Re: March 2003 Fun Run

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

I agree that operational simplicity is necessary.

However, remember that track 2 power is routed through the variable output of the TIU.
That means if we want to use the CAB-1 to control the voltage for conventional mode
engines we still have to use the MTH handheld to turn the voltage up to maximum.

I think it is more confusing to require someone to use BOTH controllers to control
a train on track 2.  Perhaps I have a strange view of things, but I think it is simpler
to use only the MTH controller on track 2.  If we leave the TPC in command mode
the only time we need to use the CAB-1 is to turn on the track power from startup or
after a Halt command is sent.

Basically, that leaves track 2 in the same state it was in before we put the TPC back
in.  Anyone using track 2 just has to learn how to use the MTH controller.  I realize that
means that people have to spend a little time learning how to use the controller, but
I don't think it is really that hard.

Right now on any other track, when an operator is through using an engine in command mode
he should turn the track voltage off as a courtesy to the following operator, who may want to
run in conventional mode.  So, when an operator is through using track 2, he should also
set to voltage back to zero.  I just don't see the problem here.


Ira