User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK
HOW TO DRIVE A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE | 33
OPERATING A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE
In Train Simulator, the steam engine has been thoroughly checked, lubricated, and fired up for you
when you take the controls.
Moving the train
1. Double-check the boiler water level using the Boiler Water Gauge. Note that the Boiler Water Gauge
is a sight glass (water tube).
2. Make sure the Reverser is set to 0 (zero) cutoff, the Regulator is closed, and the cylinder cocks
are open.
Important: You must open the cylinder cocks if the locomotive has been standing for any
length of time. Be sure to close the cocks when the cylinders have been drained (after five or
six piston strokes).
3. Set the Reverser for forward motion—as far forward as you can.
4. Make sure that you do not have any Stop signals that apply to you.
5. Await the “OK to proceed” whistle from the conductor.
6. Slowly open the Regulator.
7. Release the brakes.
8. Continue to open the Regulator, watching the Steam Chest Pressure Gauge to judge the force being
developed by the engine. If the wheels start to slip, reduce the Regulator and consider sanding.
9. After five or six strokes of the cylinders, close the cylinder cocks.
10. As you accelerate, slowly reduce the cutoff, then adjust the Regulator to maintain the desired speed.
Going uphill
You may need to move the Reverser further towards Forward, and fully open the Regulator, to supply
greater power output to climb the hill.
Going downhill
If the grade is sufficient, you can close the Regulator and reduce the Reverser towards 0 (zero) in
order to save fuel.
Keep an eye on the water level in the boiler, but be aware that you get false readings on the water level
gauges as the boiler tilts with the hill. The water level gauge reads lower than the actual amount of
water in the boiler. It’s important that the water level be sufficient to keep the top of the firebox cov-
ered even when the boiler is tilted on a slope.