BVE: Class 37 Drivers Guide and good driving practice

[Russardo]

I have installed the updated class 37 for bve 4 but cannot find the corresponding drivers guide (I read in one of the readme files there should be a html drivers guide, is this correct?) Also just a question about good driving practice I was hoping someone could answer. If you were travelling along a line and an unexpected double amber appears, due to say a slower moving train further up the line (i.e. not approaching a controlled junction where you know you have to slow right down as there will definately be a red) do you instantly apply the brakes or continue at line speed in the hope that the other train has cleared and the next signal will be green? Obviuosly if the next signal is at amber you would apply the brakes expecting a red (assuming that conditions and the length of signal block would allow to stop within one signal block). The point I'm trying to make is that once you scrub off a lot of speed it takes time to get it back (especially with the 37!) so at the double amber do you lose some speed giving the line chance to clear (so you probably never have to come to a stop) or do you continue at line speed to clear the signal block you are occupying as quickly as possible, but then may meet the next signal at single amber and therefore possibly have to stop at the next signal. Sorry if that question is a bit long winded and possibly not very clear, I was hoping to find out what mainline drivers in the UK are taught to do in such a situation.

Thanks

[ChrisCooper]

RE: Class 37 Drivers Guide and good driving practice

The driving technique mainline drivers are taught is defensive driving. If you see a double yellow, you should always assume that the next signal will be showing single yellow and the following one will be at danger, even if you are following a slower train, since this could have slowed or stopped, or the signaller might decide to allow that train past a junction and then stop you etc. This also applies to where signals are used to slow you down for a junction, don't assume it will always clear before you reach it. Especially since the brakes on the 37 arn't quite as good as on a unit, you really need to start braking as soon as you see a double yellow. The signalling is designed to provide adequate braking distance from two signals back, so if you carry on at line speed until the signal before the one at red, you will then have to brake very hard and risk passing it, or at very least tripping the TPWS when passing the overspeed sensor before the signal. Remember, the driving technique for the 37 is a lot different from a unit, since it does take longer to stop and increase speed, but this should be built into the timetable. Even with units though, you still want to drive cautiously, since this improves safety, economy and passenger comfort, timekeeping comes below all of these, at least where a minute or two is concerned. The crucial thing to remember is that is you are a few minutes late, you might get moaned at by the manager if the TOC gets a delay fine (although if the signals are against you it's hardly your fault), but if you pass a signal at danger you might be out of a job, or worse.

[Simon_G]

RE: Class 37 Drivers Guide and good driving practice

>I have installed the updated class 37 for bve 4 but cannot
>find the corresponding drivers guide

There is no driver's guide for the 37, but the controls are similar to the 158, except that:

- there's no vigilance device or DRA to worry about
- the tail light switch is not animated

Chris's driving advice is good, particularly on the freight version, and you'll have already noticed that the engine doesn't start so easily . Finally, open her up carefully from a stand, because if the current rises too high, she'll trip back to idle; if this happens shut the power handle and open up again more gently.

Hope this helps
Simon

[call2]

RE: Class 37 Drivers Guide and good driving practice

That's an excellent answer Chris. I think that most drivers get to know EXACTLY where the next signal is at any point along a route. When you couple that with an intimate knowledge of how well the traction that you are driving can stop, then it becomes much easier to control the train and get the best journey time for the conditions. So learn the route well and get to know your train.

Tony H
Midlands 25kV

[Russardo]

RE: Class 37 Drivers Guide and good driving practice

Thanks guys, some good answers there.