread implementation of the “Multiple Distributing Station System” would be derailed by the
scurrilous tactics of Mr. James S. Zerbe of the American
Engineering Company. Woods eventually resorted to litigation after Mr. Zerbe and the American Engineering Company attempted to market his patented invention. A newspaper article from that period states: “Mr. Woods asserts that he never received one penny compensation
for the work done, while the [American Engineering]
Company is preparing to reap a rich harvest.”
Woods would eventually succeed in court, but this particular invention would not see widespread implementation. Interestingly enough
this invention was 100 years ahead of its time. Wood’s
Multiple Distributing Station System bears a striking
resemblance to today’s experimental linear induction
railroad propulsion systems.
However, the three other electric railway power distribution systems invented by woods would see widespread implementation. During the
1890’s and Early 20th Century Woods’ invented the “Electric Railway
Conduit System” in 1891, which was used extensively on Washington D.C. and Manhattan’s Streetcar systems (see patented drawing and description above).
Granville T. Woods also invented a 3rd Rail Power
Distribution system. The patent for third rail (Patent
#687,098) was issued to Granville T. Woods in 1901.
This extremely durable and low maintenance system of
power collection and distribution allowed for the
electrification of “Heavy” rail operations such as
passenger and freight railway lines. The third rail
system also allowed for more efficient tunnel construction and underground train operation. This type of power distribution system was implemented on Subway, railway and rapid transit lines around the world. Third rail systems have been used in the New York City Subway System since its inception and continues to be used today.
Woods other inventions include an improved air brake (a patent he sold to
Westinghouse), an improved telephone transmitter. Here is A list of patents issued to Granville T. Woods
Recognition of Granville T. Woods – His Inventions
Made The NYC Subway System Possible
As we enter the 21st Century and begin preparations to
celebrate the NYC Subway System’s 100th year of
operation, long overdue recognition is necessary for one
of the fathers of rail transit and subway technology,
Granville T. Woods. Granville T. Woods inventions
made the NYC subway system possible, and his innovations
and creative brilliance helped shape modern society.
Mr. David L. Head, Chairman of the Transport Workers
Union Black History Committee, has been on a mission
over the last 5 years to restore the legacy of Granville
T. Woods. Some suggestions on how best to honor him, and keep his
legacy alive, include:
A permanent large bronze plaque and museum display at the New York City Transit Museum; demonstrating and describing his pivotal and significant inventions and their implementation within the NYC Subway System. TA wall mosaic or mural in a subway station uptown in the Village of Harlem.
A commemorative edition Metrocard & subway poster for the subway centennial in 2004
A Granville T. Woods award for excellence, that could be awarded annually to an MTA employee for innovation and excellence.
The NYC Subway System will turn 100 on October 27th,
2004. The upcoming centennial celebration provides
a unique opportunity to look back and honor the people
whose visions, ideas, innovations and perseverance made
the NYC subway system possible. Brooklyn Historic
Railway welcomes your suggestions regarding the people
who’s contributions should be honored and innovative
ways in which to honor them. We will pass the
information along to the MTA and provide you with
additional contact information relating to the upcoming
subway centennial. You can contact us here
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Granville T. Woods
