User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK
HOW TO DRIVE AN ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE | 54
Electric trains are powered by electricity supplied
either from overhead lines (catenary) or from a third
rail. All of the electric locomotives included with
Train Simulator use pantographs to access power
from the overhead lines. (A pantograph is the
mechanical linkage located on the roof of an electric
locomotive, and sometimes a passenger car, that
connect the train to its electric power line.)
Modern electric locomotives use computer tech-
nology throughout the train. Digital displays in the
cab show the train’s status and operational data
such as speed and brake conditions. Automated
systems often ensure that the train obeys signals
and speed limits.
Electric trains use both air brakes and dynamic brakes (see Chapter
5, Train Basics, for details). On some trains, a brake control com-
puter blends the two braking systems to provide smooth, efficient
braking with minimal wear-and-tear on the components.
USING ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE CONTROLS
& GAUGES
These are the descriptions of the various controls you will find on a Train Simulator electric
locomotive. For more information and details see the online Help (press F1).
Reverser: The Reverser controls the direction of movement of the train. On electric trains, the
Reverser has three positions: Forward, Neutral, and Reverse.
Throttle: The Throttle controls the power output of the locomotive, and therefore the speed of the train.
Brakes: The air brake handle typically has a series of settings from Release through various degrees
of application to Emergency. In some electric locomotives, one lever controls both air brakes and
dynamic brakes, which are blended together by computer for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
See the online Help (press F1) for a detailed description of the characteristics and operation of the
brakes on the individual trains.
Note: The Acela HHP-8 (for “high horsepower 8000”) is the only electric locomotive in Train
Simulator that can be uncoupled from the passenger cars. It has an independent (locomotive)
brake handle that allows the brakes in the locomotive to be applied and released indepen-
dently from the brakes on the cars.
The Pantograph’s Name
The pantograph gets its
name from its similarity
in appearance to the
mechanical device that
has been used to copy
signatures since the 1700s.