Somerset & Dorset locos

[Drogba11CFC]

I have recently acquired the SDJR miniroute and I am having trouble getting up the hill in the driver training and Pines Express scenarios, both of which involve the 2P. I can't get up the hill out of Radstock despite being on full throttle. Does anyone have any solutions? I usually have the cutoff at 45%.

[slipperman12]

Hi George,
To me, one of the attractions of the S&D is that you have to "work" to successfully drive steam locos on it

If you use full regulator all the time, you'll rapidly run out of steam. It's a case of constantly balancing the regulator and cut-off (reverser) together with keeping an eye on the steam usage, steam generation and boiler pressure figures (if you're using MSTS). With all that to watch, I recommend that you use the automatic fireman!! Somewhere in the Forum is a steam loco driving tutorial, but, sorry, I'm not able to locate it at present.**

If the train you're driving is a double header and the train loco is a Bulleid, I suggest you try driving the latter instead of the 2P - of course, you need the Bin Patch installed to be able to switch locos.

Cheers,
Ged

** EDIT : Check out this thread - http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... 0#p1453846 (Pages 9 & 10)
Also, I found this is my archive, but, unfortunately, didn't record its source :

Before starting out from Bath, open your dampers (M) to 100% and shut off the small ejector (J) to save steam. Use about 40% cut-off and when you get to the junction open the regulator to about 80%. Before entering Devonshire Tunnel sand on (X) and full regulator. When leaving the tunnel back to 80% regulator and sanders off. Same again when you enter Combe Down Tunnel, by the time you leave the tunnel you're on way down to Midford. If your boiler pressure is down a bit, hold the blower button (N) to help bring pressure back up. Keep the dampers at 100% open all the time. I managed about 29mph through the tunnels and arrived in Templecombe only about 1 min late. Try it!

...AND, don't forget to set the train brakes to "Running" instead of "Release" as it'll use less steam!

[eholly]

Hi George

Ged has given you a brilliant lesson in driving a steam loco. I would only add that upon reaching a reasonable speed, bring the cut-off back to 15% asap. This is our usual "cruise control!"

If you watch the You Tube video of the driver taking Duke of Gloucester out of Winchfield station -

This video is hosted by YouTube, a site which is outside of the editorial control of UKTrainSim and as such Parental Control is strongly advised.
To view the video, click on the PLAY button.
If you click anywhere else on this video, you will be taken to a YouTube page, where you may find yourself subjected to content that you feel is offensive.
If you feel THIS video is inappropriate, please report it to a moderator immediately for prompt action. - you will see an expert at work. He calls the "cut-off" "The Gear" - as it is just that.

Cheers

Eric