RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion
How Many Notches (vs notching sound)
KPack:
As stated, notch 1= idle and first power notch. There is a low idle on some prototypes but I couldn't tell you what locomotives utilize this feature. I believe that low idle is really only utilized when the locomotive is sitting for long periods of time (i.e. train tied down overnight and engine is kept running to keep the brakes charged). For our purposes only the normal 8 notches are really useful. A low idle might be something to be added to Railpro later, but the likelihood of it ever really being used as we operate is pretty slim. At least for me it would be.
-Kevin
William Brillinger:
From an SD40 Manual posted online:
Throttle Lever
The throttle lever actuates switches within the controller to establish low voltage electrical circuits to the rn engine governor for purposes of controlling engine speed. The throttle has ten positions namely, STOP, IDLE and running speeds 1 through 8 as shown in Fig. 2-6. Each of these positions is shown in the illuminated indicator in the upper left hand corner of the controller.
To stop all engines, the throttle lever is pulled out away from the controller and then moved one step beyond IDLE to the STOP position. The IDLE position is as far forward as the throttle lever can be moved without pulling it away from the controller.
Each running notch on the throttle increases locomotive power by increasing generator excitation or engine speed or both. At time of locomotive start each notch provides a fixed and immediate level of generator excitation. This level brings about an immediate and fixed response to throttle position during starting.
When operating in dynamic braking (selector lever in "B") the throttle lever serves as a braking handle. It moves freely without notching to control dynamic braking.
from: http://www.kirara.co.uk/info/SD40%20-%20Operator's%20Manual/
William Brillinger:
Tom says the description in that manual is wrong. He will take a video tonight at work of how it works.
G8B4Life:
It will be interesting to see this video Bill. I was never a driver but have been in cabs a few times and I remember 8 power notches.
What I have read (from info on LokSound) and thinking about it I can pretty well confirm what was written, is that the prime mover RPM in notch one is actually lower than in idle as the prime mover loads with the generator. It's really noticeable with one of our loco's that had 6-567 and 6-645 engines fitted.
This might explain why the RailPro file, and all the LokSound files I tested only had 7 notches.
Tim...
William Brillinger:
NOTE: I split this topic because it's not really part of the "Notching across a consist" discussion.
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