Steam locomotive operation question ....

[GEtrack]

In anticipation of the (hopefully soon) release of the B&LE route, I've been practicing my steam loco skills. I have a question about how best to handle a downhill run. With a modern diesel I would make a set (say 9 lb) and modulate the speed with variable application of the dynamics. Was there a sort of equivalent with steam locos using the reverser partly into reverse and variable throttle application? Or some other combination of these two controls? And a train brake set of course.

Ken

[JOHNtheREDNECK]

For more gentle grades you can ride the brakes down the mountain. Without dynamic brakes, throwing the reverser slightly into reverse (assuming your driving the train forward down the mountain) and giving it a little throttle with the brakes released on the locomotive essentially does the same thing as a Jake-brake on a semi, also known as power braking.

[GEtrack]

So now that I know it's possible in the real world, is TS sophisticated enough to simulate it? I guess I'll try some downhill runs and experiment.

Ken

[gtrtroger]

It’s funny you should ask.... I was just power braking coming down from Idaho Springs to Forks Creek on the C&S Clear Creek Route. Worked really well and beats the on/off brake action all the time....the B4D didn’t mind at all.

[jpetersjr]

As well, how do you take on water at a water tower?

[gtrtroger]

You need to forget about tenders and water towers and go catch a moonpie.......

[JOHNtheREDNECK]

For power braking the steam engines just make sure you don't break traction, lock up the wheels, or dump all of your steam pressure from heavy throttle use... or else bad things will happen.

[jpetersjr]

You need to forget about tenders and water towers and go catch a moonpie.......

I don't care for Mardi Gras and certainly not going to take my car down there, besides, I have work.