Representatives from the Ergonomic Committee get a first look at the schematics for the new Bi-level cabs (see Bombardier's press release).
Bob Daniels and I met with Steve Klejst on Thursday, July 10th to go over the soft mockup of the Bi-level cab configuration with Bombardier. Through the magic of electronics a conference call was set up between 1 Penn Plaza and Bombardier in Canada. Bombardier had sent down a schematic of the proposed cab for us to look at and comment on. The left and right side schematics are here for the engineers on NJ Transit to peruse. If you have any comments or suggestions please contact a member of the Ergo Committee and let them know what you think. Tentative plans call for the Committee to travel to Canada on July 21st (Trip date changed to August 13th. Get your suggestions to Bob Daniels or me before then) for a close up look at the soft mockup and add any last comments before Bombardier commits to the configuration. Please let us know what you think before we go.
Bob and I made several preliminary recommendations:
1.
Eliminate the call bell ( does anyone really use it?).
2. Move the bell valve and Alertor reset buttons
nearer to the controller as in the present Comet IV cab cars (this makes
them easier to operate).
3. Move the Emergency Shutdown button to a location
away from the other controls so it is not accidentally activated. Make it
the same color as the shutdown button on the Alp 46s.
4. Since the metal in the cab will be a matt
black use a contrasting color for the buttons, label backing plates, and knobs.
5. Eliminate the large headlight and Aux.
light switches and use the toggle switches like in the Alp 46s. The same
with the heater switches.
It wasn't mentioned at this meeting but while we are at it how about some consistency in
the operation of the Ditch/Crossing Warning Lights. Best solution in my
opinion is to have them come on when the headlight is on high and flash
when the bell is rung or the horn is blown. When the headlights are
switched to dim the aux. lights should go out whether they are on steady or
flashing. Some cars have this feature but
the engineer never knows unless he checks the lights when he gets on the
engine.
6. No unnecessary audible alarms in the cab.
We are told that these alarms are generated from the locomotives but since
the Alps do not have audible alarms for the wheel slip or handbrake I see
no reason to have them in the cab car.
7. We need a clip for Form Ds, Bulletin Orders, etc.
In the Comet III and IV cab cars there is no place to put paperwork
without covering gauges or controls. Since paperwork is an essential aspect
of the job we need a clip somewhere clear and convenient for the necessary
paperwork.
8. We are
going back to the map light in the cab. The Comet Vs did not have them. I
think they are a benefit to the engineer.
9. All switches for
lights in the cab will be in the cab. This includes the vestibule light on
the left side of the cab and the marker lights
(also not mentioned at
the preliminary meeting: Can the labels for switches be lit?).
10. Make sure the door
activation switch is on the left side of the car body door. The switch on
the Comet Vs is on the side of the door away from the engineer making it
harder to escape the cab should that become necessary.
11. The sun visor will
be much like the ALP-44s and 46s. It will be a window shade type of visor.
12. The side window
will be tinted like the PL42AC diesel locomotives now on order.
13. Cab heater switches
should be the same style as in the ALP-46s. We don't need the big clunky
cab heater switches (not mentioned at the meeting).
14. The sander switches should also be the same as the ALP-46s (without the
time delay). The screw-on levers used on the sander switches on the Comet
IVs tend to disappear and the buttons are tough on the fingers. The
toggle switch type sander levers used on the ALP-46s seem to work fine (not
mentioned at the meeting).
I am sure Bob and I didn't think of everything that needs to be addressed. We need your input and time is running short. We will be running these cars for a long time. Let us know what you think.
Fraternally,
Steve Kay, Ergo Committee
Updated
10-5-04
Go to the latest update on
the Bombardier Bi-level project