Atomic Systems

Obviously I am not a train driver to ask this but in real engines do they have a track monitor?

What gets me is the advance speed markers can suddenly drop from a high speed to very low and sometimes it is panic stations trying to slow down, I have even stopped the train then had to start again which I know is terrible driving, good job it isn't for real.

I tend to travel at a comfortable speed and not try to keep the the speed limit because of this, I usually end up late at the finish of the scenario, I know if I play the scenario more often or I travel that route I would get to know the slow down points but if it is a new route it can be a bit hectic.

In the UK, no. The drivers all undertake route learning on specific routes where they will be operating during everyday service. I believe they get a 'route refresher' after a period of time if they don't use a certain route as much (it could be a diversionary route so seldom used).

Imagine driving a car, you get used to certain roads and their speed limits etc the more you use them. Its pretty much the same on the railway. Drivers may use mileposts or even a marker of their own (could be a building for example) to start applying brakes when they know they are approaching a station.

Not sure about the latest and greatest real life stock but in general - no they don't have a track monitor.

Drivers are required to "learn" the route which means the speed limit changes and where the signals etc. are. It is a long process in real life. I believe there are some full size train simulators used by the TOCs but again it is all down to route knowledge.

My understanding is you have to keep your route knowledge current or you lose your authorisation to drive the routes so periodic retraining is given. Others with more practical experience or knowledge may correct me there.

This is what I thought to be honest, some scenarios ask or tell you to get to a certain station by such a time, I did a scenario yesterday, it was set around dusk so the light was bad, I had buzzers and bells going off all the time plus I had to maintain speed.
As you know the engine gains speed so I had to slow down then speed up again, brake for speed limits, get the speed back up after I passed them, then it was time to slow again, I was stressed out at the end, didn't get chance to see any scenery.

Col.

Hi Col,

Try driving with out the track monitor just like a real train driver,I think you will get stressed out even quicker, especially in the dark with just the headlights of a steam loco,no high visibility headlights on them.

Mike