Driving the Class 158 for BVE4
Central Trains Class 158

By Simon Gathercole and Steve Green
Date of issue 23/05/05

Contents

Introduction

Welcome to the Class 158 for BVE4, which represents one of the 90mph 2-car 'Sprinter Express' trains introduced by British Rail at the beginning of the 1990s and designed for medium distance services on secondary routes.  The 158s offered air conditioning and a higher top speed than the Class 155 and 156 'Super Sprinters', while using the same basic mechanical design of underfloor diesel engines driving through a hydraulic transmission that had been successful on the earlier units.  They are still used by a number of operators and this model represents a train as running today, fitted with TPWS.

The model has been developed from the existing BVE2 Class 158 and uses its superb dynamic model and sound set with completely new high resolution cab graphics for BVE4.  The addition of the latest version of the UKSpt plugin provides many new features for a highly realistic driving experience, including:
Please read through this guide before driving the train for the first time, to familiarise yourself with the train and its controls.

The Class 158 Cab

Class 158 cab layout


Viewing the cab

By default the upper part of the cab is visible and this should be appropriate for normal driving.  To see other parts of the panel use the keys on the numeric keypad:

Key to controls (*animated)

  1. AWS indicator, showing the 'sunflower';
  2. TPWS panel (full description here);
  3. Driver's Reminder Appliance (shown on);
  4. Tail light switch (shown off)*;
  5. Head light switch (shown set to on, day)*;
  6. Head and tail light proving lamps (showing headlights on, day);
  7. Engine stop button (illuminated, indicating that the engine is stopped)*;
  8. Engine start button (illuminates while the starter is running)*;
  9. Brake handle (shown at full service)*;
  10. Windscreen wiper switch (shown off)*;
  11. Horn switch (shown off);
  12. AWS reset button*;
  13. Power handle (shown with power off)*;
  14. B.C. gauge - shows brake reservoir pressure (left needle) and brake cylinder pressure (right needle);
  15. Speedometer

The timetable

When the panel is first displayed, the timetable (if the route author has provided one) is visible, covering the upper right part of the screen.  It can be hidden and redisplayed by pressing the [F3] key.  To zoom in on the timetable, press and hold [F4].

Starting Up

The UKSpt plugin allows route developers to select one of two starting conditions for the train, so depending on the route you are driving you may join your train with:
  1. the train shut down (control desk switched off and engines stopped)
  2. engines idling (control desk switched on)

1 - when the train is shut down

If the engine is not running, the train was completely shut down by the previous driver and you need to restart it.  Notice that the control desk lights have been switched off and the speedometer and B.C. gauge appear dark.

 Switch on the control desk

  1. Move the reverser ([up-arrow] key) from off to forward and back again (the reverser is now in the neutral position).  Immediately you will see:

  2. The self test runs quickly through the following stages:

  3. Press and release the AWS reset button  ([Insert] key) to:
A short 'bing' may be heard when you release the AWS reset button - this is a normal part of testing the AWS equipment.

Note - until the AWS reset button is pressed and released, the brakes are held on and the unit cannot be moved.

Start the engine

Note - the engine will not start unless the train is stationary, the power handle off and the reverser in neutral.
  1. Press the Engine Start button ([2] key) and hold it down until the engine fires; the Engine Start Button (8) illuminates while the starter is running;

  2. If the engine does not fire within a few seconds, release the key and try again: do not run the starter for extended periods;

  3. In rare cases, the engine may stall immediately after firing: again, release the start key and restart the engine.
Once the engine has fired, release the start key and wait while the engine settles into idling, when the Engine Stop Button (7) will be extinguished.

Switch on the headlights

Use the headlight switch ([5] key) to set the appropriate lights:
The headlight switch (5) and proving lights (6) on the panel change as you press the key.  Note that the headlight switch is a rotary switch and will cycle repeatedly through the available settings if you continue to press it.

Before driving away

  1. Set the reverser to forward in order to engage the door interlock and prevent the train from moving until the doors are closed.
Caution - if the reverser is in neutral, the door interlock is inactive and the train may roll if the brakes are inadvertantly released.
  1. If the starter signal is not showing red, you may switch off the Driver's Reminder Appliance (3) by pressing [space]; otherwise wait until the signal clears to yellow.  The DRA illumination is extinguished when you switch off.

  2. Wait for the Guard's buzzer signal before driving away.

2 - when the engine is idling

If the route author has selected the idling start condtion you will notice:

Set the headlights

For trains running at night, press the headlight switch ([5] key) twice to change to 'headlights, night'.

