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8.4.2.2 Hot or Cold Start
The locomotive can be started either in a hot or cold mode. Hot mode simulates a locomotive
which has a full head of steam and is ready for duty.
Cold mode simulates a locomotive that has only just had the fire raised, and still needs to build up
to full boiler pressure, before having full power available.
This function can be selected through the Open Rails options menu on the Simulation tab.
8.4.2.3 Main Steam Locomotive Controls
This section will describe the control and management of the steam locomotive based upon the
assumption that the Automatic fireman is engaged. The following controls are those typically used
by the driver in this mode of operation:
Cylinder Cocks - allows water condensation to be exhausted from the cylinders.
(Open Rails Keys: toggle C)
Regulator - controls the pressure of the steam injected into the cylinders.
(Open Rails Keys: D = increase, A = decrease)
Reverser - controls the valve gear and when the steam is "cutoff". Typically it is expressed as a
fraction of the cylinder stroke.
(Open Rails Keys: W = increase, S = decrease). Continued operation of the W or S key will
eventually reverse the direction of travel for the locomotive.
Brake - controls the operation of the brakes.
(Open Rails Keys: ‘ = increase, ; = decrease)
Recommended Option Settings
For added realism of the performance of the steam locomotive, it is suggested that the following
settings be considered for selection in the Open Rails options menu:

Break couplers

Curve speed dependent

Curve resistance speed

Hot start

Tunnel resistance dependent
NB: Refer to the relevant sections of the manual for more detailed description of these functions.
Locomotive Starting
Open the cylinder cocks. They are to remain open until the engine has traversed a distance of
about an average train length, consistent with safety.
The locomotive should always be started in full gear (reverser up as high as possible), according
to the direction of travel, and kept there for the first few turns of the driving wheels, before
adjusting the reverser.
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