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Chicago Aurora & Elgin 400 Series Interurban

In the days before the proliferation of the automobile Interurban railways were everywhere in America, many of them had very short lifespans but some soldiered on well into the 1950s or later. The Chicago Aurora and Elgin (CA&E) was no exception. The CA&E offered rapid high speed service to and from Chicago and the westerly suburbs, and distinguished itself as being (for a short period in the 1920s) the fastest Interurban service in the world; but also as one of the few to use third rail (rather then overhead wire) for the vast majority of it's line, earning it the nickname "The Great Third Rail".

In the 1920s with their wooden cars aging the CA&E purchased 20 new cars from the Pullman Car Company (the 400 Series). These cars were unique in that they were the first all steel cars purchased by the CA&E but also the last of the "Heavyweight" cars produced for them, weighing in at a hefty 103,000 lbs. They were geared for 72mph and served with the CA&E until it's closure in 1957, a few ended up in museums but the vast majority were scrapped.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Top Seed: 72 mph
Passenger Capacity: 26*
*This Interurban car is Stormlink Compatible

OPERATION:
***Please reference the screenshots above for the location of hidden buttons and logic blocks, and ensure you have "Infinite Electricity" turned 'OFF'***

Move to the #1 End of the car
• Turn 'on' the Master Control Switch and any needed Lights
  
• Turn 'on' the Brake Stand Cut-In
  Move to the #2 End of the car
  
• Release the Hand Brake
  Return to the #1 End of the car
  
• Turn 'on' the #1 End Control switch (above the window)
  
• Move the Brake Handle to the 'Release' position. Brake pressure should build to 90 PSI*
  
• Ensure the Reverser is 'off' for forward movement 'on' for backwards movement
  
• Press the 'Notch Controller Up' arrow button to begin moving**

CHANGING OPERATING ENDS:

• Apply the Air Brakes sufficiently to hold the train (anything at or under 80PSI should do)
  
• Turn the 'Brake Stand Cut-In' to 'off'
  
• Turn the #1 End Control switch 'off' (above window), LEAVE MASTER CONTROLLER ON
  
• Move to the other end of the train or car
  
• Turn 'on' the Brake Stand Cut-In, and release the brakes (90PSI)
  
• Turn 'on' the #2 End Control switch (above the window)
  
• Press the 'Notch Controller Up' arrow button to begin moving**

MU'ing (Connecting) MULTIPLE CARS:

• Once coupled ensure all Brake Stands are cut-out (off) in cars not to be used as the controlling car and the Master Control Switches in each car are on.
  
• Using the Jumper Cables located the the Locker at the #2 end of each car connect each car using the plug(s) above each 'Car End Door'.
  
• Return to the Leading car/cab and proceed with the operational steps above.

CONTROLLER NOTES:

• *The Brake Stand has four positions: Release, Lap, Service, and Emergency
  
  RELEASE: Releases the brakes until either the pressure reaches 90 PSI or the Handle is moved to 'Lap'. The handle will automatically return to 'Lap' once the brakes are fully released (90 PSI) but you can intentionally or unintentionally move the handle to 'Release' and the Brake Stand will continue to charge the brake pipe, noted by the continual operation of the Air Compressor
  
  LAP: Holds the Brake Pressure at the current pressure displayed on the Brake Gauge
  
  SERVICE: This position applies the brakes at a slow/"service" rate. When the desired reduction in pressure is met, return the handle to 'Lap' or else the brakes will continue to apply until the brake pressure reaches 0PSI
  
  EMERGENCY: Rapidly reduces the brake pipe pressure to 0PSI and applies the brakes quickly.
  
  
• Braking effort DOES NOT increase below 64PSI
  
• If the '_# Control End' switch is not 'on' in the Controlling Car the Air Compressor will not recharge the Brake Pipe, either fully or at all.
  
• You can view the Status of the Brake Stand or it's Position by hovering the cursor over the logic block in the Control Stand Labeled: "M-C165 Controller" (note the screenshots above) of which there are several positions/statues:
  
  HANDLE OFF: Essentially denotes the Brakes cannot be controlled from this stand due to another brake stand within the train being 'Cut-In'
  
  CUT-OUT: This Brake Stand is not currently operational, but turning the switch on will make it so.
  
  BRAKE HANDLE LOCKED (CLOSE DOOR): Denotes the door closest the Motorman's Controller is open and the brake stand is temporarily cut-out, until the door is closed; which will restore control.
  
  
  
• ** The M-C165 Controller also displays the positions and status of the Controller/"Throttle". There are ten "points".
  
  OFF-10 RUN POINTS: Denote the position the Controller is in, and if in Series or Parallel.
  
  POWER SUPPLY: OVERLOADED: Will be seen if the Controller was moved up through the points too quickly. To prevent this, pause in between points for 2-3 seconds, and 3-5 seconds when moving from Series to Parallel (points 5-6). You can quickly back down through the points with no ill effect however, even moving it directly to 'OFF' if needed. If the Power Supply is overloaded return the Controller to 'OFF' (you do not need to stop), wait about 10 seconds for the Maintainer at the Local Sub-Station to reset the Breaker ;) , and you can continue on.

OPERATIONAL NOTES:

• The Destinations can be changed using the arrow keys located at the bottom left of the controller stand. You can also view what is being displayed via the hidden logic block in the floor. If you so wish you can also change the destinations to real world locations using the switch under the car body. NOTE THE SCREENSHOTS ABOVE FOR LOGIC AND BUTTON/SWITCH LOCATIONS
  
• The internal vestibule and compartment doors can be locked open with switches located about the door's closer piston.
  
• The Trapdoors can also be opened/closed using the arrow key located in the door wells of each Platform Exit Door. (The will automatically drop if the Platform Door is closed first).
  
• The Cars are primarily designed to run on third rail, however they are equipped with overhead trolley polls. You can raise/lower them with the hidden button located near the "electric motor" externally on the opposite side of the Motorman's Position. The are not designed for the high speeds the third rail is, so in tight turns and high speeds you will notice sparking and power dropouts. To prevent this, slow down in turns. Also, use the trolley pole at the opposite end of the car's direction of travel. Using the trolley pole facing the direction of travel will result is sever sparking and power loss.
  
• Because this Interurban car uses "Tomlinson Couplers" (Fluid Ports) it is not compatible with most (or all) currently available train cars and locomotives on the workshop.

BIG Thanks to Enzokats for the WONDERFUL screenshots and testing the Interurban! Please visit his workshop page here: Enzocat's Workshop
I also encourage the use of his Cantenary Environment Addon, available here:
Catenary Environment addon

Also a BIG thanks to Sir Murtak who as always provided welcome help and testing! Please visit his workshop page here: Sir Murtak's Workshop

UPDATE 10 JUNE 2023
- Fixed Headlights swinging around and other small visual glitches

ENJOY!