The headlight switch (5) and proving lights (6) on the panel change as you press the key.  Note that the headlight switch is a rotary switch and will cycle repeatedly through the available settings if you continue to press it.

Before driving away

  1. Set the reverser to forward in order to engage the door interlock and prevent the train from moving until the doors are closed.
Caution - if the reverser is in neutral, the door interlock is inactive and the train may roll if the brakes are inadvertantly released.
  1. If the starter signal is not showing red, you may switch off the Driver's Reminder Appliance (3) by pressing [space]; otherwise wait until the signal clears to yellow.  The DRA illumination is extinguished when you switch off.

  2. Wait for the Guard's buzzer signal before driving away.

Notes on using the BVE 'restart' and 'jump to' features:

If the you use the BVE restart or  jump to features, the plugin automatically selects the correct starting state:

After using jump to

Following a jump to, you must ensure that the controls are resynchronised with the plugin by
  1. returning the reverser to neutral
  2. returning the power handle to off
  3. applying full service brakes

Driving the train

Starting Away

  1. Wait for the Guard to give the starting signal (two buzzes);
  2. Check that the starting signal shows a proceed aspect (i.e. is not red);
  3. Reply to the Guard by pressing the [6] key twice;
  4. Ensure the reverser is in forward, release the brakes ([,] key) and apply power by pressing [z].

Using the power handle

Like all the 'Sprinter' series trains, the Class 158 has 7 power notches.  The model correctly represents this and features an animated handle (13).

For a smooth start, open up the throttle to Notch 3 until the power transfers to the bogies and the train begins to move: notches 1 & 2 do not supply enough torque to move the train from a stand. Once the train starts to move, open the throttle fully.
 
Notice the way the plug-in handles the engine sounds. The engines realistically rev up as you move the throttle from off to any of the power notches. The engines also wind down correctly when you shut off power, as there is a slight delay before they return to idle.
 

Braking

All 'Sprinters' have a 'Five Position Westcode' brake handle (9), giving release, service braking steps 1, 2 and 3, and emergency positions. The Class 158 features air driven disc brakes instead of the block brakes fitted to earlier 'Sprinter' classes.

Each step of the brake handle applies an increasing amount of air pressure to the brake cylinders. The actual pressures depend partly on the individual unit, but also on the loading of the train (measured by a device called the variable brake valve). Typical values are:

 
Release
 0.0 bar
Step 1
 1.1 bar
Step 2
 2.2 bar
Step 3 and Emergency
 3.3 bar
 
You can see your brake cylinder pressure on the right hand needle of the B.C. gauge (14). Typically drivers use only Step 1 or Step 2 in service, and Step 3 only as a backup.
 
Note - if you apply the brakes while the power is on, the engine will automatically return to idle.  You must return the power handle to off before you can reapply power.

Stopping at stations

Unlike BVE2, BVE4 does not provide an indicator to help you stop at stations.  You will need to learn the route and practise driving the train in order to stop smoothly and precisely.  Fortunately, BVE4, does allow route authors to specify what the acceptable limits for stopping at each station are and they are usually more lenient than the limits in BVE2.  Most routes also have a marker at the correct stopping point (though they can be prototypically hard to see!) : on British routes be sure that you know how long your train is, so that you know which of the numbered stop plates applies to you.

If you stop too far from the correct position, BVE will display a message asking you to move forward or back as appropriate.  On suitably equipped routes, the Class 158 also plays the correct Guard's buzzer signal:
If you hear either of these signals, acknowledge it to the Guard using the [6] key, before moving the train.

Interlocks

The Class 158 is fitted with several prototypical interlocks to increase driving realism:

Reverser

If you move the reverser to neutral while the train is in motion, the brakes will come on and the engine will return to idle.

Stopping the engine

There is no interlock to prevent you stopping the engine while the train is in motion!  If you inadvertantly do so, you must
before you can attempt to restart the engine.

Safety Systems

All the safety systems currently in use on Network Rail trains are modelled:

AWS

AWS (Automatic Warning System) is a relatively old system that dates from the 1950s.  It uses a magnet placed between the rails before a signal to operate a receiver on the train and inform the driver of the state of the signal using audible signals and the AWS Display (1) in the cab; it is also used to warn of approaching speed restrictions.  The Class 158 accurately represents the behaviour of AWS on a TPWS-fitted train, which differs in some details from that of a non-TPWS-fitted train.

