User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK
OPERATIONS | 68
Note: On unsignaled track (commonly called “dark territory” in North America), safe operating
distance between trains is ensured with “track warrants” that grant trains exclusive permission
to occupy sections of track between certain mileposts or stations during certain time windows.
In Train Simulator, the only unsignaled track is the Kalispell branch of the Marias Pass route.
Learning the signals
Refer to the Quick Reference Card to find a table of all the signal
aspects (the colored lights or semaphore arm positions), and their
indications (what the aspects mean), categorized by route. You’ll
realize quickly that although different routes have unique signal
aspects, their indications are often the same. For example, a
green light on the Marias Pass route, and a raised semaphore
arm on the Settle to Carlisle route look very different, but they
both mean essentially the same thing: you can proceed.
Obeying signals
As you approach a signal you must identify which one applies to
the track that your train is operating on, and observe its indication.
Watch the signal and its changes until your train has passed it.
For more information, see the “Driving Aids” section in Chapter 4,
Tools for Driving.
Note: For more information about Train Simulator signaling, see the online Help (press F1).
SPEED LIMITS
As you operate a train in Train Simulator, you’re expected to obey all speed limits. Speeding is not
only against the rules, it’s dangerous! A train that’s moving too fast can derail on curves and
switches, collide with other trains, become a runaway, or break apart. As an engineer, it’s imperative
that you be aware of the speed limits for the route you’re driving and obey them.
The Track Monitor driving aid helps you maintain speed limits as you drive. For more information,
see the “Driving Aids” section of Chapter 4, Tools for Driving.
Types of speed limits
There are three types of speed limits in Train Simulator: maximum speed limits, permanent reduced
speed limits, and temporary speed restrictions.
In the Early Days…
In the early days of rail-
roading, “Handsignalmen”
stood next to the track and
waved their arms or flags
by day, and lanterns by
night or in inclement
weather. Eventually
Handsignalmen were largely
replaced by mechanical
semaphore arms. In
modern times, lights
replaced the semaphore
arms, but they still exist
on some railroads, and
hand signals are still used
in some situations.