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Driving {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|freight trains}} is all about efficiency. The more the driver is aware of the physics and economy involved in {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|train}} operation, the more cost effective they’ll make the {{pll|Order Types Overview|deliveries}}.
Driving {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|trains}} is all about efficiency. The more you're familiar with the physics and economy involved in train operation, the more cost effective you'll complete the {{pll|Order Types Overview|deliveries}}.


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The skills to {{pll|Fees|cost}} saving can all be gained from hands-on experience with driving, getting to know the railway network better and studying the {{pll|Vehicle Catalog Overview|vehicle catalog}}. Here are some of the tips that could help becoming a more efficient train driver:
The skills to {{pll|Fees|cost}} saving are best gained from hands-on driving experience, getting to know the railway network, and studying the {{pll|Vehicle Catalog Overview|vehicle catalog}}. Here are some tips to improve efficiency:


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Deciding on the {{pll|Switches & Switch Signs|switch directions}} to one’s destination well in advance. Switch locations and orientations should never be a surprise when neared.
* Know your {{pll|Switches & Switch Signs|switches well in advance}}.


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Avoiding collisions. When approaching a {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|vehicle}} for {{pll|Coupling|coupling}}, a way to ensure low speed of contact is to first stop at a safe distance, then proceed at very low speed until contact.
* Avoid {{pll|Damage Overview|collisions}}. When approaching a {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|vehicle}} for {{pll|Coupling|coupling}}, a way to ensure {{pll|Damage Overview|safe speed of contact}} is to first stop at a safe distance, then proceed at very low speed until contact.


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Choosing the {{pll|Hauling Score|right pulling power}} for the given train weight. Having too little power may cause the train to stall uphill, whereas having too much may be too costly to pay off with fuel and other costs. The driver should try to find an ideal match and, if necessary, take multiple {{pll|Rail Vehicle Types|locomotives}} in {{pll|Multiple-Unit|multiple-unit configuration}}.
* Choose the {{pll|Vehicle Catalog Overview|right pulling power}} for the job. Having too little power may cause the train to stall uphill, whereas having too much power may be too {{pll|Servicing Overview|costly}} in terms of fuel consumption. Try to find an ideal match and, if necessary, take multiple vehicles in {{pll|Multiple-Unit|multiple-unit configuration}}.


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Controlling the steam production. With {{pll|Steam Overview|steam engines}}, the driver should be careful not to produce too much steam as any steam that doesn’t end up being used is wasted fuel.
* Control steam production. Do not produce more steam than you need with {{pll|Steam Overview|steam engines}}. Any steam that ends up vented out by the {{pll|Boiler|safety valve}} is a product of wasted fuel.


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Utilizing the limits of {{pll|Derailing|derailment}}. Time is money, so the driver shouldn’t drive too slowly. Once they understand the derailment limits, they should aim to maximize their {{pll|Throttle|speed}} in accordance with the {{pll|Speed Limit Signs|speed limit signs}}.
* Utilize the limits of {{pll|Derailing|derailment}}. Time is money, so don't drive too slow. Once you fully understand the derailment limits, maximize your speed in accordance with the {{pll|Speed Limit Signs|speed limit signs}}.


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Utilizing the limits of a vehicle’s {{pll|Powertrains Overview|powertrain}}. Once the driver gets a feel for the limits of {{pll|Powertrain Overheating|powertrain overheating}} and {{pll|Traction Overview|traction loss}}, they should {{pll|Route Map|plan accordingly}} at what sections of the track they can {{pll|Throttle|accelerate}} and {{pll|Braking Overview|decelerate}} as strongly as possible, or even use tools such as {{pll|Sander|sand}} and {{pll|Slug|slugs}}.
* Utilize the limits of a vehicle’s {{pll|Powertrains Overview|powertrain}}. Once you fully understand the limits of {{pll|Powertrain Overheating|powertrain overheating}} and {{pll|Traction Overview|traction loss}} with a given load, vehicle and {{pll|Weather|weather}} plan accordingly what sections of the track you can {{pll|Throttle|accelerate}} and {{pll|Braking Overview|brake}} to the fullest capacity.


