Abstract: A power drive system for use in a linear motor propulsion system for powering and propelling a train of a predetermined length along a track. The power drive system includes a plurality of drive coils spaced along the track electrically connected together to form a set of coils. The distance along the track between adjacent coils in a set is greater than the train length. A plurality of sets of coils are interdigitated with each other, with the distance between adjacent coils from different sets spaced closely together to provide that a group of coils, each from different sets is adjacent the train at all locations along the track. The drive system also includes a plurality of inverters, each inverter connected to a set of coils.