Re: proporal for standard industry modules

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

Steve,

This is an interesting idea.

However, of course, I have some concerns:

1. Why O-54 turnouts, as opposed to O-72 or some other radius?

2. RCS track has very flimsy connector pins.  I don't know if they are good for
    connecting moveable moduels.  (Of course, you are probably using them
    for your turntable and transfer table modules.)

3. I am concerned that we will have turnouts going nowhere if we include the
    ABCD modules in a layout and don't have interior modules connected to them.
    There is the danger of a train running off the layout (i.e. the turnout gets
    switched accidentally and we don't notice it until an engine sails off
    into space.

4. It appears the scheme you are proposing uses a section of RCS or
    Gargraves curved track to connect between the turnout and the industry
    module.  Again, I would be concerned about the connections.

5. Where will you get power for the track on the industrial modules?  Right
    now, there is no provision for a power take-off from the main modules.
    If you are using an independent power supply, that is an additional
    requirement for every industry module.  If you want to use mainline 4
    power, we need some way to provide it (like the take-offs I built for
    the accessory modules).  Also, if you are proposing that each industry
    module uses an independent transformer, we have to be able to supply
    AC power to them.  We only have a limited number of extension cords.
    Also, the transformers would have to be phased properly so they don't
    interfere with our main transformers when the train crosses between the
    blocks.

Remember, my philosophy is "Before you ask, the answer is NO!".


Ira