Dash-8 40 CW HUD brake and power handle controls help requested

[OldProf]

I''m having problems using the F4 HUD train brake and power handle while driving this engine. I can get it moving and stop it, yes, but I'm sure that I'm not really doing this the correct way.

The F4HUD power handle is split between plus and minus readings and is set at -12% at the start of a scenario. Use of the plus range is obvious, but what purpose does the minus range serve? At first, I tried to use it to slow the engine, but aside from a whining noise nothing seemed to happen.

The F4HUD train brake control seems to be built upside down and I just cannot figure out how to use it correctly. The user's manual offers no help at all.

Suggestions for proper use are very welcome, including simple references to other engines' user's manuals, but please do not dump your complaints about the engine or the F4HUD or anything else here. I'm asking for help, not harassment.

Thanks

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Assuming you mean the CSX loco that came with Miami - Palm Beach?
Further assuming you run in Expert Mode controls? The switch sometimes gets reset.

This loco uses a combined power/dynamic brake handle.

When you put it into the dynamic braking range, it takes a short while for the dynamics to engage. You'll see a negative Ampd reading when the dynamic brakes are working.
Since this locomotive's features are scripted, it is more difficult to diagnose. Try opening the Control List Dialog window by using the -ShowControlStateDialog command line switch.
Go into your Steam Library, locate Railworks amongst your games.
Open the Properties window by right clicking on the Railworks entry.
There is a Set Launch Options button which opens a small window with the command line, where you can put the above command.
Next time you start Railworks, the Control List Dialog window will open.

Play a little with the controls and notice how the values change.

As far as I can see, there is only a VirtualBrake control, this is hooked up to the physical handles on the desk and in the HUD, and controls the real TrainBrakeControl through the VirtualBrakeDifficulty script. This means the air brakes, they are not blended with the power handle on this loco.

Since there is no VirtualThrottle, I assume the throttle is still "straight". ThrottleAndBrake is linked to the physical power handles, and operates on Regulator in the driving range, and on DynamicBrake in the braking range. Ignore the negative values, these are annulled in the controller's definitions.

There is a physics improvement pack in the RWA.com file store here: http://railworksamerica.com/index.php/download-library/accessories?view=document&id=1543:dtg-csx-ge-c40-8w-physics-mod-pack&catid=24:accessories

[OldProf]

Thanks much, Kawana, but I'm not at all interested in modifying the engine. I simply want to know how to use it as is. The kind of editing work you're suggesting is just not my cup of tea.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

There is no need to edit anything. The combined power/brake handle works as intended.

That control list windows gives you a little insight in what's going on under the hood since none of the HUD's display that kind of information, apart from F5 HUD.