Control Console

["Ira Schneider" <ira_schneider@iname.com>]

Hi all,

Steve just published the lastest TTAT newsletter, which contains my current prototype of the layout of the
control panel for the switching yard control console.  I would appreciate any comments you have on the
layout before I start working on it next week.

I do have one outstanding question that I would like your input on.  I am thinking of including a DIRECTION
button to interrupt the power to all four sidings from the control panel.  My reasoning is that if you have the
siding for an outgoing train switched to mainline power, pressing the DIR button on the CAB-1 interrupts
power to both the mainline and the siding.  If I include a DIRECTION button on the console, you would be
able to interrupt power to the sidings independently from the mainline.  This would allow the following operation:

1. Assemble the outgoing train on the siding.  Switch the siding to "Siding Power" and make sure the
    train is completely on the track and the engine runs.  Use the DIR button on the CAB-1 to put the engine
    into "neutral after reverse" to prime the engine to move forward the next time power is interrupted.
2. Stop the incoming train on the mainline before the turnout leading to the siding.  Use the DIR button on the
     CAB-1 to put the engine into "neutral after reverse" also.
3. Switch the turnout to allow the incoming train to enter the siding.
4. Switch the siding to "mainline power".
5. Press the DIRECTION button on the console to start the outgoing train moving out of the siding and onto the
    mainline.
6. When the outgoing train is completely on the mainline, press the DIR button on the CAB-1 to stop the
    outgoing train and start the incoming train.  When the incoming train is totally on the siding, stop the train
    either by pressing the DIRECTION button on the console or by turning the siding power to "off".
7. Set the turnouts so the train on the mainline will not enter the siding.
8. Start the outgoing train on the mainline.

The same thing can be accomplished by using the siding power switch (i.e. switching it from "mainline power"
to "off" then back to "mainline power").  You can also use the DIR switch on the CAB-1 (as long as you remember
it is controlling BOTH trains).  Also, you could keep the siding on "siding power", in which case the CAB-1
can control the siding when switched to TRK 5 and the mainline when switched to TRK 1-4.  However, you
will have the problem of the trains being controlled by two different transformers, and probably two different
speed settings, when they enter and leave the siding.

Adding the DIRECTION button to the console increases the flexibility, allowing the operators more options
on how to do yard operations.  However, it also increases the complexity of the console and how to use it.

I am thinking of erring on the side of flexibility and adding the DIRECTION button even though we may not
use it.  It might be a little difficult to add later if we decide we need it.  It is easier to ignore the button if we
decide not to use it.

Please let me know your thoughts on the matter.  I am currently purchasing the components I need for
the console and will probably start construction on it next week.

Thanks.


Ira