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US Freight Locomotives Gameplay Guide

Updated

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This guide has been designed to help players successfully operate US freight locomotives. However, this guide should always be used in tandem with the relevant Manual.

Common Issues

Why isn't the train moving?

  • The brakes haven't been full released - Long US freight trains can take up to 20 minutes for the brakes to be released along the full length of the train. However, most scenarios will start with the brakes partially released, to make this process much shorter for gameplay purposes. If your loco has a "REAR" pressure readout, wait for this to read at least 80 before applying power.

  • The lead loco is not in control of the brakes - This issue is usually because the Brake Cut-Off Valve and MU-2A Valve haven't been set correctly in the lead loco. Please refer to the multiple unit instructions below.
  • The lead loco is set up to deliver power - Ensure the Engine Run, Generator Field, and Control & Fuel Pump switches are enabled.
  • The engine is powered off - This can happen if the Engine Stop button is pressed. Check for engine idle sounds, spinning fans on the roof and exhaust smoke. If none of these are present, the engine may be off, and we would recommend following the steps in your manual to start the loco from a "Cold & Dark" state.

Why do I have no brakes?

  • The lead loco is not in control of the brakes - This issue is usually because the Brake Cut-Off Valve and MU-2A Valve haven't been set correctly in the lead loco. Please refer to the multiple unit instructions below.

Why does the train stop or roll back on a steep gradient?

  • The wheels are slipping, leading to a loss of speed - If you see "zig-zag" lines around the speedometer, your wheels are slipping. Traction is reduced is wet weather or on a gradient, requiring careful management of your applied power and use of the sander to increase traction.
  • Distributed Power hasn't been set up correctly - Distributed Power is required for the multiple locomotives (units) in a train to work together, Please refer to the multiple unit instructions below.

Setting up Multiple Units

When a train consists of more than one locomotive, they will always be set up in pairs, referred to as Multiple Units (MU). The two locos in a pair are referred to as the LEAD (front) and TRAIL (back). While we refer to specific locomotives, the same logic can be applied to most US freight locos.
 

How to set up multiple units using the SD40-2, GP38-2 and GP40-2

Step 1

Configure the LEAD and TRAIL locomotives as below to ensure that both locomotives are providing power and brakes.
 
LEAD Setup:
  • Engine Run: ON
  • Generator Field: ON
  • Control & Fuel Pump: ON
  • Brake Cut-off Valve: FREIGHT
  • MU-2A Valve: LEAD OR TRAIL
 
TRAIL Setup:
  • Engine Run: OFF
  • Generator Field: OFF
  • Control & Fuel Pump: OFF
  • Brake Cut-off Valve: CUT-OUT
  • MU-2A Valve: TRAIL 6 OR 26
 

Step 2

If your train consists or two or more pairs, you will need to configure the following settings in the LEAD loco of each pair to ensure they are working together. This is called "Distributed Power".
  • Banking Comm: ON (DISP Button left of the driver)
  • Radio & HOTD: ON (Fuse box behind the driver)

 

Control Locations:

Engine Run/Generator Field/Control & Fuel Pump Example (SD40-2):

 

Bank Comm Example (SD40-2):

 

Radio Fuse Example (Rear fuse cabinet - SD40-2):


 

How to set up multiple units such as the AC4400CW & ES44C4 (with Integrated Function Displays)

US freight locomotives that use an IFD can be set up for multiple unit work in the following way.

 

Step 1

AC4400CW
 

Using the IFD (Integrated Function Display) configure the brakes as below.
  1. Press 1 on the IFD to access the Air Brake menu.
  2. F3 on the IFD changes the Auto Brake Setting.
  3. F4 on the IFD changes the IND Brake Setting.
  4. F6 on the IFD saves any changes.

 

ES44C4

Using the left IFD (Integrated Function Display) configure the brakes as below.
  1. Press F4 on the IFD to access the Operator Controls menu.
  2. F2 on the IFD changes the Auto Brake Setting.
  3. F3 on the IFD changes the IND Brake Setting.
  4. F8 on the IFD to go back.

 

Step 2

Now the Lead/Trail locos will need to be setup as below. In most cases, the trail locos will be already set up for you.

 
LEAD Setup:
  • Engine Run: ON
  • Generator Field: ON
  • Control & Fuel Pump: ON
  • Auto Brake: CUT IN
  • Ind Brake: LEAD
 
TRAIL Setup:
  • Engine Run: OFF
  • Generator Field: OFF
  • Control & Fuel Pump: OFF
  • Auto Brake: CUT OUT
  • Ind Brake: TRAIL
 
Step 3
If your train consists or two or more pairs, you will need to configure the following settings in the LEAD loco of each pair to ensure they are working together. This is called "Distributed Power".
  • Banking Comm: ON (DISP Button above the driver)
  • Radio: ON (Fuse box behind the driver)
  • Distributed Power: ON (Fuse box behind the driver)

Control Locations:

IFD (Integrated Function Display) Example (ES44AC):

 

Engine Run/Generator Field/Control & Fuel Pump Example (ESS44AC):

 

Bank Comm Example (ES44AC):

 

Radio Fuse Example (Rear fuse panel - ES44AC):

 

Distributed Power Example (Rear fuse panel - ES44AC):

Resetting the Loco (PCS Reset)

Triggering an emergency brake will normally result in tripping the PCS switch. When the Pneumatic Control Switch (or PCS) is open, the train brakes cannot be released, and the throttle controls will be deactivated. To get moving again, you must reset the PCS.

You can tell if the PCS switch has been tripped by looking for the PCS OPEN light being illuminated. You may also see a red box around the power meter on the HUD.

Firstly, If the Alerter is sounding, acknowledge it by pressing the Q Key or the B button on your controller.

Once the train has come to a complete stop, follow these steps:

  1. Set the Throttle to Idle
  2. Set the Reverser to Neutral
  3. Set the Independent Brake to Full Service
  4. Set the Automatic Brake to Emergency
  5. Wait for 60 seconds
  6. Release the Automatic Brake and wait for the Equalizing Reservoir / Brake Pipe to return to 90psi
  7. While the Automatic Brake is releasing, you will need to put the Throttle in to Notch 1 so that the compressor can recharge the Main Reservoir
  8. Once the Equalizing Reservoir and Brake Pipe needles have returned to 90psi, and the main reservoir has recharged to 140psi, put the Throttle back to Idle
  9. You should now be able to release the Independent Brake, set the Reverser and apply Throttle

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