When you first start a service, the brakes are fully applied - fine. However, they take a long time to release. During cab setup I try to get them (mostly) released while loading passengers so I'm ready to leave on time, but my success at this seems to be random. I try various orders after keying in, of selecting neutral, enabling safety systems, opening doors, and setting brakes to step 1. But, as I say, sometimes they come off while loading passengers, sometimes they don't and I'm left for ages waiting to depart. So, does anyone know how to achieve a prompt departure every time?
Don't think there is a way to speed it up, at least not that I've found and I use the HST a lot. The GWE one releases quicker, maybe it uses the air pumps on both locos while EMT only uses the front? But it's also not that different on some loco hauled services either when you give them the same coach numbers. Ultimately moving the brake to initial (step 1) as soon as you start is really the only thing you can do.
The thing is, it seems 'random', which shouldn't be. I've had brakes come off immediately and been ready to depart on time, other times I've shut the doors, brake handle to off and they're still full on and not starting to release for at least 10 secs. I notice the (?) brake pipe pressure (?) vents when you key in, and needs to build before brakes can release. But how to control/prevent it? I don't know Edit to say I do go straight to step 1 as soon as I can in cab set up.
Exactly as above. A lot of the older stock that uses the Westinghouse and a like I always go straight into the lowest brake setting as soon as I start.
You need to remember the brakes are entirely pneumatic, so they will behave differently between vehicles through various factors. Maybe check the other gauges to see how much air is in the main reservoir and see if there's a correlation.
ISTR from my days sat in the Control not far away from GWR service and maintenance controllers, that HST brakes were quite slow to release.
I got to drive a real HST on the Nene Valley back in January, the brakes are slow to come off on the real thing. The driving experience instructor told me if you go from step 1 to release, you'll be down by 5mph by the time the brakes release. Step 2 you'd lose closer to 10mph upon release and so on. TSW's HST works the same way, the driving experience actually made me appreciate how well done the HST is in TSW. I did a free roam on WSR with the MML HST to replicate the driving experience speed limits and honestly, the MML HST felt really close in how it handles compared to the real deal, at least on a heritage line anyway. Unfortunately, they couldn't let me take it for a spin at 125mph up the ECML When stopped at stations, you can leave it in brake step 2 until ready to go. Apply power then make sure the amps go up and then release the brakes. I usually start in notch 3, though if I'm in a thrashing mood I'll do notch 4 and into 5 once the rear is out of the platform instead!
I have the HST Haynes Manual and it says much the same. I agree it does similar in game. I like the brakes (and the hissing sound especially as you apply them) and have got quite a feel for them, at least a bit better than some other trains in game Getting a good smooth stop on or near the mark from 110mph is a joy. Stopping's great; it's just getting it to start is the problem!
The MML HST’s are amongst the best UK traction in the game. Nearly always feature in my run at the monthly mastery.
Long time lurker first time poster. I was taught at stations if the aspect ahead is danger (red) or your handing over the train, full service is applied. If you are at a station and the next signal shows a proceed aspect (single yellow, double yellow or green) the train can be held in step 2. It takes roughly 25 seconds for the brakes to release from full service. The HSTs in game are a reasonable adaptation. The main thing that I notice is how quickly the brakes apply compared to real life. Hope this is helpful or mildly interesting.
