OD transmissions, umpteen speed highway trans, etc.

["Jason and Maria Colavecchia" <jasoncolavecchia@domain.elided>]

Hmm...well there you go...the last few posts on the mechanics of overdrive
(and otherwise) transmissions has already clarified what I wanted to say
anyways...

As for shifting "umpteen" speed transmissions, it used to be much harder
when you actually had two separate transmission shifters to move to obtain
your 10, 15 or 20 speeds. Today, shifting is greatly simplified by the use
of air operated solenoids which effectively shift the second stage
transmission.  All the driver has to do is push a small lever mounted on
the shifter to actuate the second gearbox.  Today, multispeed transmissions
are condensed into a single unit, but you can still see where the different
transmissions join, more or less.

Shifting a multispeed transmission with no synchronizers is actually pretty
easy once you get used to it.  The closer the gear ratios are, the less you
need to use the clutch, too!! 
(Very experienced drivers rarely use the clutch to shift in normal
conditions)