Here's my checklist for UK diesels.
Is the reverser in forward? Check that there is no an off position.
Is the DRA activated? (this is the red light button on the dashboard. You are supposed to push it in when you are at a red signal or operating under caution while making station stops) Some models it can be hard to see.
Try pressing the AWS reset button for 5+ seconds, just in case there is a sound effect missing or something.
Check the engine is running. Use your ears and check the RPM indicator in the Head-up-display bar at the bottom of the screen.
Are ALL the brakes FULLY released? Check the brake gage. On some locomotives and trains, there are two or more brakes. Check that the handbrake is released, the independent brake is released, and the handbrake / parking brake is released.
Are you meant to be able to move? If the doors are open, some trains will have an interlock which prevents you from opening the doors. Check the external camera and if the doors are open, wait for them to close. In a JustTrains 153, you also have to wait for the guard to ding-ding to tell you leave.
Did you activate the emergency brake, or was it pre activated? Set the reverser to neutral, push the main brake handle as far as it will go so that the emergency brake is fully applied applied, release it and check that the brake pressure indicator shows that the brake is fully released, before pushing the reverser into forward, then trying to apply power using the throttle.
If all these have failed, remember 1 - 2 -3:
1) Contact the signalman and make him aware of your problem
2) Contact control and make them aware of the problem
3) Contact the depot to ask for further advice
If the PA system is active and your train is in passenger service, make an short announcement of the reason for the delay to passengers between steps 2 and 3.
[Sorry, didn't realise this was MSTS - I thought it was Train Simulator.]
