User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK
HOW TO DRIVE AN ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE | 55
Brake Pressure Gauges: Brakes are a crucial part of operating any locomotive; there are several types
of brakes in the electric locomotives.
Brake Pipe Pressure Gauge: This gauge displays the pressure in the brake pipe.
Equalizing Reservoir Pressure Gauge: This gauge displays the pressure of the equalizing reser-
voir. When you apply the brakes, the pressure in the equalizing reservoir drops immediately and
is then propagated in the brake pipe, which runs the length of the train.
Main Reservoir Pressure Gauge: This gauge displays the amount of air pressure available to
recharge the braking system. You’ll see a drop in the main reservoir pressure when the brakesare
released; air is moving from the main reservoir to recharge the equalizing reservoir, the brake
pipe, and the auxiliary reservoirs on each car.
Brake Cylinder (BC) Pressure Gauge: The BC Pressure Gauge displays the brake cylinder pres-
sure in the lead locomotive. If you apply or bail off the locomotive brakes independently, remem-
ber that this gauge does not show the pressure in the brake cylinders on the rest of the train.
Pantograph button: The Pantograph button raises and lowers the pantographs. The Japanese trains
have pantographs on the passenger cars as well as the locomotive. The pantograph picks up the
electrical current from the overhead wires and transmits it to the traction motors of the train.
Speedometer: Shows the speed of the train.
Ammeter: The Ammeter measures electric current, which flows from the catenary into the pantograph and
then to the traction motors. The Ammeter shows how much power you are using, which is controlled by
the throttle.
During dynamic braking, the Ammeter shows how much current is being generated by the traction
motors. This current is either returned to the catenary or dissipated as heat.
Horn: Each railroad has specific rules about horns. For more information see the “Bells, Whistles,
Horns and Lights” section in Chapter 9, Operations.
Headlights: You should keep the headlights on during regular operation. In Train Simulator, whenever
the headlights are turned on, the rear lights are illuminated, too.
In Train Simulator, whenever the headlights are turned on, the lights at the other end of the train are
illuminated, too.
For more information see the “Bells, Whistles, Horns, and Lights” section in Chapter 9, Operations.
Sanders: The sanders apply sand to the rails to help prevent wheelslip. Most electric locomotives
have an automatic wheelslip detection system that applies sand as needed. (The wheelslip detector
may also adjust the power going to the motors to reduce slipping.) You can use the Sander button
to apply sand yourself, but remember that there is a limited amount of sand on board.