User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK
HOW TO DRIVE A DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE | 44
To start a train on a level grade
1. Set the Reverser for forward or backward movement.
2. Release the train brake.
3. After the brakes have released on the entire train, move the throttle to the lowest setting and
release the Locomotive Brake.
If the train moves too quickly, control acceleration using the Locomotive Brake to prevent
excessive in-train forces.
If the train does not move, slowly advance the throttle to the next setting.
4. Wait for the current reading on the Ammeter to fall before advancing the throttle to the next
higher position.
Note: Use the lowest possible throttle setting to minimize in-train forces.
Slowing or stopping
To slow or stop a train
1. Reduce throttle.
2. Gradually apply dynamic brakes to allow slack to “bunch up”
against the locomotive.
3. Add air brakes as necessary to stop or slow to your
desired speed.
Reversing
To reverse the direction of the train
1. Bring the locomotive to a full stop.
2. Move the Reverser to Reverse.
3. Release all brakes.
4. Advance the throttle.
Blending the brakes
As you head down a steep or long grade, use the dynamic brake first to gently bunch up the train
slack against the locomotive(s). Then, use a minimum reduction in brake pipe pressure, such as 6 to
8 pounds per square inch (psi), to set the air brakes. You must have the train air brakes and dynamic
brakes in balance so that you won’t need to make adjustments to the air brakes and you can use the
dynamic brake to speed up or slow down.
In the Real World…
On the Burlington Northern
and Santa Fe railroad
(BNSF), the conductor
notes each signal that the
train passes: the signal
location and indication, the
time, and the train’s speed.
All members of the cab
crew speak aloud the
indication of each signal as
it appears, both to make
sure the engineer has early
notice of upcoming signals
and to keep the crew alert
and on task.