Open Rails Function Testing

Aim - Open Rails has a number of different functions or features that can be configured in the ENG or WAG file, including steam effects, lighting and load variation, etc. Once the ENG and WAG file(s) have been built for a locomotive, or a wagon, they should be tested. The following tests will ensure some level of realism is achieved with the physics as set. The use of the CTN test route will ensure commonality and consistency between different testers and will provide a common test environment for all.

If you wish to provide any feedback or suggest corrections, please use the Contact page. Please provide appropriate references.

Index

Introduction

Initial Tests

Brake Tests

Steaming Test

Load Tests

Sample NSWGR Information


Introduction

The following tests are based upon the use of the test route and either the test rolling stock or alternatively stock that has been correctly configured and tested by the user.

If you wish to provide any feedback on these test, please use the contact page.

When operating these tests it is recommended that the following Open Rails Options are selected in the Options Menu:

When undertaking these tests, it may be helpful to refer to some of the different "Extnded Heads Up Displays (HUDs), available in Open Rails. These can be accessed by pressing Shft-F5 until the relevant HUD display appears.

Before commencing these tests it is suggested that three consists be developed for the locomotive under test, based upon known load tables for the locomotive, as follows:

Consists for other gradients can be built as well.


Initial Tests

Test Purpose

To test the initial build of the ENG file.

Process

When required, you may need to refer to the extended steam HUD, which may be accessed by pressing Shft-F5 multiple times until the following screen appears.

Extended Steam HUD
Results

Key outcomes to note from your test:

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Brake Tests

Test Activities

The following test activities demonstrate the use of the brake settings described on the brakes page. You can insert your own consists if you wish to see how your own settings perform.

Brake Test - AirTest Activity for Air Brakes - v1
Brake Test - Non AirTest Activity for Non Air Brakes - v1
Introduction

When a train or vehicle is moving it possesses energy by reason of its motion, the amount of which is proportional to the square of its speed. In order that the vehicle or train may be brought to rest, it is necessary that almost the whole of this energy must be destroyed or dissipated by the brake shoes.

Therefore the distance required by the train or vehicle to stop will also vary as the square of the speed. For example a train travelling at 40 m.p.h. will require approximately four times the distance to stop as compared with one travelling at 20 m.p.h. and at 70 m.p.h. would require approximately twice the distance as at 50 m.p.h.

As a general rule a train may be stopped by the action of air brake at a rate considerably faster than it can be accelerated from rest with the motive power provided. Tests carried out locally (in NSWGR) have shown that a train weighing 308 tons may be stopped on level track in 42 seconds from a speed of 70 m.p.h.

Test Suggestions

After adjusting the brake parameters in rolling stock, a series of tests should be undertaken to ensure that the brakes are performing correctly. For some suggested setting of brake parameters in the ENG or WAG files, refer to brakes page.

The performance of the following braking tests is suggested to confirm the correct operation of the brakes in Open Rails:

When testing the brakes, it is useful to see the operating information about the brakes, this can be access by using the extended Brake HUD. To access press Shft-F5 multiple times until the following screen appears.

Brake HUD

Items to note in the Brake HUD screen:

Test 1 - Brake Release and Application - Stationary train
Test Purpose

To test that the train brakes release smoothly and consistently along the whole train, in a realistic period of time. For this test you will be at a standing start, release the brakes, and in the Brake HUD (Press F5 and SHFT-F5) screen in Open Rails check that all the vehicle's brakes release a realistic time (ie when BrkCyl = 0). You should see the brake release ripple along the train, ie cars near the locomotive release first, and cars at the end of the train release last.

Test Process
Test Results

Watch the extended brake HUD as you release the brakes.

Brake HUD - brakes releasing

Points to note as the train brakes release:

Once the above test is completed successfully, try applying the brakes and ensure that a similar ripple effect is seem as the brakes apply on each wagon.

Test 2 - Brake Application - Stopping from Speed - Full Service application and emergency application
Purpose

To test that the train can be braked to a stop in a realistic period of time from high speed. Run the train up to speed (70 mph) and see how long it takes to stop the train at speed.

Full Brake Application - is dropping the brake pipe pressure from its normal pressure, say 70psi, to 50psi in order to achieve a full pressure application in the brake cylinder. Usually this will be done by using the "Full Service" controller setting.

Emergency Brake Application - is dropping the bake pipe pressure completely, to achieve a faster brake application. Usually this will be done by using the "Full Service" controller setting. The results of this may vary depending upon the brake configuration, and type, eg whether it has an emergency reservoir, etc.

Process
Results

Points to note as you stop your train:

Test 3 - Controlled Brake Application Down Hill
Purpose

When travelling down a hill with a large load it is important to set the brakes carefully and not be having to apply and release them continuously, as this may exhaust your air supply, which could result in a runaway train.

This test checks that the train can be safely controlled down a steep hill.

Process
Results

Points to note as you travel down the hill:

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Steaming Test

Test Purpose

Is a basic test to check the performance of the steam and force generation capability of the steam locomotive when running on a long level track. More detailed steaming performance tests are described on the Steam Locomotive Performance Testing page.

Process

When required, you may need to refer to the extended steam HUD, which may be accessed by pressing Shft-F5 multiple times until the following screen appears.

Results

Key values to note as you travel:

If you are exceeding any of the above values, you may need to check your input values, or alternatively drive with lower regulator or reverser settings.

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Load Tests

Standing Start
Test Purpose

Steam locomotives may "slip" if full throttle (and reverser) are applied when they are on a level track, heavily loaded, and under certain weather conditions, for example when track is wet or icy. Note, it is not considered good driving practice to drive the locomotive into slip, the purpose of this test is to check the adhesion performance of the locomotive.

Process

To perform test do following steps:

Results

If excessive slip is identified, check ENG file as appropriate (typically the Drive Wheel weight maybe incorrect) and repeat the test.

Hauling Load up Gradient
Test Purpose

Locomotive will climb a gradient as indicated in the load table figures published by the relevant Railway Organisation NSWGR, VR, SAR etc.

Note: If figures are provided at diferent gradients then choose an appropriate path on the test route.

Process

To perform test do following steps:

Results

Adjust ENG or consist file as needed and repeat the test.


Sample NSWGR Information

This information has been extracted from various NSWGR publications, some of which may be found in the NSWGR Documents Section.

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