Driving Efficiency: Difference between revisions
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* 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}}. | * 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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* | * 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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* 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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* | * Utilize gravity. Let it accelerate and decelerate your trains 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 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. | * 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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* | * 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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* | * Control {{pll|Steam Overview|steam}} production. Do not produce more steam than you need with steam engines. Any steam that ends up vented out by the {{pll|Boiler|safety valve}} is a product of wasted fuel. Rather than rely on {{pll|Blower & Damper|dampers}} to cut on steam production, a well timed {{pll|Injector|water injection}} is more effective. | ||
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* | * Optimize {{pll|Firebox|coal burning}}. Keep the {{pll|Firebox|firebox}} light when {{pll|Blower & Damper|airflow}} is low, and keep it full when airflow is high. | ||
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* Use {{pll|Gadget Installation|gadgets}}. If cleverly utilized, they can drastically | * Use {{pll|Gadget Installation|gadgets}}. If cleverly utilized, they can drastically save time and resources. | ||
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[[Category:General Information|8]] | [[Category:General Information|8]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:49, 18 March 2025
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:
- Know your switches well in advance.
- Avoid collisions. When approaching a vehicle for coupling, a way to ensure safe speed of contact is to first stop at a safe distance, then proceed at very low speed until contact.
- 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.
- 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.
- Use your momentum. Trains are heavy, and will keep moving for a long distance even if you cut throttle to save fuel.
- Utilize gravity. Let it accelerate and decelerate your trains on grades, and only use power and brakes as supplements to that force.
- 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.
- Utilize the limits of a vehicle’s powertrain. Once you fully understand the limits of powertrain overheating and traction loss with a given load, vehicle and weather plan accordingly what sections of the track you can accelerate and brake to the fullest capacity.
- 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.
- 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. Rather than rely on dampers to cut on steam production, a well timed water injection is more effective.
- Optimize coal burning. Keep the firebox light when airflow is low, and keep it full when airflow is high.
- Use gadgets. If cleverly utilized, they can drastically save time and resources.