Book excerpt: In 1888, Frank J. Sprague built the first successful electric-powered trolley car system in Richmond, Virginia. A few years later he invented multiple-unit control, an innovation that allowed the creation of heavy electric elevated and subway systems. The motormen and conductors who operated these trains, trolleys and interurbans were often trained using Sidney Aylmer-Small's How to Become a Successful Motorman. The book contains descriptions of electric railway systems and technology, operating instructions, and a series of quizzes designed to improve retention of the data.