The project objective is to examine the feasibility and practicality of developing a remote track tapering system utilizing an adjustable length, rail fastner device. The effort is planned and expected to yield a prototype device and a definition of the computer hardware and software sufficient to manage the remote tapering function. The initial effort is to provide a means to incrementally reduce the final 200 feet, bore diameter of 1000 foot orthogonal track system. The development effort will consist of four parts: (1) research to select the best available material, (2) preliminary design and component fabrication, (3) testing and evaluation of empirical results to determine the optimum mechanical and electrical configurations, and (4) identification of computer software and peripheral hardware elements required for a workable system.