AWS magnet

On approaching signals, you will see the (usually) yellow magnet, placed between the rails about 200m before the signal.  Your actions depend on the aspect the signal is showing:

If the signal is green (or semaphore distant at 'clear')

If the signal is red, yellow or double yellow (or semaphore distant at 'caution')

When you have pressed and released the reset button

If you fail to acknowledge the AWS warning within 2-3 seconds

If you now press and release the reset button
The brake application is maintained for a period of one minute, after which it is released automatically and the Brake Demand light goes out.  You may now restart the train.

Remember - you may have to return the power handle to off to release the interlock before reapplying power.

'Fixed' AWS magnets

Fixed AWS magnets are not controlled by a signal and are used to warn of the approach of a speed restriction.  They always cause the warning horn to sound and must be acknowledged to avoid a brake application.

Sometimes on single lines, a fixed magnet applies only to trains travelling in the opposite direction, indicated by a cancellation board (right).  However, you must still acknowledge the warning to avoid a brake application.
AWS cancellation board

TPWS

AWS gives the same warning for red, yellow and double yellow signals and in the past this has led to confusion; in addition it does not actually prevent a train from passing a red signal (an event known as a SPAD - signal passed at danger).  To give improved protection against SPADs, TPWS (Train Protection and Warning System) has been introduced onto Network Rail in the past few years.  It aims to stop trains either before a red signal, or within the safety zone beyond the signal known as the overlap, which must always be clear before a train is allowed to approach the signal.

TPWS works using induction loops set between the rails and a receiver on the train.  There are actually two types of TPWS installation:  the Overspeed Sensor (OSS), which stops trains that are travelling too fast, and the Trainstop Sensor (TSS), which stops trains that pass a red signal. These are described below.

Not all signals have yet been protected with TPWS: it was initially applied where a SPAD would cause a particular danger of obstruction or collision.  It has also been used to enforce speed limits, particularly on the approaches to terminal platforms and buffer stops.

TPWS Cab Equipment

TPWS panel

The TPWS panel is situated in the top right of the Class 158 panel (note - this is unprototypical, but allows the panel to be seen!) and consists of:

Overspeed Sensor (OSS)

Overspeed sensors are placed on the approach to signals (usually just before the AWS magnet) and at the commencement of some speed restrictions.  Those asociated with signals are active only when the signal is showing red; the others are always active.   If you drive too quickly over an active OSS, your train will be brought to a stand.

OSS loops

The speed limit in force over an OSS is either that indicated on the adjacent sign, or, when approaching signals, a value typically from 30-60mph, depending on the location of the signal.  A common value used in BVE routes is 35mph, unless the local speed limit is already lower than this.

If you trip an OSS, the following events occur:
  • the brakes are applied fully
  • the Brake Demand lamp flashes
Pressing and releasing the AWS reset button [Insert], causes the Brake Demand lamp to illuminate steadily, but the brake demand is maintained for a period of one minute, after which it is released automatically and the Brake Demand light goes out.  You may now restart the train.

Remember - you may have to return the power handle to off to release the interlock before reapplying power.

Trainstop Sensor (TSS)

Trainstop sensors are placed at or near to a signal and are active only when the signal is red. If you pass a red signal fitted with a TPWS trainstop, you train will be brought to a stand.

If you trip an active TSS, the following events occur:
  • the brakes are applied fully
  • the Brake Demand lamp flashes

Pressing and releasing the AWS reset button [Insert], causes the Brake Demand lamp to illuminate steadily, but the brake demand is maintained for a period of one minute, after which it is released automatically and the Brake Demand light goes out.  You may now restart the train.

Remember - you may have to return the power handle to off to release the interlock before reapplying power.		 TSS loop

Passing a red signal at danger with the Signaller's permission

The route author may have set up an activity where you are required to pass a signal at danger with the signaller's permission.  In this case only, you may use the TSS Override facility.
  1. Stop normally a safe distance from the red signal
  2. After gaining the signallers permission, drive slowly towards the signal
  3. Before passing the signal or the TSS loop, press [Page Up] to select TSS Override mode (the TSS Override button is illuminated)
  4. Drive slowly past the signal and proceed at caution to the next signal
The TSS Override mode remains active until you pass the signal, or for 20 seconds after pressing the override button if you do not pass an active TSS loop.   The indicator lamp goes out when TPWS returns to normal operation.

