I have noticed that some services (e.g. X799 - Eastbound Helper Return) have you follow the passenger speed limits instead of the freight ones. My question is whether this is intended and realistic or inaccurate.
All of the "Helper Return" Services will allow you to travel at up to 79 MPH in some sections. The reasoning for this is that you're not hauling any freight, you're just returning the locomotives back to the yard. No freight means no extra tonnage that would need to be stopped quickly in case of an emergency, therefore you can move at passenger train speeds.
This I‘d understand, but I found another service that has me follow passenger speed limits: Q640 - Manifest - Cumberland Selkirk That‘s a 5000t train with 2 banking locomotives which is why I doubt it‘s intended (for this service).
I'd rather travel at 79 that at 15 the whole way, it's more of a safety concern me falling asleep while doing 10-15 up sandpatch
Hahahaha! For sure. That's why I usually set the weather to rain or snow, just so that I can have something to look at while crawling up that steep grade.
No, It doesn't matter if you only have a locomotive consists (only locomotives) or you're pulling a block of cars. The speed that you're required to follow is freight speed (any non-passengers trains).... ie the bottom number. So I that's completely inaccurate on DTG's part.