by Disney Guy
Having the route letter on the inbound trip is a convenience. But in years past with the roll signs, there were numerous errors, some of them human errors, where incorrect signing was displayed. Some cars, notably the Boeings, had route letters for inbound destinations.
With fully variable electronic signs, as we have nowadays, it is still necessary to be careful when there is mix and match of routes. For example, if there is a delay and say we need to send a Boston College train to fill in to (the new GLX) College Ave. the "B" letter may not be shown when the train shows that destination or when the train is on that route's trackage. (Assuming that that route is designated on maps and in brochures as "E" or "D".)
Similarly, if the change in routing were known that far in advance, the Boston College car must display either "B" or no letter while inbound on Comm. Ave. and may not display "B" together with College Ave at any time. We could debate whether a 2 page display alternating "B" Park St. and (no letter) College Ave. would be confusing.
So the flexibility to show or not show a route letter on inbound trips as well as the ability to change the signs automatically en route is useful.
With fully variable electronic signs, as we have nowadays, it is still necessary to be careful when there is mix and match of routes. For example, if there is a delay and say we need to send a Boston College train to fill in to (the new GLX) College Ave. the "B" letter may not be shown when the train shows that destination or when the train is on that route's trackage. (Assuming that that route is designated on maps and in brochures as "E" or "D".)
Similarly, if the change in routing were known that far in advance, the Boston College car must display either "B" or no letter while inbound on Comm. Ave. and may not display "B" together with College Ave at any time. We could debate whether a 2 page display alternating "B" Park St. and (no letter) College Ave. would be confusing.
So the flexibility to show or not show a route letter on inbound trips as well as the ability to change the signs automatically en route is useful.
Build something. Anything.