VTWC 390 Cruise Control

[Huntergreed]

I have noticed, through online videos and sitting in pendolino cabs, that there is a 'speed set' button, set to the top left of the traction & brake control. Does anyone know if this is ever used, or if the train is just left to coast to remain at speed? I would imagine that for long sections of 125mph running (Rugeley - Atherstone, Lockerbie - Beattock) that this would be a very useful tool, however whenever I see videos of 390s in operation, I usually see the traction & brake control being put into the 'off' position.

 

[driver9000]

I did a lot of road learning on the northern end of the WCML in 390s and speed set was used nearly every time. From memory the power handle is left in maximum and the computer takes over.

On the trains I drive the power handle is left in maximum when speed set is in use.

 

[Huntergreed]

I did a lot of road learning on the northern end of the WCML in 390s and speed set was used nearly every time. From memory the power handle is left in maximum and the computer takes over.

On the trains I drive the power handle is left in maximum when speed set is in use.

Thanks for the advice, do you know if a similar system is fitted on the 221's?

 

[neilb62]

Thanks for the advice, do you know if a similar system is fitted on the 221's?

No, there is no speed set function on the 221. 390 will happily hold 125mph in notch 2 power with the speed set in use. The speed set will also maintain speed downhill using either regenerative or friction brake as required.

 

[craigybagel]

It's fitted to 175s and 180s as well but I don't believe it's ever used, and judging by the condition of the buttons in 175 cabs I suspect it wouldn't work anymore anyway.

Am I right in thinking that it requires the target speed to be inputted into the TMS , so changing the speed is a bit awkward? Is it set permanently to 125 on 390s?

 

[neilb62]

On a 390 when you get to the speed required you press the button and the train will maintain that speed. It works in 5mph increments from 5mph upwards.


Sent from my iPhone using fat fingers and a squint.

 

[Topgun333]

On a 390 when you get to the speed required you press the button and the train will maintain that speed. It works in 5mph increments from 5mph upwards.


Sent from my iPhone using fat fingers and a squint.

Same system in an Alfa Romeo 156...

 

[NoMorePacers]

Same system in an Alfa Romeo 156...

...except the 390 won't crash or break down, unlike a 156...

 

[fowler9]

...except the 390 won't crash or break down, unlike a 156...

Or crumble in to a pile of rust.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

On a 390 when you get to the speed required you press the button and the train will maintain that speed. It works in 5mph increments from 5mph upwards.
Sent from my iPhone using fat fingers and a squint.

So not linked to the TASS balises in any way?
ie it is set manually rather than to "auto"?
Presumably class 80x will do that too.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Same system in an Alfa Romeo 156...

And my old Vectra. It's a common first generation cruise control setup to have three buttons - lock speed, return to previous speed, release cruise control. On newer cars it tends to be more a case of selecting the required speed using up/down buttons.

 

[WatcherZero]

So not linked to the TASS balises in any way?
ie it is set manually rather than to "auto"?
Presumably class 80x will do that too.

Think Cruise Control in cars.

 

[neilb62]

Exactly.


Sent from my iPhone using fat fingers and a squint.

 

[Huntergreed]

Thanks for confirming that! Also, do the 390s have digital speedometers as well as the large analogue one? I have always wondered what they use to read the speed!

 

[neilb62]

They have analog and a digital back up. When using the digital speed is restricted to 100mph maximum.


Sent from my iPhone using fat fingers and a squint.

 

[notadriver]

Does anyone know if the 800s have a speed set facility ?


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