I’ve recently been enjoying driving the 66 again having not used it much since TSW2020 and wondered if anyone could recommend any resources, either manuals or videos that cover the operating instructions, beyond the basics? I’m doing ok with it but I’m really struggling to move from a stop when I’m on a gradient consistently. There’s one particular situation I’m on currently, stopped on a 0.8% uphill gradient in the rain and it just won’t move forwards before eventually rolling backwards. I’m pulling 18 wagons I’ve tried sand, low power and being patient and applying direct brake then releasing but it just always jolts backwards. I know this is pretty basic and I’m probably forgetting something so wanted to ask in the best place possible. im also struggling to find a manual if anyone is able to help with that? Maybe I can’t see for looking but I’ve looked in all usual places and can’t seem to find one.
Hi... please provide more information. On what route you are driving the train?. What kind of wagons do you have in your train? - Are they empty or fully loaded? Weather conditions? I have driven the Class 66 on several routes, and does not have any problem. Please notice, if the train is heavy it will take time to start to move. Ok applying sand, but increase power slowly. I remember on East Coast Main Line, there was a really heavy freight train, and it seems it will take to much time to start moving, considering my time for gaming. So I fly away to the external camera to the back to the train, and I uncoupling some of them. Hopes this be useful!. Regards
I find if that happens, it's often I haven't set the brakes up correctly in that little computer panel above the windscreen. The cut-out/cut-in is counter-intuitive sometimes if you haven't played in a bit. Other than that, the brakes do take a bit to release on a very long train. That's realistic.
I’m worried it’s something I’m doing wrong more than the service which is why I’ve asked for general advice and a manual but appreciate the offers of help on the service. It is in Journeys Mode in SEHS, and the service ends at Strood station with the steep incline the platform is on. I’ve since completed the service as I went back and adjusted my stopping pattern but I’d still like to know effective ways of getting the 66 moving in such conditions. I’d adjusted the brake cut in at the start of the service and they were all very much off. I’d driven close to 15 miles with no problems. They were charged, everything you’d expect. And, I’d waited a long time with gradual throttle to try and get moving (well over 10 mins) but maybe it wasn’t long enough? Highly doubt it but it’s possible. I do just think that there’s something I was missing regarding sand or hill start procedures in general and that’s ultimately what I’m seeking advice on
I've had trouble from time to time with the Class 66. Even with moderate loads and particularly in wet conditions. I noticed that MP wasn't able to get the 66 moving from a stop in the Mildmay stream today. Probably nothing you're doing wrong. Patience, sand, not too much power ( notch 3 or 4 ) usually works eventually, but not always.
I gradually move the power handle up. Once I feel it pulling, I reduce the throttle to notch 1, then gradually move it back up. Doesn't help in all situations, but is my general strategy for getting it moving, especially with heavy loads.
If you watch yesterday's video where he gets stuck on an incline in the snow, he uses a very interesting technique to try to get going. Direct (loco) brake on, train brake off, then train brakes have come off (it took ages!) put it in notch 1. Moderate the drive wheels' attempt to rotate by only partially releasing the loco brake. That way you get forward movement, albeit very slow, without immediately going into wheel slip. I hadn't thought of that before; I wonder if it's a real-world technique...
