What's The Speed Limit?

[gollum65]

I'm confused about how to recognize what the actual speed limit is while I'm driving the train? Up in the HUD at the top right, under the next signal indicator is a distance countdown with a speed limit (and sometimes that's not there?) At the bottom right in the speedometer there's a red line, which I thought was the max speed of the loco? And slightly above that there's usually a number in a red circle that I assume is the current speed limit, but sometimes at much lower speeds than that the actual digital speedometer turns red. So I'm confused? If I don't spot the actual speed limit sign on the track out the window how do I know what the actual speed limit is for the section of track that I'm currently on?

Thanks.

[Rudolf Jan]

You need to watch for speed signs along the tracks and obey signal speed limits. These are not shown or enforced.

[gollum65]

Thanks for the reply. So you're saying the speed limits aren't enforced, but the signal conditions are? So I can do 100 MPH in a 50 zone with no repercussions as long as I stop for any red lights?

[Antti-san]

The red dash on the speedo marks the current speed limit. And yeah, there's no penalty for overspeeding (unless you have a safety system like the German PZB turned on), unlike running a red light.

[gollum65]

Ok thanks for the responses

[jetgriff]

If you do 25 going into Leeds with a 10mph limit you will usually end game with a "derailed message. On the other hand I have been well over some limits at crossovers with no actions taken..

[Antti-san]

Originally posted by jetgriff:

If you do 25 going into Leeds with a 10mph limit you will usually end game with a "derailed message. On the other hand I have been well over some limits at crossovers with no actions taken..

Interesting (not being sarcastic)! The only times I've "managed" to derail is driving over the end of the tracks due to badly set junction and once when I hit the station bumpers too fast.

[LeadCatcher]

As far as no penalty in not observing speed limits, it is sort of like real life... it is up to the driver to obey speed limits, there isn’t a cop behind every sign or bush to give you a ticket when you speed. If there is an accident, and you were speeding, it definitely will not go well for you.

In TSW you are “penalized” by receiving reduced or no points for that section of track you exceed the speed limit. Of course, just like real life, if you don’t care about the points in TSW then there is no penalty. And in real life, if you don’t care about safety or your driving record, then speed limits are only a suggestion :-)

As to what the speed limit is.. learn the signals for German routes, the in cab signaling systems for US routes ( some US routes the signals are also speed based and not occupancy based ) and U.K. routes keep an eye out fo line-side signage.

[gollum65]

Thanks for the replies everyone. And it's not that I want to speed. It's that I want to know how to know that I am so I can slow down.

[Yerolo]

Just to summarise the questions you originally asked:

Originally posted by gollum65:

Up in the HUD at the top right, under the next signal indicator is a distance countdown with a speed limit (and sometimes that's not there?)

This is the distance to the next speed change (line speed). Now sometimes on certain routes, speed limits are enforced in the cab such as in LIRR ATC or via PZB for the German routes if youu are playing with these enabled.

Originally posted by gollum65:

At the bottom right in the speedometer there's a red line, which I thought was the max speed of the loco?

No, the red line on the speedo is the current track speed limit.

Originally posted by gollum65:

And slightly above that there's usually a number in a red circle that I assume is the current speed limit, but sometimes at much lower speeds than that the actual digital speedometer turns red.

What you are seeing there is a visual representation in the game world of the next upcoming speed change (Which can be toggled). This is the same as the countdown to next speed change mentioned at the start. If the speedo turns red before this point, you have exceeded speed limit which may have been enforced via signals or safety systems. (The HUD doesn't show speed reductions enforced by signals)

Originally posted by gollum65:

So I'm confused? If I don't spot the actual speed limit sign on the track out the window how do I know what the actual speed limit is for the section of track that I'm currently on?

Thanks.

Well, again it all depends on the loco/route and safety systems being used. Generally, the red line on the speedo is usually the current speed limit and you should stay below that line. The 'countdown limit' up the top (and the speed indicated in the red circle) is the distance to the next speed change.

[vitas]

You can't always follow this red line. There are routes where restrictions are not indicated by a line. For example on the Tees Valley Line at least twice. It is safest to get acquainted with the railway traffic rules on the route and have limited confidence in the indicators. It would be useful to have route diagrams with the described speed limits.

[Stor]

There are two systems.

The red line of the HUD indicates the speed of the line according to the static speed limit signs (painted plates for example) that there is to the route. Points penalty applies.

The speed of the line according to the dynamic speed limit signs (light signals for example) that are on the route, do not receive a point penalty. However, to make it more realistic, they must be considered.