Shortcut key for brake application?

[Oldcustard]

Hi,

Sometimes when I'm driving a train in external view, I need to apply the train brake so I hit the A key, which triggers the brakes. For some locos, pressing A puts the brakes into the 'initial' setting, so to apply the brakes I must press A several more times. Is there some way to make a shortcut key for brake application, even for a loco with the 'initial' brake setting?

Thanks,
-OC

 

[Dap]

You have to press "S" for stop to bring the throttle to the stop position before the air brakes become effective.

 

[Oldcustard]

I always put the throttle to neutral before applying the brakes, then the initial comes when I press A. But are you saying press A while the throttle is open, putting it into initial, then when the throttle closes it will go into application?

Clarification:
I do this: Throttle open, close throttle, apply brakes (initial).
Are you saying: Throttle open, apply brakes (initial), close throttle, brakes automatically go to application?

 

[Dap]

With the throttle open, I press two keys in succession "S" and then "A". This puts the throttle to the stop position and then appies the brakes. This works in DCC mode. I'm not sure what happens in cab mode.

 

[Oldcustard]

Well that explains it then I am running in cab mode, pressing A after the throttle is closed still puts it into 'initial'.

 

[cascaderailroad]

Emergency Brake

I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, but I changed the: settings/keyboard/line

from:
train_cabin_brake_emergency pause
train_cabin_emergency_stop pause

to:
train_cabin_brake_emergency alt s
train_cabin_emergency_stop alt s

 

[Jayturf]

when driving in cab mode you press the A key and it says initial. If you watch your air pressure it will drop a little. Press A again and it will drop a little more. This is a self-lapping system. For a full application first press the lap "Z" key then the A key. This will give you a full application unless you quickly press the Z key again. a really good site to learn about airbrakes is here http://www.alkrug.vcn.com/rrfacts/rrfacts.htm

It is common to have the train brakes applied while the throttle is not in neutral or stop. This is used to take up slack in the train to reduce the in train forces. Usually when you make a brake pipe reduction you would then dump the loco brakes using the D key. This releases the loco brakes and allows them to pull out the slack. This even works if you have the throttle in the 0 position. Always dump the loco brakes to prevent heating up the wheels.

When going downhill you can either use the loco or dynamic brakes to bunch up the train before you apply the trian brakes unless you want to keep your train stretched. Don't use the loco brakes over 10-15 mph though and for short periods only. Above those speeds the dynamic brakes will work great.

 

[Dralex]

I have a totally different problem. I have a consist led by three MILW-SD40-2-176 and drive in cab mode. I would expect to press NP3 or A to apply the brake, but nothing happens. I can, however, apply the brakes when I am in the cab (1 view) and put the camera on the brake lever. I have this problem with all the French locos, but this is the first time I encounter it with non-French locos. And the MILW-SD40 is not even scripted.
Any help there? In the meantime I shall exchange the loco with something that I know works.

Dralex

 

[captainkman]

I have a totally different problem. I have a consist led by three MILW-SD40-2-176 and drive in cab mode. I would expect to press NP3 or A to apply the brake, but nothing happens. I can, however, apply the brakes when I am in the cab (1 view) and put the camera on the brake lever. I have this problem with all the French locos, but this is the first time I encounter it with non-French locos. And the MILW-SD40 is not even scripted.
Any help there? In the meantime I shall exchange the loco with something that I know works.

Dralex

I have also noticed that with all TS2010 Milwaukee Road locos, i.e the Little Joe, the GP9 and the SD40-2.

I like these locos because of their enginesound, but trying to couple in them is a nightmare!