Hi all, new to train sim but not new to pc gaming. My main issue for them moment is guidance that goes beyond the bare bones manual. For example, on almost every scenario I've run, I have ended up being surprised by speed limits because some of them appear out of nowhere. Is there any guidance as to how to manage this better? Also, is there any guidance on how to estimate acceleration/slowing down/braking, depending on train/loco? Many thanks, G
I'm not exactly an expert, but I do have some tips. First of all, yes some speed limits do not appear on the HUD and appear out of nowhere. Here is how to spot some of them: On some German routes, there will be a number above the signal, and whatever number that is, it will be the speed limit. As in if there is a 2 above / on the signal it will be 20 kilometres per hour. (However on British routes, a number above the signal means which platform you're going into). Sometimes it can also be if you're switching rails in a junction, however these are usually marked. Usually for random speed changes there will be some kind of indication beside the rails, on signals, in the driver cab, etc. If you give me some examples of random speed changes you're experiencing I could maybe go into further detail. My best tips on estimate acceleration, slowing down etc is playing the locomotive on the route in quick drive before going out in Career to get a feel of the train.
Blazin, many thanks. I have to say that this is proving to be a bit of a challenge. I tried driving the BR 155 in the Köln-Koblenz scenario (challenging rain weather run). I ran into at least 5 emergency stops, at least two of which were failure to acknowledge PZB (distant signal) although I pressed the pgdn button - so I then resorted to tapping it nonstop from when passing the signal until 100m past it (that worked but this should not be necessary), and the rest were failure to reduce speed in time, when any speed limit indication was invisible at least to me and of course not visible on the hud. Unsurprisingly, I failed the run, and to top it off, the game then crashed on exiting to the menu, forcing a reboot. I didn't even get 'round to stopping the train myself. Probably some of this is inexperience, but some of it is clearly weaknesses of this DLC. I'm not impressed given the price tag on this thing. Realism is great, but it does need to work as advertised; for the moment it only works with easy controls.
Since I don't really play German routes, I am unfamiliar with the PZB system myself. However I believe this video made by PTGRail may help you a lot. I know its a long video but PTGRail guides are very informative and have helped me a lot. Here is the link to his German / Austrian signalling guide. I hope this helps you with your PZB and Speed restriction problems.
Hah! I had just found it myself - and I understand a lot more! Many thanks for this (and your patience)... so, correction of the above frustrated post: a lot of learning to happen still - I'll try this run again now, and see how I do
Maybe if you are starting off, choose a less demanding route - plenty of freeware options - to make it easier?
Quick update: it worked much better this time - ended with positive XP; still not 100% clear on which restrictions apply when but played it conservatively - lots more to be learned. Thanks again.
Played some of the easier routes already and can do that without too much stress - but I prefer doing the "real thing" - to the extent that a pc simulation is ever the real thing of course ...
One feature we have in the game is Quick Drive You choose from where you wish to start and where you want to go and the train. If you have a new train or route and you want to get used to either or both it is an easy way of learning. With a passenger train you can stop at any station the train passes thru and practice those stops You don't get any points at the end of the trip and you don't lose any. Peter
Then have a look at the PTG video already mentioned, and I've no doubt YouTube will have plenty of "route learning" videos for the routes and trains you like, that will highlight dricving issues - have a search.
Thanks for all the responses so far! One more: where do I find the best guidance on DLCs for routes/trains in Germany, Canada, Belgium (?). Many thanks!
I know everyone here has recommended this person already, but honestly all I know of is PTGRail. Yes, he mainly does UK routes but he has done a couple German routes too, here is his playlist of a couple German routes he has done. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjAJBQoMY9vU8Y37SDKXQPKeLx6W0vx5p
And one more: I have installed the North German route, and launched scenario with BR218: for some reason, I cannot get the train to move. Brakes are released, direction setting is forward, throttle up even to max produces zero movement. I have seen in one of the guidance videos that there is apparently a separate switch to allow loco movement, but I cannot find it in the cab I'm in. What am I missing? I cannot find a manual that details startup procedures...
Like in a car the Hand Brake is designed to be moved by hand - usually on the back wall behind the driver Normally it can be moved with a mouse but also with a keyboard shortcut. DB 218 Peter
