Quote:
Originally Posted by klordger1900
The driver just selects GO.
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Well strictly speaking it's still a notched controller as before.
So for example a new class 377 with AC motors has 4 notches of power and 4 steps of brake (3 plus Emergency) exactly like an old Class 319 with DC motors.
The 319 has two old fashioned handles, whilst the 377 has the more modern Combined Power & Brake controller.
But you drive each unit in exactly the same way (and as you would expect the 377 is just a
little smoother & quicker - usually).
In fact AC motors have just about taken over nowadays, even Locos are getting them (Class 70). One advantage they have over DC motors is the ability to provide Dynamic braking, which is more effective (at speed) than friction brakes, and it saves on brake pad wear.