User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK
HOW TO DRIVE A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE | 34
Stopping a train
The amount of braking required to stop the train depends on the train’s speed and weight, the
locomotive’s braking power, and the grade of the track. Take these factors into consideration when
planning a stop.
As you approach the stopping point, close the Regulator. Apply light brake pressure to take up the
slack in the train if your train contains cars with couplers that have slack action (such as freight cars).
Then apply as much brake as necessary to stop the train.
The length of time required to recharge the brake system varies with the available boiler pressure and
the length of the train.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem: Blowing off
What it means: Each locomotive has a maximum pressure, called the working pressure, mea-
sured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilograms per centimeter squared (kg/
cm
2
). If the boiler develops more pressure than the working pressure upper limit,
safety valves open automatically to blow off excess steam. This is an inefficient
use of coal and water, and is particularly unwelcome when standing at a station,
as “blowing off” is very noisy and the mist can dampen passengers and cargo.
How to diagnose: You see and hear steam being released from the safety valve.
How to avoid: Know your route and plan ahead so that you’re not creating steam you don’t
need. In particular, back off on firing before periods of reduced steam usage,
such as during extended stops.
What to do: The safety valves do most of the work for you by venting the excess steam and
lowering the pressure.
Problem: Boiler’s fusible plugs melt
What it means: If at any time the water level in the boiler falls so low that it does not cover the
firebox, the firebox can melt, causing a fatal boiler explosion. As a safety mecha-
nism, the roof of the firebox contains plugs that melt at a much lower temperature
than the iron firebox. If the plugs melt, the steam from the boiler rushes into the
firebox, thereby lowering the fire temperature and alerting the crew.
How to diagnose: The Activity ends.
How to avoid: Keep the water level high enough to cover the firebox. Remember that the water
level and the water gauge are affected by the slope of the train on a grade. Be sure
to pick up additional water if the tender water level is getting low.
What to do: If the fusible plugs melt, the Activity ends.