QUESTION FOR A EXPIERNCED TRAIN OPERATOR

[JeremyB]

Hi There

When Im at train shows I notice that engineers are always adjusting controls on the walkaround throttles Im assuming that this is to adjust speeds on there train?Is this right?also do operators most of the time just couple up to a train the highball it out and keep the speed the same for the whole trip,because this seems boring or do they constantly adjust speeds.

Thanks for any help

Jeremy

[MAbruce]

In the world of N-trak, I don't see why constant speed adjustments would be needed. Unless the train is being directed onto a special module siding, or it's entering the main yard or moving past an urban module (for simulating a prototypical operation in "speed" restricted zones).

The only other thing I can think of is that they may need to give the loco(s) (handling long trains) more power as they move through the curves. The the train creates more drag on the locos at that point.

Other than that, N-trak module mainlines are flat, and shouldn't require too many speed adjustments.

[JeremyB]

dear bruce

I have that problem that you mentioned,when my freight trains go into curves it slows dowm a little.Thanks

jeremy

[Anonymous]

Jeremy,

I operate trains on the Prince William Modular Railroad Club layout when we setup for shows. While running trains, I become familiar with the peculiarities of the layout. Where the track is smooth we can run faster, where there may be a problem we will tend to slow down a bit in the event of a problem. It's a maintainance issue with the individule modules that can't easily be corrected during the show. Other reasons to adjust the speed of the train would be to keep pace with other trains on the layout. Sometimes we will operate with rules of maintaining a certain number of modules between trains as a safety measure to avoid collisions. Other reasons to operate the hand controller may be to operate other functions on the locomotive, i.e. horn, ditch lights.


Ken, D&J Railroad, Stafford, VA

[MAbruce]

Jeremy:

It occurs because more of the wheel comes in contact with the rail though a curve (causing more friction). Not much you can do about it, as it's the law of physics. Real trains have to deal with the same thing.

There is another place where trains become more of a drag on loco's - on inclines (grades). The steeper the grade, the more power (or number of locos) you will need to pull the train up the hill. Add a curve on the grade and the situation grows even worse. As it is, it doesn't take much of a grade to make it hard for your loco's (2% is about how steep I would go).