New Driver questions

[Kochegar]

Hello everyone.

I've just discovered the wonder that is Cab Mode, and having sorted out the braking system functionality (phew), I don't think I can ever go back to DCC mode again.

However while now I know which lever does what, I still find myself struggling a bit with precision stopping or, conversely, slowing down without accidentally grinding the train to a halt. I understand that when you set the train brake to "application", it begins to "squeeze" the brake progressively harder until you set it to "lap".

My problem is that I don't know exactly when to stop application and switch to lap. Is it just a matter of experience?

Also, does TS12 give you a way to view the manifest for your train? I know you can see what each car contains by looking at its "Show Details" window, but is there a way to see the cargo list without clicking on each car separately?

Answers appreciated...

 

[Railwayz]

To stop or not to stop

Welcome Kochegar,

I can tell you from real life experience that it is a bit of a learning curve knowing when to apply and release the brakes on any sort of train. It really comes down to being able to feel the train and its performance.

The brakes on self propelled electric or diesel multiple units are a lot easier to manage than the brakes on any sort of locomotive hauled train simply because of the way they work. You can apply and release them almost immediately without waiting for the brake pipe to recharge which makes stopping a much more precise affair.

With locomotive hauled trains however it depends on load, gradient, wear and tare on the brakes, experience with the section of track and a bit of luck too. Passenger cars stop quicker than a coal train as well. Most locomotives have an initial reduction of brake pipe called the 7 pound or minimum reduction. It seems like this feature isn't modelled anymore since TS2009. It's main use is to slow the train somewhat without bringing it to a stop unless you are at a very low speed. If you can read the gauges well enough then you can manually lap the handle when the brake pipe has dropped by around 7 pounds (or so).

If you're learning a new route I would suggest a few runs over it with a self propelled train just to get an idea where the necessary stopping places are. Generally I instruct new drivers to be doing around 40 km/h at the start of an 8 car length platform (assuming the platform is about 160 metres long) with a self propelled train. With a locomotive hauled train you would want to be doing far less, probably around 20 km/h or less.

When I was learning to drive real trains the old drivers used the truism that "if you stopped the train 20 times before stopping at a signal that was okay because the company was still paying you. If you misjudged and stopped once past the signal you were paying the company (in fines/suspensions etc)". This was not the best technique and the same drivers would lambast you if you did it too often but it was a good way to soothe the anxieties of a young driver.

The big problem with these simulators is that you don't feel the movement of the train which makes it harder to judge whether the train is stopping well enough or not.

All I can really say is practice practice practice. Have fun!

Railwayz

 

[ZecMurphy]

First trick is to read the brake pipe pressure in the HUD (or the control stand if visible). As has been said, a 'minimum' reduction will slow you (and eventually stop you). However, you'll need to go to the lap position about 3PSI before the pressure you want (the pressure still drops a little when you go to lap as the air equalizes along the train).

For 'initial' settings, some locos have a 'simple' setup (#4 brake IIRC), which has release, lap, application, emergency, handle off. Others have a 'self lapping' brake, which uses a number of 'initial' stages (leading up to full application, and then emergency and handle off). This depends entirely on the loco though.

 

[Kochegar]

Thanks, appreciate all the pointers.

So, what about manifests? Is there a way to see the full cargo list of the train?