The quick start checklist in the manual for BR45 says to apply the handbrake but never says to release it. Curious why we start and drive with the handbrake applied, if it's like a car's handbrake it can't be good.. assuming I'm missing something? Also class 40 checklist sets the Reverser to Engine Only before start, but the Class 45 checklist doesn't. Is this how the real class 45 is started? Why does it still have an engine only setting if it's not used? I'm hoping a kind member shared some decent checklists for these trains? Did a search but couldn't see anything.
Read the manual, but do not believe it is correct. No, it is in general not a good idea to drive with the handbrake applied. There is a lot more not documented, you may want to do your own research.
Locos have an Engine Only setting which is the Engine running but without the Drivers Safety Device activated. When the Engineis started it might not have any air pressure and the driver has to wait for that to build up before a Brake Test can be carried out .And without the Engine Only position the driver would need to keep the DSD Pedal depressed all the time even though the train was not moving. Peter
Virtually all BR locos when the engines are off have the engine priming pumps and in some cases the air compressors able to run when the reverser in put into engine only. In addition the engine start button will not function without the reverser in engine only, as such it is a requirement to have the reverser in EO for starting.