CORNISH RIVIERA

Introduction

You are to drive the Cornish Riviera- scheduled for an HST (1025 departure from London Paddington to Penzance) but a locomotive hauled relief (1027 departure) can also be chosen, due to call at Reading and then Exeter St. David's, where you will be relieved by a another driver.

Display Format

The simulation is presented as a two part display on the television screen the upper section giving information a driver would have from visual observations and his background knowledge of the route. The lower section being a monitor of the locomotive controls and performance. Milepost distances (mp) are given throughout in integer tenths of a mile from the buffers at Paddington. screen shot

The Route, Speed Restrictions and Signalling

From Paddington the line rises gently all the way to Reading with the exception of Southall to Slough and the approaches of Reading itself where the line levels out or even drops gently. This stretch of track is very level and fast, which has earnt its nicknames of 'Brunel's Billiard Table' and the 'Racetrack'.

The maximum allowed speed at any time is displayed as part of the driver information, along with details of the next change in line speed. In addition, permanent way works will be in force, and due notice is given when approaching these slacks at MP 87.4 and MP 165.5.

You will encounter at least a double yellow and a yellow signal before a signal at red. As you approach all signals at caution or danger you will receive a cab warning indication (aws) which if not acknowledged within 6 seconds will bring an automatic application of the emergency brake.

Motive Power and Train Schedules

To catch up time you may drive slightly above the line speed but you will be penalised should you travel 3mph above the line speed. Should you exceed even this by a fair margin you may be reprimanded or even sacked.

The simulation clock runs in real time when travelling at less than 30mph, or when approaching signals, otherwise it will run in double time.

Locomotive Controls and Driving Technique

The tractive characteristics of your locomotive are realistically reproduced in the simulation, although the controls have been somewhat simplified to the now standard D.K.S. system.

Engine power is varied by adjustment of the master controller which is calibrated between 0 (engine idling with drive disconnected) and 5 (full power). At low speeds care must be taken not to trip the generator overload trip which will be triggered should you select too high a power setting at low speed, thus producing a dangerous current, that could cause damage to the electrical equipment. Main generator failures are the main downfall of the class 50 and sometimes to class 47, so should you develop such a fault during your run you should continue as best as possible with reduced power.

The brake handle is similarly calibrated between 0 (off) and 5 (full on) although position 5 should only be used for emergencies, the maximum application in normal service being setting 4. You should brake with caution as you approach adverse signals, and if a signal remains at red you should bring your train to a halt within 35 yards of it in order to obtain telephone instructions from control about the situation. You should stop at Reading, and once in the platform you should again draw up within 35 yards to the starting signal to be correctly positioned for passenger loading. To end the simulation, you should again stop your train within 35 yards of the final signal at Exeter and wait the official report on your journey.

Control Keys

Controller - Increase > Decrease <
Brakes - Increase X Decrease Z
AWS Cancel - Space Bar

If you want a break during the run the simulation can be suspended by pressing the H key (for hold) with action restarted by pressing the R key.

this Software

Converted from a BBC BASIC file to a RISC OS application, complete with sprites file and this help file, for use with !Graphtask by Ewen Pring 2005-03. CAPS LOCK must be on.

Original software written in 1984 by:

Dee Kay systems
7, Bitton Avenue
Teignmouth
S. Devon
TQ14 8HD