In 1984, the 1218 was converted to radio control
operation. The locomotive could then be operated by one person,
standing on the ground or on an end step. The RC could control
all required electrical functions as well as the bell, front and rear
sanders and the engine brake. The system was housed in 2 large
boxes, mounted in the cab. The box near the brake wheel contained
the radio receiver (72.48 mhz) as well as the relays needed to control
the locomotive electrical system. The box between the front
windows has all of the air controls in it. The air lines exiting
the box were connected into the brake stand. The relevant lines
there were cut and had tees soldered into them. There is a mile
of wire in the system which created quite a rats nest in the back of
the control stand. Provision was made to cut out the RC for
operation from the cab but by the looks of things, this was rarely if
ever done. Oh yes, and then there are the mud dauber wasps nest
in the electrical system.
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