i now have the German manual for DB BR 642 and it makes me mad. DTG have really let us down by not providing a manual. Our 642 comes with working switches for Hilfsfahrt ( English caption " Auxiliary Travel Switch ) and MG Bremse ( Magnetic Brake ) each of which are both often mentioned in the manual and each of which has a section devoted to them in the manual. DTG has no mention of these in the so-called tutorial. The Magnetic Brakes are an important feature when running at 120 kph between stations close to each other to ensure both speed and adequate braking when braking full at full speed. They are essential in any urgent braking. They are usually off at 20 kph but always to be off by 3 kph. They help ensure the EP braking effectiveness in weather !! But getting OUR 642 up to 120 requires time and patience. That is not how they were marketed by Siemens nor why they were so widely used. The Siemens Desiro Classic was not a sluggard. I wonder if our were under-powered to facilitate ... EP braking ... mere Electro-Pneumatic braking, adequate when not at full speed. As for the Hilfsfahrt Switch, Siemens expected that to be used with the Train brake, not the combined controller. It makes me mad. I feel cheated. The discussion on running empty or loaded could have ben in the TSC manual for that DMU.
Think this was noted at the time Maintalbahn came out, but if DTG haven’t addressed the issue now I wouldn’t hold out much hope of a fix. It has long since joined the list of former DLC, which they would rather not talk about. Strangely enough, I was running Maintalbahn the other night while waiting for Forza 4 to download. The route itself is actually a hidden gem, diesel, single track and quite fast in places. Luckily even though I was in Journey mode I had a 612 sub in for the 642 so a much more enjoyable experience. Even better if you just go into timetable and pick a run with the 218… Also, not really sure why you posted this in Off Topic?! It’s a first line complaint/feedback about a DTG DLC, I would have popped it in General Discussion, or dug out the Maintalbahn official feedback thread to get a wider audience.