Overriding the safety systems

The prototype TPWS is fitted with isolating controls that allow either
  • TPWS functions only, or
  • AWS and TPWS functions
to be isolated.  For the BVE model, the plugin provides the (unprototypical!) ability to isolate TPWS, AWS and the Vigilance Device as a developers' aid/route learning facility.  To override safety systems, press the [Page Down] key; press it again to return to normal operation.  The Temporary Isolation lamp is illuminated while isolation is in force.

Note - this feature can only be accessed when all the equipment is in its normal state, i.e. no warnings or alarms are sounding and no TPWS brake demand is active.

Vigilance Device (VIG)

The vigilance device sounds an alarm if none of the following controls is operated within a fixed cycle time:
  • power handle
  • brake handle
  • AWS reset button
On the prototype, the driver then has 7 seconds to release and redepress a pedal that must otherwise be kept continuously depressed (the Driver's Safety Device).  In the BVE model, you must press and release the [Delete] key within the same time: the alarm then stops sounding and the cycle is reset.

The vigilance device provided with the Class 158 correctly represents the variable cycle time of the prototype:
  • 60 seconds when the power handle is in notches 0-5
  • 45 seconds when the power handle is in notch 6 or 7

If you fail to acknowledge the alarm in time

  • the brakes are applied fully
  • the alarm continues to sound
until the train has come to a stand, when you may press and release [Delete] to stop the alarm and release the brakes.

Remember - you may have to return the power handle to off to release the interlock before reapplying power.

Notes

  • the VIG continues to work when the train is stationary
  • the VIG is inactive when the reverser is in neutral
Beware, however, if you set the reverser to neutral during a station stop to silence the VIG: the door interlock with the brakes will then be inactive also and the train may roll if you inadvertantly leave the brakes off!

Driver's Reminder Appliance (DRA)

The DRA was introduced in the 1990s in response to a series of accidents where a driver had started away from a station stop against a red signal.  It is simply a manual switch that prevents power from being applied when it is turned on.  Drivers are required to set the DRA:
  • when stopped at a red signal
  • when leaving the cab
Press [Space] to toggle the DRA(3) on and off - it shows a red light when switched on.

Using the windscreen wipers

The Class 158 features rain and working windscreen wiper on suitably equipped routes.  When rain begins to fall, you will see and hear raindrops appearing on the windscreen - the intensity of the rain depends partly on the route author, but also increases with speed.  To wipe the windscreen, press the [Home] key once to select normal wiper speed; press again if fast wipe is required.  Press [End] to slow down or stop the wiper - note that it will always return to its normal parking position before stopping.

Dry windscreen feature

Beware! If you leave the wipers on while the train is in a tunnel, or if the rain stops, the windscreen will become dry and the normal swoosh of the wiper will change to an annoying (we hope) squeak.  In light rain you may find yourself constantly switching the wipers on and off - but don't forget to look out for signals :-)

Rain and framerates

The bitmaps used to display raindrops can cause a significant fall in framerates on some computers.  It helps to turn on the wiper and remove the drops!

Shutting Down

When you reach the end of your duty, you may partially shut down the train before leaving the cab:
  1. Apply full service brake
  2. Turn on the DRA by pressing [Space]
  3. Set the reverser to neutral
  4. Press [4] to switch on the tail lamps
  5. Press [5] until the headlamps are off (check the proving lights 6)
  6. Stop the engine off by pressing [3]
We hope you have enjoyed driving the Class 158 for BVE 4.

 Appendix A - keyboard settings


Key
 BVE Key Code
 Function
Space
 ATS_KEY_S
 Toggle Driver's Reminder Appliance
Insert
 ATS_KEY_A1 AWS reset
Delete
 ATS_KEY_A2 Vigilance Device reset
Home
 ATS_KEY_B1 Wipers on/speed up
End
 ATS_KEY_B2 Wipers slow down/off
Page Up
 ATS_KEY_C1 TPWS: TSS override
Page Down
 ATS_KEY_C2 Isolate Safety Systems
2
 ATS_KEY_D Engine start
3
 ATS_KEY_E Engine stop
4
 ATS_KEY_F Toggle Tail Lights
5
 ATS_KEY_G Cycle through Headlight settings
6
 ATS_KEY_H Guard's Buzzer
7
 ATS_KEY_I (not used)
8
 ATS_KEY_J Door release left (not used)
9
 ATS_KEY_K Close Doors (not used)
0
 ATS_KEY_L Door release right (not used)


This document © Simon Gathercole and Steve Green 2005

Train image © Anthony Bowden
Cab, AWS and TPWS images taken from the Maybank routes which are © Tony Haylor

All images used with permission