- #MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR AMTRAK INSTALL#
- #MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR AMTRAK SERIES#
- #MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR AMTRAK SIMULATOR#
It has an independent (locomotive) brake handle that allows the brakes in the locomotive to be applied and released independently from the brakes on the cars.
#MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR AMTRAK SIMULATOR#
Note: The Acela HHP-8 (for "high horsepower 8000") is the only electric locomotive in Train Simulator that can be uncoupled from the passenger cars. See the online Help (press F1) for a detailed description of the characteristics and operation of the brakes on the individual trains. In some electric locomotives, one lever controls both air brakes and dynamic brakes, which are blended together by computer for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
#MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR AMTRAK SERIES#
Throttle: The Throttle controls the power output of the locomotive, and therefore the speed of the train.īrakes: The air brake handle typically has a series of settings from Release through various degrees of application to Emergency. On electric trains, the Reverser has three positions: Forward, Neutral, and Reverse. Reverser: The Reverser controls the direction of movement of the train. For more information and details see the online Help (press F1). These are the descriptions of the various controls you will find on a Train Simulator electric locomotive. USING ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIUE CONTROLS & GAUGES On some trains, a brake control computer blends the two braking systems to provide smooth, efficient braking with minimal wear-and-tear on the components. Automated systems often ensure that the train obeys signals and speed limits.Įlectric trains use both air brakes and dynamic brakes (see Chapter 5, Train Basics, for details). Digital displays in the cab show the train's status and operational data such as speed and brake conditions. Modern electric locomotives use computer technology throughout the train. (A pantograph is the mechanical linkage located on the roof of an electric locomotive, and sometimes a passenger car, that connect the train to its electric power line.) All of the electric locomotives included with Train Simulator use pantographs to access power from the overhead lines. > Spend more of their time in service (rather than in the shop or taking on water and coal).Įlectric trains are powered by electricity supplied either from overhead lines (catenary) or from a third rail. > Use dynamic braking, which can save wear on the brake shoes and return electric power to the supply line. > Retain a high level of pulling power on uphill grades. > Can use multiple locomotives with a single crew, or even have their traction motors distributed throughout the train. > Are the beneficiaries of a wide range of technological advances in materials and electronics. > Are the cleanest and quietest form of motive power for rail service. > Are the lightest and fastest form of rail transport, since they don't have to carry power-generating equipment on board. Electric trains continue to operate and evolve because they: Despite this limitation, electric routes continue to be developed all over the world, primarily for highspeed passenger service. This impediment remains today, and is one of the reasons that diesel-electrics (which generate their own electricity) are now the most commonly used locomotives.
#MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR AMTRAK INSTALL#
In addition to the technological barriers that had to be overcome to make electrified transport a reality, it was expensive to install and maintain miles of power lines over the rails. In 1893, General Electric produced the first electric locomotive, but it was to be many years before electrics were to become a common sight on the nation's rails. The locomotives' specifications appear after the general description of the trains modeled in the simulation.ġ Battery Pack 5 Central Block (Motor Block) 9 CouplerĢ Air Supply Unit Compressor 6 Traction Motors 10 Cabģ Main Reservoir 7 Traction Motor Blowers This chapter covers the basic operations of electric locomotives in general, and descriptions of the Microsoft® Train Simulator versions of the Odakyu Railway 20 LSE Series, Amtrak® AcelaSM Express, and AcelaSM HHP-8 locomotives in particular.