100% mannual

[Bostet@aol.com]

3.  Make the yard manual.  Simple on an off toggle switches to turn power
on and off for each track.  Maybe one old transformer with no remote controls 
for all three tracks.  Perhaps even let the mainline power masters for
tracks two, three and four power their respective yard tracks.  I'm sure some 
of
you will find this a cardinal sin but it's no fun asking the same questions
over and over again.  The yard is super, please consider making it easier and
more usable for the masses.
Bob

100% manual means no command controlled use.  Can't have that.  But perhaps
you just meant manual application of power.  This would be fine, but I think
we really need separate power for each siding associated with a main line
(see me previous note about using the 3 RW transformers to do this).
Steve

I for simplicity.  By manual this is what I mean.  Have the three yard tracks 
powered by one RW.  Using a rotary switch or a four position toggle switch 
(if there is such a thing) with power on positions for yard track one, two 
and three and an off position would mean power could only go to one yard 
track at a time or all off.  Manual would also mean that we use the rheostat 
control on the RW to control the siding power.

At one time both Scott and I were setting up or tearing down at the same time 
using the sidings for tracks three and four.  We didn't need power at the 
same time so the availability of only one power source should not be an 
operational problem.

On some HO club layouts I've seen the use of a controller on a coiled cord 
and the rotary switch to control the power on a section of track.  I guess 
this type of control may be considered 'going backwards' but keeping 
everything easily and simple to understand and operate is of prime importance 
for the enjoyment of running on the layout.

I'm not trying to presume everyone's ability with our operating system. I 
suspect that four or five members understand command control and some aspects 
of the new yard systems (Scott, Adrian, Steve, Ira and Ed).  The rest of us 
either do not, don't want, or don't operate enough to maintain a comfortable 
expertise in these systems (Ron B, Buddy, Sandy, Rick and Ricky, Ron F, Doug, 
Joe, Jim, Bob, and Rob and Grady).

If Scott wasn't at a run, I believe we would be in operating trouble.

Bob

Bob Stettner