I've recently played the Cumberland Charge scenario and I had real difficulty trying to control my speed when going down the hill. What is the best thing to do. At the moment I've been applying all 3 brakes just to slow it down.
1. Try to use only a dynamic brake. 2. If DB is not enough - blend it with an automatic brake (initial/minimum reduction) but bail off a locomotive's brake. 3. Use an independent brake (extra) if necessary. A light manifest train can be stabilized using only DB. Coal or other heavy trains: DB + AB + IB. ~10 PSI reduction (EQ 80) is enough (or too much, so - bail off) in 99% TSW cases All changes should be done slowly, gradually. PS Using only AB alone is not advisable - Minimum Reduction is often not enough, and any more than that - too much... in this game! BR o7
Thanks, I have tried this but I haven't done it gradually and I've had to resort to the emergency brake
Any 'hard to handle' coal train scheme is for me like this: leaving the tunnel -> minimum reduction -> bail off -> slight adjustments using DB to stabilize the speed. After passing Hyndman, AB it is basically not needed. Only braking ahead of Ellerslie. GL & HF PS It's like a mini-game with these brakes. But 10 pounds of air is a lot! UPDATE Minimum Reduction + DB 'Notch 8' + a little tiny bit of IB is enough for every TSW SPG train, at the steepest point of the downhill!
I had the same experience. I finally made it to Cumberland alive and the signal was stuck on red because I had saved the game mid-progress... Now I have to make that trip again
I wonder if I need to run to the back of the train and set up the locomotives for DPU before starting down the mountain?
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1o7zeIn-Nshe7_bzqkd7hQg2QrV0G9xNvBevPoxTunA8/edit#gid=0 No need. For DPU settings to be correct - just turn ON Banking Comm (radio) in the locomotive in front. Check my signature
I've also had trouble when setting off after the stop and Sandpatch. 1st time I was fine but second I barley made it to 0.8mph before stopping. I couldn't apply more than notch for otherwise I wheel slipping and rolled back down the hill.
Correct DPU settings are essential, but some services (e.g. heavy trains and driving in rain) are not feasible.