Hey guys,

driving UK loco's does anyone know the correct use of the sander option? How should it be used in conjunction with the throttle etc?

thanks,
Lewis

Depends on situation more then anything.

Most of the time used when the rail head conditions are poor or due to weather conditions.

Other reasons due to train weight or to avoid wheelspin, as can cause wheel flats or be very distructive to steam locomotive valve gear.

It is also used in WSP (Wheel Slip Protection) on many modern UK trains in case of emergency braking or heavy braking.

i do suggest going over to Rail UK Forums as more people will know the answer.

Chris

That's how I use it... wet (or snow) conditions + heavy train... once you're rolling it's not really necessary anymore.

Ahh okie dokie, just now I'm roling around the Settle Carlisle route its mentioned quite alot

I use the sander anytime I anticipate wheel slip, usually in inclement weather (heavy rain, winter ice/sleet)on inclines. The default Bath-Templecombe route (a section of the S&D line) can require the sander be applied from time to time, especially with a heavy coal load. I've just been messing around with one of the Donner Pass coal train scenarios and liberal use of the sander is required and even then careful throttle control is needed. Good thing is the sander never seems to run out of sand

Normally need it a lot on the S&D due to the gradients and you do not want to stall inside a tunnel, especially when using manual fireman.

I rarely find a need for it, but if struggling up hills with a steam locomotive with a heavy load i will use it to get me going or if wheel spinning happens

Chris

I should note I am not talking steam here, Ive not really diced too much with the steam aspect as thats a whole different kettle of hard fish hehe

The steam locos are really interesting to drive. There is opportunity for a bit more complexity in playing the roles of both fireman and driver but even with the AI fireman they can be a bit more exciting. My favourite default steam loco would be the Black Five, and DLC would be driving one of the Halls.

I use the sander fairly often while driving the freight diesels on Bristol-Exeter (I'm wanting to say the Fawley Tanks scenario is an example of needing the sander...but I may be mistaken as its been awhile since I used that route).

I use sanders quite a lot on Wales and Borders in the Class 60's with TEA's as they are incredibly heavy.

Manual fireman is very rewarding to do and is great fun. Halls are lovely ashame the standalone pack was removed without warning. Although are included (BR Mixed Traffic Black though) with Falmouth Branch line (Fantastic challenge route for steam locomotives)

Chris

Sanders will be used when the wsp detects slide when braking in steps 2+ of the brake, and for slip you will get a 10 second burst that's activated manualy via a button on the dash, It's only a small amount of sand dropped. That's what out units do, others might be different

A small bit of slip we might not use sand, but if its slipping a lot will use some sand and reduce throttle.