----- Original Message -----
From: Dave VanHorn <dvanhorn@cedar.net>
To: pic microcontroller discussion list <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 1999 5:17 PM
Subject: Re: Re: From Engine to Caboose, What's in the train?


>
> > I always wondered why no-one tried (or maybe they have?) to develop some
> > kind of breaking system for RR cars that didn't depend on the wheels
(for
> > example, solid-fuel rocket motor) that could be used in an extreme
> > emergency to stop the train QUICKLY. I realize that this is changing the
> > subject slightly from the safety concern you mentioned, but it made me
> > think of it.
>
 It's a problem of getting rid of the energy. You could maybe do something
 that drops down and digs up the trackbed, but rockets would be a BAD idea.
 Barbecueing railroad workers at random would probably upset the union, and
 after a derailment, it would be an interesting task to get in there with
 rocket motors live in the mix.

 I wouldn't mind getting some spares after the project was scrapped though,
 that would be at least an S class motor, probably more like V.. :)