I thought I'd try the DRA to see what it does but pressing the button when stationary the brakes won't release and pressing it while moving the brakes apply What am I doing wrong?
The DRA is intended as a general control lock for when the train is standing at a station. You turn it on when you stop, and turn it off again after the doors are closed.
It’s mainly a reminder to the driver to check the signal before setting off. The two actions, resetting the DRA and checking the signal, become linked by habit. If the driver forgets that step before attempting to set off, because their attention is taken away for any reason while stopped, the train is going nowhere.
Is DRA mandatory on UK routes in real life ? Because it does not seem to be as important as AWS for example (which is, I imagine, mandatory).
On the HST it's over on the other side of the cab at the top of the desk. There is a switch for DSD/vigilance and one for AWS.
DRA is like an interlock, with it on brakes won't release, AWS switch on HST is Infront of the 2nd man seat on the dash.
What is DRA Generally speaking, brakes have nothing to do with DRA. DRA prevents power from being obtained but brakes will still release. However, on a few traction, applying the DRA will cause brakes to apply. Either way, you will be going nowhere <insert Class 180 meme > with DRA set (although be careful that you can still roll on a gradient as brakes will release). DRA stands for Driver Reminder Appliance and the main purpose of DRA is to prevent Start against SPADs and SPADs where there are no starting signal as described below. When to use DRA DRA must be used in the following situations: 1. When stood at a red signal irrespective of whether you’re at a station or not 2. When stopped at a station with no starting signal and previous signal was a single yellow or distant was at caution. (or previous signal was position lights or was a signal that had to be passed at danger) 3. When leaving the cab for any reason including when demobilising a cab or when you’re being relieved Differences in company instructions and differences between traction Some companies have an instruction where DRA cannot be used on the move while at other companies, DRA can be set on the move. Some traction, if DRA is set on the move, this will prevent dynamic braking and revert to friction braking. On some traction, if you reset the DRA and you’re in a power position, power will be applied straight away whereas other traction you will need to move controller back to off and take power again. Some traction on freight don’t even have DRA fitted. Passive vs Active DRA There are two types of DRA: Passive and Active. Passive is where the driver applies the DRA as described above. On an Active DRA system, DRA will automatically apply if you’ve released the doors and the previous AWS magnet was a horn (caution). There are no traction currently on TSW 2 that have the Active type. That’s pretty much everything to do with DRA. Oh and yes, using the DRA in the prescribed situations as outlined above is mandatory not optional.
