Class 68 Cab Controls Confusion

[scottjdeans]

Hi
Being a recent TS user I've got my head around the standard controls of most trains.
However, there are a number of cab controls (for instance the class 68) that I really don't know how to use. Can't find anything about them in manual either. Can anyone explain please???

DSD
DRA
Train Length

The DB BR155 also has SIFA nd LZB.

Sorry to be sounding stupid but are there any tutorials etc. on how to use the above?

Best wishes

Scott

[Growler]

Originally posted by scottjdeans:

Hi
Being a recent TS user I've got my head around the standard controls of most trains.
However, there are a number of cab controls (for instance the class 68) that I really don't know how to use. Can't find anything about them in manual either. Can anyone explain please???

DSD
DRA
Train Length

The DB BR155 also has SIFA nd LZB.

Sorry to be sounding stupid but are there any tutorials etc. on how to use the above?

Best wishes

Scott

DSD = Driver Safety Device. Comes in various formats but basically known as the dead man's switch. Depending on train being driven, if the driver doesn't move a control (throttle/brake) or let's his foot off a footplate switch, and doesn't acknowledge the audio reminder after a set period of time (typically a minute), then the train assumes the driver is no longer in control of the train (unconcious/incapacitated or other) and the train's auto brakes come on. With the TS Class 68 model the DSD alarm can be acknowledged by pressing the numpad enter key (I also think pressing Q will also work, as this is normally the case for most applicable TS models). The key combo Ctr + D will fully disable the DSD safety system will driving.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_man%27s_switch

DRA = Driver Reminder Appliance
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver%27s_reminder_appliancehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver%27s_reminder_appliance
Basically a driver may choose to manually press the train's DRA button to remind him that he's currently on a yellow signal. Typically used when a driver passes a yellow light, stops at a station or other before reaching another visible signal. The DRA light which disables the train's acceleration from stand-still, reminds the driver when he starts off again that there is a likely chance the next signal he reaches may be red. The lit DRA button needs to be pressed (typically click on it with the mouse) in the cab) before you'll be able to move the train.

Train Length. Pressing the button in the cab as the train passes a new speed limit sign (as the line speed is increasing), gives the driver an audible alert as soon as the very rear of the train passes through the passed speed change sign, thereby letting the driver know he can accelerate to the new higher line speed. The train's computer knows the length of the train, so can calculate the moment the back of the train has reached the sign. Before the existence of this technology (or on trains without it), the driver had to work out when it's allowable to increase speed based on a physical landmark he is familialr with, that matches the length of the particular train he's driving.

Hope the above helps, at least for British locos lines. I'm afraid for the German 155 you'll have to Google (plenty of good YouTube videos explaining both the systems you are interested in) plus they are mentioned in many of the game's German route & loco manuals. Have fun! All the best.

[geforce474]

Matt Peddlesden has a series of " how to drive lessons " on his youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK_xppPgbLyh8DofAsA1_OQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVNX_bRG0WQ

For help with the SIFA nd LZB. check out. PTGRail and the german signalling tutorial.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5cfjwSpIds&index=23&list=WL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-aggbeU4go

hope that helps

[Budge4]

The DSD is off as default in the 68, you have to Ctrl-D to enable it. Also the Numpad-Enter key doesnt cancel the DSD (even though it moves the foot pedal), neither does clicking directly on the foot pedal work either (both bugged?). The Q key does cancel the DSD alarm though, even though it doesnt move the foot pedal. Needs a fix i think Growler

[Growler]

Originally posted by Budge4:

The Q key does cancel the DSD alarm though, even though it doesnt move the foot pedal. Needs a fix i think Growler

Thx for pointing that out Budge. Hope these little glitches are sorted out relatively quickly; cause otherwise seems like a very nice engine! :)

[Budge4]

Yes the loco i really like Growler, would prefer a clear screen rather than the tinted one, dont particularly like the view through it (not sure if thats how the real one is), and the DSD needs sorting, but at least you can cancel alarm. Brakes took a little while to get used too, prefer using keyboard for throttle and brakes which helped a lot in my case with the 68. But yep nice loco.

[Motorhomegirl14 [UK]]

Being a Retired Real Life Train Driver, I think Growler has summed it up really well and is a very good explanation of what those 3 things are and do .... DSD/DRA and Train Length Button. Very impressed Growler. :)

[Growler]

Originally posted by Motorhomegirl14 UK:

Being a Retired Real Life Train Driver, I think Growler has summed it up really well and is a very good explanation of what those 3 things are and do .... DSD/DRA and Train Length Button. Very impressed Growler. :)

Thank you Motorholmegirl, I take that as a real compliment indeed, coming from an experienced ex-driver like yourself. Best wishes. :)

[Motorhomegirl14 [UK]]

Originally posted by Growler:

Originally posted by Motorhomegirl14 UK:

Being a Retired Real Life Train Driver, I think Growler has summed it up really well and is a very good explanation of what those 3 things are and do .... DSD/DRA and Train Length Button. Very impressed Growler. :)

Thank you Motorholmegirl, I take that as a real compliment indeed, coming from an experienced ex-driver like yourself. Best wishes. :)

You are more than welcome. :) All the best. :)

[scottjdeans]

Dear All

Many thanks for your replies.
Lots to learn still!

Best wishes

Scott