HowTo/Tune a DCC EngineSpec

Tuning the DCC enginespec is relatively simple as there are only a few parameters that require tweaking.

Adjusting these parameters will affect how fast your train accelerates, decelerates and the maximum speed acheivable when in DCC more or when in Driver AI mode.

Note that the AI always uses DCC mode, even if you were previously controlling the train in reealistic mode.

There are additional parameters that apply to the speed an AI driver will approach signals and junctions.

Motor Container

These following items are found in the Motor_container:

• maxspeed
• brakeratio
• max-accel
• max-decel

maxspeed

The is the maximum speed in DCC mode measured in m/s.

• To convert kmh to m/s multiply the kmh by 5 and then divide it by 18. e.g. 40km/h x 5 / 18 = 11.111 m/s
• To convert MPH to m/s divide the mph by 2.2369 to get the m/sec e.g. 30MPH / 2.2369 = 13.4112 m/s

max-accel

Accelerative force available in DCC mode. Note - this is a force, not a rate of acceleration. The rate of acceleration will depend on the mass of the train as well.

See the practical examples below for more information.

max-decel

Decelerative force available in DCC mode. Note - this is a force, not a rate of deceleration. The rate of deceleration will depend on the mass of the train as well.

See the practical examples below for more information.

Editing an enginespec

You can clone an existing enginespec then experiment with different values. Note that you have to exit the route and reload it to ensure that the latest version of the enginespec is loaded.

If you are using a custom/pre-made session, you will need to edit the session, delete the locomotive, and then place the locomotive back in to update the enginespec.

Changing an Enginespec in Surveyor

• Open the Train Tab, Select the Properties tool, click on your loco and click on "Engine".
• Choose the required enginespec you want to use from the list and click the tick to apply the change.
• Now when you run your session, that loco will use the new enginespec.

Practical Examples

These examples are done using: <kuid:283805:43001> GNER class 43 6 x Mk 3 cars, then another Class 43 on rear

Test 1

Using Default Enginespec <kuid:-25:136> Class 43 It has these DCC parameters:

 maxspeed                              60
 max-accel                             15000
 max-decel                             150000

Test is done using DCC mode on a straight, level track measuring the time to reach a certain speed (using a stopwatch):

• 30 seconds = 25MPH
• 80 seconds = 65MPH
• 120 seconds = 95MPH
• 180 seconds = 125 MPH
• Top seepd 133 MPH

• Braking from 133MPH = 43 seconds

Test 2

Change of engine spec

 maxspeed                              65
 max-accel                             50000
 max-decel                             250000

• 20 seconds = 25MPH
• 53 seconds = 65MPH
• 80 seconds = 95MPH
• 108 seconds = 125 MPH
• Top speed 133 MPH

• Braking from 133MPH = 40 seconds

Test 3

Change of engine spec

 maxspeed                              65
 max-accel                             1000
 max-decel                             500000

• 40 seconds = 25MPH
• 110 seconds = 65MPH
• 165 seconds = 95MPH
• 220 seconds = 125 MPH
• Top speed 133 MPH

• Braking from 133MPH = Took 30 seconds

See Also:

• KIND_Engine
• Motor_container