Having studied the use of steam engines to power printing machines during the 19th century, I often wondered when the transition to electric power occurred. It turns out George A. Isaacs, in
The Story of the Newspaper Printing Press (London, 1931) devoted Chapter XXI to "Electricity and Newspaper Presses, 1891 to 1901," suggesting, as one would expect, that the transition required at least a decade. From p. 241 I quote:
"In September, 1891, the
Birmingham Gazette adopted electric power to drive a "Victory" and a "Foster" single roll press. The motor was a 24 h.p. Crompton, controlled by a plain starting rheostat, run on current obtained from the public supply. The motive power was transmitted through pulleys and shafting by means of belts. There was no slow motion equipment on this plant, so that 'slipping the belt' was necessary to obtain a slow motion for plating and threading the sheet. Mr. William Thomas, who was in charge of the 'Birmingham Gazette' machine room when this plant was installed (and to whom I am indebted for these particulars) informs me that from start to finish the new system of electrical drive gave every satisfaction."
"It was in 1898 that the first steps were taken to utilise electric energy without the use of the intermediate shafting, pulley, and belts, and the "Liverpool Post" was the pioneer. Slow starting, steady accelerating, smooth running, prompt stopping, and reliable 'inching' (Moving a fraction of an inch) were absolutely essential on a newspaper press. Electricial engineers of the highest standing were occupied in solving the problem. In November, 1897 Mr. Jeans of the "Liverpool Post," placed an order with Messrs. Holmes, of Newscastle, for electric equipment, and on October 3rd, of 1898, the new plant was working...."
