...a continuing review of railroad operating rules applicable to MSTS, in the interests of more realistic operation of the simulator. From the BNSF Air Brake and Train Handling Rules for engineers (comment: note that all scenarios start with the train stopped with the air brake and indepedent brakes (engine brakes) applied).Rule 103.12.A - Starting:A. Starting, Level Grade
When starting the train on a level grade:
1. Release the automatic brake.
2. After the brakes have been released on the entire train (comment: BP=90 for freight) move the throttle to RUN 1 and release the independent brake.
a) If the lcomotive moves too rapidly in RUN 1 control surge with the independent brake.
b) If locomotive does not move, slowly advance the throttle.
3. Use the lowest possible throttle position to minimize in-train forces. Note: If the train does not move in RUN 4, return the throttle in IDLE, apply the indepedent brake, and determine the cause. (comment: not always possible to move in RUN 4 in MSTS)
4. After the train starts to move, check to see if the amperage or tractive effort levels are decreasing (comment: tractive effort levels are displayed in AC locomotives instead of amps, not simulated in MSTS).
5. If these levels are decreasing, you may advance the throttle to the next higher position.B. Starting, Ascending Grade
When starting the train on an ascending grade:
1. Advance the throttle to RUN 1, reduce the independent brake and release the automatic brake.
2. As the brakes release toward the rear of the train (comment: BP approaching 90 for freight), advance the throttle to RUN 2 or higher to start the train moving.
3. Slowly reduce the independent brake until it is fully released.
4. After the train starts to move, check to see that amperage or tractive effort are decreasing.
5. Observe the load meter and limit the throttle position if necessary to avoid high draft forces.
Note: Applying power on a standing locomotive longer than necessary will damage the DC traction motors.C. Starting, Descending Grade:
When starting a train on a descending grade
1. Ensure that the indepedent brake is fully applied.
2. Activate the dynamic brake to full.
3. Release the automatic brake and wait for all brakes to release and slack to adjust.
4. Reduce the independent brake until the train begins to move gradually.
5. Once the entire train is moving, gradually reduce the independent brake to avoid abrupt changes in slack*
6. Slowly release the indepedent brake when dynamic brake becomes effective.* - Comment: Does anyone need/want a tutorial about Slack, even though MSTS does not handle it well, i.e. what it is and why is important that the engineer know the slack condition of his train and handle slack run-in and run-out properly and gently?fwbryan
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RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, SVTS, Dec-28-03, 05:14 PM, (1) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, Busdriver, Dec-28-03, 05:16 PM, (2) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, SVTS, Dec-28-03, 06:10 PM, (3) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, zachattack, Dec-28-03, 06:13 PM, (4) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, locoman 244, Dec-29-03, 06:03 AM, (5) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, westerngy, Dec-29-03, 02:59 PM, (6) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, parailfan312, Dec-29-03, 04:11 PM, (8) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, zachattack, Dec-30-03, 01:59 PM, (14) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, derekmorton, Dec-29-03, 03:06 PM, (7) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, CBF, Dec-29-03, 05:37 PM, (9) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, CP_5731, Dec-29-03, 06:44 PM, (10) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, andrewpickell, Dec-29-03, 08:33 PM, (11) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, pointroberts, Dec-29-03, 08:53 PM, (12) RE: Rule of the Week: Starting Your Train, fwbryan, Dec-30-03, 01:57 PM, (13)
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