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Braking

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HST Power

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I'm back on TS2014 after a long period out, mostly due to a lack of a compatible computer. My driving skills have gone worryingly rusty, and I need a few pointers to get back into the swing of things.

My main issue is with braking. I'm finding it hard to figure out when to start braking on a station approach. I normally enter a station at a speed of around 20 - 30 mph. Overshooting the platform isn't the issue, it's working out when I need to start. I often find I start braking far too early. Subsequently, I end up crawling into the station, adding large delay minutes to the overall journey.

How can I resolve this? I seem unable to strike a balance between braking at the right time and braking too soon.
 
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ModernRailways

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I'd say it's an experience thing. You need to know what you are driving and roughly how long it takes to stop. For example, in a 377 I know the brakes are good so I approach stations doing around 35mph unless it's a major station.
 

HST Power

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I'd say it's an experience thing. You need to know what you are driving and roughly how long it takes to stop. For example, in a 377 I know the brakes are good so I approach stations doing around 35mph unless it's a major station.

Thank you for the tip. I think you might be right.

Having completed several runs on the Kings Cross - Peterborough Route, my approaches have improved significantly, furthering my skills in managing the braking speed. The 321 and the 365 are relatively easy to tame.

In contrast, if you're driving a HST, there's less room for error.
 

hairyhandedfool

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Multiple units are much easier to drive than locos (though the last time I drove the 450 it braked like something that has no brakes). I tend to use the following formula for units (initial braking in step 2 except when over 90mph).....

8 car trains -> speed/100 - 0.25 = Distance from station (in miles)
4 car trains -> speed/100 - 0.20 = Distance from station (in miles)

Which should have me entering station platforms at around 30mph for 8 cars and 25mph for 4 cars. Though where in the station you want to stop will have an effect.
 
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