Train Controls

[Flyboy]

I have a technical question which relates to both BVE and the 'real thing', and, ergo, all other sims that emulate the 'real thing'.

In regard to the ergonomics of the power and brake controls, why do the levers go forward to reduce power or apply braking and backwards to apply power or reduce braking? I refer mainly to the 2 trains I most often use in BVE which are the 180 and HST.

The 180 has a single power/brake lever which is pushed forward from the central 'gate' to apply brake and rearwards to apply power, the HST uses 2 levers but the same theory applies.

Surely it would make ergonomic sense to push forward to go faster and pull back to go slower.

 

[The Snap]

I have a technical question which relates to both BVE and the 'real thing', and, ergo, all other sims that emulate the 'real thing'.

In regard to the ergonomics of the power and brake controls, why do the levers go forward to reduce power or apply braking and backwards to apply power or reduce braking? I refer mainly to the 2 trains I most often use in BVE which are the 180 and HST.

The 180 has a single power/brake lever which is pushed forward from the central 'gate' to apply brake and rearwards to apply power, the HST uses 2 levers but the same theory applies.

Surely it would make ergonomic sense to push forward to go faster and pull back to go slower.

This is a question I have always wondered the answer to! Thanks for raising it, hopefully someone will be able to clear it up!

 

[Darandio]

Isnt it just a simple "old and new" thing. Most old trains/locos/units are operated by two levers and most new ones only have one? Maybe a technology thing.

 

[Flyboy]

Thanks for your input Darandio but you've misunderstood the question.

 

[Bill EWS]

I think it goes back to the days of Bows & Arrows .... Pull back to gain power and release to let fly! Could be wrong though! As train driver I got used to pulling back the lever for power and most of us found it styrange when the Class 66's came along and we had to remmeber to pusdh the lever forard for power and pull it back to reduce power. However, this wasa due to convenience as the GN controlls were the same as ours but as they drive on the right and we on the left they had to turn the control stem back to front when fitting it on the left side of the cab. I guess it's just what you get used to. Similar in the States where they flick the light switch upwards for light whereas we click it downwards.

 

[mbonwick]

I think another reason behind pull back for power is that should the drive have a spasm or similar, and become incapacitated, he is quite likely to unintentionally push the power handle forward, reducing the effects of the out-of-control train.

 

[slick]

I think another reason behind pull back for power is that should the drive have a spasm or similar, and become incapacitated, he is quite likely to unintentionally push the power handle forward, reducing the effects of the out-of-control train.

I agree with that. I wonder if any BR drivers that converted to say the 95/96 tube stock found themselves sometimes pulling back on the TBC expecting to get traction!

I'll see if any driver instructors are about when im at work and see if any of them know.

 

[generalvegitable]

I would assume that it is more comfortable for the driver to have the lever toward them when speeding up, think about it, you are driving a really long route, with few stops, you wouldnt want to be stretched over constantly to keep the power in, you would prefer to cost

 

[westcoaster]

i think its because it easier to push(brake) than to pull (accelerate).