Left & Right naming convention.

[Captain_Francisco.]

  Please clear up a small thing for me. In a previous topic, "Fitting a X9659 chip to an 0-4-0 engine," the terms"Left Wheel Pickups, Motor Left, Motor Right & Right Wheel Pick-ups" are used in the explanation by Chrissaf. What is the convention, at least from the Hornby point of view, when naming things Left & Right? Which perspective is used when viewing the loco; is it viewed coming towards one as one waits on the platform, or is it from the drivers perspective? Does one presume the motor is "in situ" when naming? Further, how would one apply the convention to Diesel and Electric units? Thanking all in advance.

[96RAF]

As seen from the driver’s point of view.

 

Motors can be confusing as some brushes are orientated top and bottom, but it doesn’t really matter as if the loco runs the wrong way you can either swap the motor wires over or adjust CV29 to reverse running.

 

Twin cab Diesels are nominated End 1 and End 2 with usually End 1 being the end closest to the fan(s). Electric units are generally symmetrical apart from unit numbering. Single ended Diesels such as Class 20 or HST are more obvious, the former having a rear cab but often driven in pairs with the cabs outermost, the latter having a power unit and a driving trailer.

[Captain_Francisco.]

  Thanks for that RAF96; absolutely clear. Much appreciated.

[Ruffnut Thorston]

Basically, it is the same convention as that for ships and aircraft, Port, Left hand side, looking from the stern, Starboard, right hand side, looking from the stern....

 

Ateadt that's how I look at it, shipmates! 😉

[Captain_Francisco.]

  "Aye aye matey: Gotcha!"

  Although some ashore consider the use of port & starboard at sea & aloft as an archaic relic, it is in fact often the safest terminology. There is absolutely no chance for a potentially catatrophic misunderstanding/misinterpretation, of an order or instruction; there is only one port side, only one starboard, and ones current perspective does not enter the equation.

  Thanks for your interst. 😉