Hello,I found this question hard to search on, & may be answered rather quickly.
In the Case of GP units like those on CSX, are the Cab Controls still Humanly accessable/usable if it were out into regular service, or are they 'strictly' RC only regulated?
I would like to add the RC options to a model but also want it in my main-line roster, but do not want to make a critical mistake.
Also, I have seen some videos on RC Stell mills where they are RC & also ask the same question?
So, I guess there are two distinct questions here.
I appreciate & Thank You forward for your thoughts!
I'm familiar with the vremote control switchers used at USS's iron ore mines in Minnesota. Yes the controls in the cab could be used, but in our case generally weren't. Even when the operators were sitting in the cab they used the remote pack. The result was that after 30+ years some of the manual controls were frozen from lack of use.
I can't say about CSX, but UP remote capable engines still have the controls in the cab. They can be used either way, operated by the belt pack or with the controls in the cab, but not both at the same time. (It's the same with road engines equipped for DP operation.) Simply put, the change from remote operation to/from conventional is just changing a few switches.
I would think the same would apply to most line haul railroads.
Jeff
Jeff, & Redore,Thank you I appreciate the info, & that is what I was hoping for, as I would want to use this model in a Switch yard & occasionaly in Line use, & not one or the other.Thanks again!