I've just run the 09:07 St Pancras to Ramsgate and approaching Ashford the TVM went from 160kph down to 0. This luckily cleared back up to 160kph, as I would not have stopped in time. Then after passing the signal marker it dropped down to 0 and I wasn't able to stop in time at the first colour light signal. Surely the TVM should be dropping the speed down coming up to a red signal? Pretty frustrating getting a SPAD so close to the end of the service. EDIT - I realise this should probably be in the technical reports section, feel free to move it.
This happened to me, too. After further research, I think this is an application of approach control. TVM is authorized to drop the speed from a max of 170 kph to zero. When you notice the "execute" speed (on right, black background) flash is when you have to be prepared. I had a SPAD there as well (and no save to rescue me, of course!). What I don't know is how real any of this is; I haven't been able to find a reference to a flashing execute speed and it definitely confused me the first time I saw it. Is this how it's supposed to work, or just DTG's interpretation? The second time around the "000" cleared before I hit the signal, which was great until I wasn't paying attention and got a KVB emergency brake. Still completed the service though.
The few services I've run it normally slows you down before hand. I was slowed to 80kph before the next block instructed me to stop.
I was also wondering if it has anything to do with whether the service terminates at Ashford or not. Although, I don't know why it would necessarily make a difference.
The signal that remained red was the first of the colour light signals into Ashford, I think I was running early and was going to be held there for a departing train. Overran the signal by about 3m in an emergency application.
Yikes! Good thing you were able to save the game on approach to Ashford just in case something like that happened. Oh yeah, right ...
What is the correct procedure for TVM to slow to a stop? Is there any reference documents anywhere on how it's supposed to slow you down?
A similar but less serious issue is that of you’re routed into the back platform at Ashford, you get warning of a 60 km/h limit but almost immediately on to a 40. The HUD doesn’t show this (known issue) but neither does the TVM which you are still running under at that point.
Right, the only info I have is what I've been able to gather from previous forum posts and personal experience. What usually works for me is to brake at level 6 or 7 to get to the new limit, maybe 6 if going uphill and 7 if going downhill. TVM guides you but does not slow the train down by itself; that's up to you.
The approach into Stratford coming from Ebbsfleet does the same if you're on an empty stock on the through line, and a stopping train is signalled in front off the platform line. Flashing 160 to 000 in a lot less that the braking distance. You brake quite gently expecting a 130 next but nope - it's a stop signal. It's been like that since day 1 of the TSW2 release of SEH.
Slowing for the speed reductions into the stations works quite well, I tend to keep it at about 60% braking and that slows it nicely. The issue is approaching a red signal and the TVM not allowing enough time to slow down between signal blocks.
This happens on LGV as well if there is a train in the station when you are approaching and the stop indication in the cab happens far too late because you are not slowed by previous reductions.
I think it's just a case of learning the route. In the real world a driver knows when he she is approaching Ashford or St Pancras and will slow down accordingly.
