*** This post was edited by CoasterDude316 on 2/13/2002. ***
But the catchwagon system wouldn't need to "know" where the train is or how fast it is going with much precision. Remember, as the train goes up the hill, it is slowing down, so if the catchwagon is advancing up the hill slightly more slowly than the train, a fairly simple tactic might be to put two switches on the catchwagon, just a few inches apart. When Sw1 (lower), then Sw2 (upper) are both triggered, wait until Sw2 clears, then snap the brake closed on the train before Sw1 clears. That indicates that the train has reached the catchwagon, and begun to drop back...that's the point at which the catchwagon had better catch the train or it's going to miss entirely.
It's only a guess, but it's one way it could be done. I wonder where I could find out for certain.......
--Dave Althoff, Jr.
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