Gang,

In our effort to install the 30CDW brake system in our E8, I think that it would be a good idea if we obtained some pictures of the engineer's console in a few wide body locomotives to use as examples. Specifically, some close-up photos that showed the bell, horn, and sand buttons as well as the gages and light switches. Other photos that included the whole desktop and the overall equipment arrangement would be great too.

As always thanks for your help,

Robert Frye

Kind of curious-- why are you putting a desktop 30CDW in an E8? I'm guessing this unit originally had 24RL (and I know most folks rip that out, due to it being expensive to keep in date [personally, I like it though]). Why not use 26L, like many EMD F and E units now do?

Howard P.

Rotair Valve, CT

The ergonomics are awful and the 26L wasn't meant to go in a covered wagon.

Can't help you quickly with photos without updating my PhotoShop software, but I would strongly recommend going with the Knorr (former NY Airbrake) version of desktop brakes. I've found that those brake handles have more resistance to them and are less likely to accidentally be moved to a larger reduction than you want, or accidentally thrown down into emergency than the WABCO version.

I know most old heads don't like desktop control stands, and for switching they are a royal pain. However, for just cruising down the tracks, they are really easy to work with. What I don't like are the new version of the AAR stand that the SD70ACe's and ES AC's and DC's have. They take up FAR too much room in the cab. A desktop controller leaves a lot more room for crew people (and the occasional cab rider) to move around.

Is not the current version of the AAR stand superior for switching service ?

DPK

Yes, it's fine being able to turn around and run the unit for switching, but in terms of room in a wide cab, it takes up far too much space, much more than the traditional AAR stand in say a Geep. That's my major gripe.