Check your Braking Distance while making your new route or routes

[seniorchief]

I have notice in a lot of routes that I download, People are forgetting the braking distances to signals and between signals blocks. This a must!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Example: make up a coal train with 90 cars, that's the norm on most railroads. I have counted a couple in my day. Anyway put about for 4 units back of the main engine for extra power and extra braking. Run this on a straight track, make sure the track is long, the longer the better. Run your train @ various speeds 10,20,30,40,50,55,60,65,70 etc. Then apply to application mode, do not slam them on. Then using your rulers in trainz to measure the braking distance to a signal or signals. Most blocks for signals are about 1 mile a part, 1 statute mile= 5,280 Feet. Anyone please correct me if this not the normal distance. The heavier and a long train your going to need more braking distance to stop before that next signal. Speed + weight = more stopping distance to the next signal. You have to have this in the back of your mind all the time when laying trackage. You also have to consider hills, corners, depressions etc. It has to be correct or you and us will be running REDS big time on your route or routes all the time. There's my 2 cents worth.


Damon(The Rocker):wave:

 

[cascaderailroad]

Most engineers are pre-qualified (trained) to run a particular route, and know exactly where to apply braking, and acceleration.

I place several editable signs, saying: 2 miles to junction, and another one 1 mile to junction, or a trackside warning sign (speed sign), or signal, several miles ahead warning to slow down.

I rarely drive faster than 35mph, and for the most part @ 10mph - 5mph near yards

 

[JohnnyC1]

I ran a 90 car coal drag with 2 SD90's up front & 1 SD90 pushing in the rear, my signals are 1 mile apart just before entering the terminal areas & 2 miles on the flats. I have not have a problem with a passed signal. On many of the routes I see, there is an under-use of the type 04 & 05 signals and an over-use of the intermediate and interlocking types, 06/08, we are fascinated with all of those lights! The fastest trains on my routes are 70 mph 3/4 car BBL's types, plenty of time/distance to stop when using short consist and the correct signal placement. Just my 2 cents.

John

 

[JCitron]

Hi John,

I noticed too that people use a lot of the wrong signals. I use a lot of type 05s as they regulate the train speed on the route. I use type 04s at places where an absolute stop is needed and type 06s where tracks split and merge. It can't get any simpler than that. I rarely see AI slow downs and SPADs on my routes.

I'll have to try your speed tests and see what I come up with. You mentioned are running passenger service which are much lighter than a coal drag. They can stop and start a lot sooner than a manifest freight. I think using the worst case setup makes sure that everyone can stop in time.

John

 

[cascaderailroad]

I was running 1 mile long loaded coal trains down a 11 mile long 1.75% grade, and even when I stopped a mile ahead, the heavy train continued to slide, with it's wheels locked up ... especially in AI.

Real trains do not have AI, and operator error can cause running red signals, which may, or may not, automaticly ingage the brakes.

 

[viesturs]

I usually put 3-aspect 3-char signals every 1,2 km on my routes. And that is the real world minimum on lines with 6000t freight trains at 80 kph or passenger trains at 120 kph. And yes - I'm not talking about the Americas...

 

[JCitron]

Our freights are about that long if not longer and a lot heavier. 45-50 mph is out of the question in a lot of locations due to their size, and gradients. Our passenger trains run a bit faster than that, but then again a passenger train can stop a lot sooner because it's lighter.

Now, tell this to people driving on the freeway that cut off the big trucks (lorries) and slam on their brakes. They don't get it when it comes to weight and stopping distances.

John

 

[fen_tiger]

Hi everyone.

In the UK, distances between signals usually vary in respect of the maximum line speed and if there are any gradients to be taken account of along particular railways. On my railway being created, I'm using the 100m and 50m rulers downloaded from the DLS to gauge distances in both metres and in mileage.

When it comes to spacing my signals from each other, I am going by the signal distance spacing guide rule book as laid out by Network Rail -

 

[Vern]

I guess if signalling a prototype route then following the relevant charts should give the correct spacing. The problem comes when tweaking the signals to work with Trainz, as opposed to real life.

We have also been spoiled (to some extent) that much of the motive power and rolling stock - in all the sims - seems to have far better braking characteristics than its real world equivalent. Even relatively modern "Sprinter" DMU's in the UK require around 800 yards to come to a stand from 75 MPH with full service (Step 3) braking. And that's on level, dry rail.