I recently saw a Los Angeles Metrolink loco with a decal saying it had had Positive Train Control equipment installed. However, at least from ground level, I couldn't see anything clearly visible that would show any external detail changes for PTC. Does anyone know if there are antennas, etc that would clearly indicate a loco had PTC?
I have read messages on the Trains forums to the effect that PTC requires radio towers every so many miles along rail lines, so the locomotives apparently will require external antennas of some type -- most likely centered on the cab roof. I don't know the frequencies involved and am not sure about the antenna type or length that will be necessary.
Here's a link to some information about PTC from the Association of American Railroads perspective:
https://www.aar.org/safety/Pages/Positive-Train-Control.aspx#.U6d7tvldVKI
more antennas seems to be a common feature https://www.google.ca/search?q=ptc+antenna&tbm=isch&ei=XAKwU-vIFYOyyASB3oHYCw#q=ptc+antenna+array&tbm=isch&imgdii=_
Ah, OK, this is starting to get an answer. The link shows photos of parts made by a guy using 3D printing that look like some antennas that I've seen on the roof of a few UP diesels, and he calls them PTC arrays. So now I'm getting a slightly clearer idea of what this stuff is and how to model it. Thanks!
But MR, if you're reading, how about prodding Pelle Soeborg or Matt Snell or some similar author to do a writeup? This is hot info! You guys need to get on the leading edge here!
PTC Dual Track Antenna
Remote Monitoring and Control
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
I haven't figured out how to post photos here, but I did post some photos of UP arrays on ES44ACs and SD70ACes at http://www.thewhistlepost.com/forums/ho-scale/16119-righgt-up-date-details.html However, among other questions I have, I'm wondering what sort of arrays (if any) are on NS Heritage locos. The down-on photos I've seen on the web don't look like what I've seen so far.