Hi, I haven't really ever played with CSX but today I looked at it. I have never understood really these huge american locos so I would ask some questions if you don't mind. - If I set the MU-2A valve according to the manual, -lead or dead -, it is hissing constantly. I am in lead SD40 and have 2 other GPs behind as trail. Cut-off valve: freight. No coaches. - What is the instrument in GP 38 in front of the driver bit to the left counting something. Just below the digits showing my speed. - And finally (for now - I am sure will be more as I get immersed) what is the logic in the red/green switch indicators at the yard?
The hissing should stop if you move the brake handle from "handle-off" position to released Without a picture I'm not sure, but if it's right below your speed display, then it might be an acceleromater - so it's showing how much you are accelerating or deccelerating. Just a guess. I believe green should be the switch set to straight, while red set to the diverging path. But when both tracks are curving, then it might be quite difficult to tell which one is the straight and which one is the diverging track. Also if someone knows better, please correct me, as I'm not sure.
Thanks. One more question: there are more options on the automatic brake after full service, like supression and handle off. What are these exactly?
I believe supression is used when the in-cab signalling is telling you to slow down (for example on Boston Sprinter). If you do not slow down, then the emergency brakes kick in. But often simply putting brakes on 50% for example is not enough. You need to use "supression" brake level, to "supress" the penalty braking from activating. So it's basically the strongest brake mode, required when the in-cab signalling is beeping at you to slow down. Handle off is basically the position you would leave the locomotive if it were not in use. I believe it's called "handle-off" because in this position you can physically remove the handle. In that sense, the brake handle is kind of like a key, as if you don't have it with you, you can't start the train, as you can't release the brakes. Though again, the latter is just speculation from my part, I don't know if it's actual practice in the real world to take it off regularly. Point is, you don't use handle off while driving, only when shutting off the cab.
