How should the brake force and traction force selectors be used on the DB BR 155? What is a typical way to use them effectively?
The selectors have been discussed in the release stream of the BR 155, however without much detail (starting at 18:40).
The traction and brake force selectors are the secret super-power of the DB BR 155.... ;-) You can use them to fine-tune your power when going uphill, or fine-tune your braking when going downhill, whatever the main power/braking position you are in. Consequently, you can stick closer to the speed limits without making "large" power/brake setting changes, and then frequently having to change the settings as you move along. You can tweak the force selectors as you go up and down very slight changes in gradient, for optimum speed/momentum. You could also use them for slow speed shunting moves, etc. NB: The force selctors are on 50% by default. So I would stick traction force into full when starting. If you are using PZB it is useful to have full braking force available when you are up to speed, because otherwise you will not be able to brake in time in response to PZB demands. If you are already going downhill and braking, then remember what setting your brake force selector is in, just in case you get an instruction to brake heavily. Oh yeah, it is also essential to fine tweak the green under-glow to get the best contrast lighting, depending on the lighting conditions/weather. That's a key feature...! ;-) The DB BR 155 - an absolute gem....!
