I feel a lot of speed limits on the UK routes are way too low. And even sometimes too high. (I get this is how it is in real life). But the 20mph speed limit around cathcart and the 60mph limit from Lichfield to Gravelly Hill is a joke. And 20mph going into Lichfield! For a track that seems able to do more than what is allowed. On the other hand, I feel like the 75mph limit at the bend between Haynarket and South (can't remember the name) is a bit too high for the severity of it. The 30mph Limit between Strood and Gillingham also comes to mind. What is the reason for these low speed limits. Is there really enough reason for them?
I'd expect signalling plays an issue, since adapting a section of line for higher speed running would require adapting the signal blocks to account for it, so there's a good chance a lot of sections of track are sitting on whatever speed limits were put in place the last time they overhauled the signals along them. For an example, the Northumberland Line near me, recently had the limits vastly increased to 75, and it involved replacing the old signalling equipment. This included the closure of the old signal boxes which had continued to serve the line as a freight route for half a century, and connecting all the new signal infrastructure to the control centre in Gateshead instead.
Based on a lot of factors really. Some boards have eps/ differential speeds depending on if freight etc
Track geometry and condition, signal position (as speed increases signal distance has to increase). Limitations on trackbed stability, supporting structures and geology. Limitations on stopping distance; for example a terminus is a hard stop, so trains shouldn't approach fast. No doubt there will be other special reasons at particular locations.
This is mainly for freight but it can also be environmental, such as vibrations from trains could upset unstable ground or cause issues with nearby houses.
The one that gets me is that long straight stretch at 30 MPHon Goblin Line. Can only assume IRL it’s some sort of structural issue. Thing is, we can’t really blame DTG for reflecting the real world, other than it being a factor in choosing the route.
Could be for the bridge between Strood and Rochester, and the tunnels that follow. You should check these out: https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports I think one of the best ways to learn how something works is to learn about how it broke. Try searching "overspeed" and see if any are interesting to you. (Granted, a lot of the overspeed incidents involve temporary speed limits, which is a different kind of thing). As they document railway incidents, they have to establish all kinds of facts. Industry information becomes public record at that point. You might get some insight. Incident reports involving routes and trains represented in the sim are particularly interesting.
Yeah, I completely forgot about the GOBLIN line limit. That goes for most of the overground lines. Though there is one sharp bend in mildmay line that is far too fast IMO lol between Dalston and Highbury.
Many things play a part on speed limits on routes, To simplify it The speed is determined by the track gradient and environment. Signalling also plays a part in this as overlaps need to be made to the signalling for it to work safely. For a signalling overlap to be placed it determines the speed of the fasted train, the gradient of the track and the braking distance required. All that taking into consideration they then come up with the speed limit. This ensure a driver will see the signal with enough sighting time of it to be able to stop the train at a safe speed and a safe distance from the signal if they are required to stop even going down a gradient.
That's unusual because it's on an otherwise fast part of the ECML. The reality of most major stations is that the sites available when they were built were constrained by geography and existing development, so often they had to be crammed into less than ideal spaces. This led to sharp curves and complex point work, which necessitates low speeds.
What would be great is if we had the relevant speed limits displayed in the HUD. Not having 90mph when you're driving a Class 66, for example. And that the game distinguishes between freight and passengers when there is a difference in the maximum permitted speed. There's been some improvement since TSC, but we're not quite there yet.
IIRC this has been sorted. I was driving a class 66 on WCMLS the other night and it wouldn't let me go above 75mph on the hud even though the speed limit was way higher.
Maybe there's a bug then. I spawned a consist on WCMLS representing a railtour with a Class 66 plus a 47/4 dead in tow behind it, and the displayed speed was incorrect...
