Doesn't seem to be particularly driver friendly.The drivers rarely use the Master Controller(MP)in the manner of a steering wheel.They normally handle with one hand and this position of the MP will strain the wrist and the arm.
Secondly,the...

Doesn't seem to be particularly driver friendly.The drivers rarely use the Master Controller(MP)in the manner of a steering wheel.They normally handle with one hand and this position of the MP will strain the wrist and the arm.
Secondly,the Auto-brake valve(A9)is located on the left side and the BP gauge is on the other side and that too in an inclined plan which would require the driver to look both ways and also lean forward to watch the gauge.
Thirdly the BL switchbox in a flat plane would mean that the driver would again have to lean forward to read the labels on the switches which are inconveniently placed between the switches.
The only thing sensible in this arrangement is the speedometer directly in front of the driver which is a very good idea.Apart from that instead of improving the cab they really made it very tiresome for the driver.Also this arrangement is not conducive for shunting movements or even attaching to the load.
Another thing is that these cushioned seats don't easily allow the driver to intermittently stand and sit.Usually drivers like to stand while driving because it stretches the legs and standing also makes the sighting of signals easier in moving locos-which has been proved in studies.So these "crew-friendly" cabs are really not that friendly :).

Posted by Khalid Kagzi on 2009 Apr 06 12:38:43 +0000

The reduced seat height has given the the crew a horrifying time as visibility is severely obstructed.

Posted by Kunal Doddanavar on 2009 Apr 06 03:53:59 +0000