"Feel"

This has been a great thread with lots of good info. Always the case when Earl and El Coke get in the loop. What a blessing to have the "runners" on the link who really know what they're talking about. Thanks guys.
With all this talk about the senses being so important on the train handling - the sound of the exhaust and the feel of the train - the one thing I haven't heard is the receptor of the 'feel'. The bottom line (pun intended) is that the 'feel' is in the seat of the pants. You can feel the effect of your actions with trottle and brake on the resistance between your seat and your cab seat and act accordingly. Too much forward motion on the bumm against the seat and ease off the brake for an easier stop. Too much pressure against the back of the seat on a start and you should ease off the throttle for smoothness.
If you have a comfortable ride on the cushions, chances are the patrons are comfortable on theirs!