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Using momentum to coast. Trains are heavy, so once one is up to speed the driver can often disengage the {{pll|Throttle|throttle}} and still keep moving for a long distance, while saving fuel.
* Use your momentum. Trains are heavy, and will keep moving for a long distance even if you cut {{pll|Throttle|throttle}} to save fuel.


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Learning the {{pll|Route Map|route}} for key {{pll|Grade Signs|grade}} and {{pll|Speed Limit Signs|speed variations}}. The driver should make sure to timely observe the signs, but also memorize them. Like following a raceline on the circuit, the best way to drive a train efficiently is to know the route by heart and take the most optimal actions at very specific moments.
* Learn the route's {{pll|Grade Signs|grade}} and {{pll|Speed Limit Signs|speed variations}}. Timely observe the signs, but also memorize them. Like following a raceline on the circuit, the best way to drive a train efficiently is to know the route by heart and take the most optimal actions at precisely calculated moments.


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Utilizing gravity to control speed on {{pll|Grade Signs|grades}}. The driver should let the gravity accelerate and decelerate their train where applicable, and only use {{pll|Throttle|power}} and {{pll|Braking Overview|brakes}} as supplements to that force.
* Utilize gravity. Let it accelerate and decelerate your train on {{pll|Grade Signs|grades}}, and only use {{pll|Throttle|power}} and {{pll|Braking Overview|brakes}} as supplements to that force.


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Utilize methods of {{pll|Dynamic Brake|dynamic braking}}. Whether it’s to help slow down faster, or reduce stress on the {{pll|Brake Shoes|mechanical brakes}}, dynamic brakes are another valuable tool in maximizing efficiency.
* Utilize methods of {{pll|Dynamic Brake|dynamic braking}}. Whether it’s to help slow down faster, or reduce stress on the {{pll|Brake Shoes|mechanical brakes}}, dynamic brakes are another valuable tool in maximizing efficiency.
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{{See also|Vehicle Catalog Overview|Switches & Switch Signs|Dispatcher|Switch Setter|Coupling|Multiple-Unit|Derailing|Traction Overview|Powertrains Overview|World Map|Clinometer|Speed Limit Signs|Sander|Slug|Grade Signs|Dynamic Brake}}
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[[Category:General Information|8]]

Revision as of 11:44, 11 March 2025

Other languages:

Driving trains is all about efficiency. The more you're familiar with the physics and economy involved in train operation, the more cost effective you'll complete the deliveries .

The skills to cost saving are best gained from hands-on driving experience, getting to know the railway network, and studying the vehicle catalog . Here are some tips to improve efficiency:

  • Choose the right pulling power for the job. Having too little power may cause the train to stall uphill, whereas having too much power may be too costly in terms of fuel consumption. Try to find an ideal match and, if necessary, take multiple vehicles in multiple-unit configuration .
  • Control steam production. Do not produce more steam than you need with steam engines . Any steam that ends up vented out by the safety valve is a product of wasted fuel.
  • Utilize the limits of derailment . Time is money, so don't drive too slow. Once you fully understand the derailment limits, maximize your speed in accordance with the speed limit signs .
  • Use your momentum. Trains are heavy, and will keep moving for a long distance even if you cut throttle to save fuel.
  • Learn the route's grade and speed variations . Timely observe the signs, but also memorize them. Like following a raceline on the circuit, the best way to drive a train efficiently is to know the route by heart and take the most optimal actions at precisely calculated moments.
  • Utilize gravity. Let it accelerate and decelerate your train on grades , and only use power and brakes as supplements to that force.
  • Utilize methods of dynamic braking . Whether it’s to help slow down faster, or reduce stress on the mechanical brakes , dynamic brakes are another valuable tool in maximizing efficiency.
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