Is a stepped brake possible?

[Ponder]

I've searched long and hard in vain on this question yet haven't found even a hint about it:

Can I set up the brakes using fixed, graduated steps, like the UK Sprinter trains use? I've managed to set up the throttle in a more realistic notched manner in the 15x class units I've downloaded but the braking system has me lost, mainly due to the complete lack of public documentation on the subject.

More info: on these sets, a 3 setp Wetcode braking system is in use, 5 notches in total. Release, Step 1 (1 bar to the brake cylinders), Step 2 (2 bar), Full Service (3 bar) and Emergency (3 bar but brakes won't release until train has stopped).

Any information would be useful because I'd like to get these set up to be as realistic as possible, and with a graduated brake it's nothing like the real thing.

[CMO]

I beleive it is, along these lines: :-)

Brake_Engine ( 0 1 0.0125 0
NumNotches ( 1
Notch( 0 1 Dummy )
)
)
Brake_Train ( 0 1 0.0125 0.25
NumNotches( 4
Notch(0 0 TrainBrakesControllerReleaseStart )
Notch(0.25 0 TrainBrakesControllerHoldStart )
Notch(0.30 0 TrainBrakesControllerFullServiceStart )
Notch(0.9 0 TrainBrakesControllerEmergencyStart )
)
)
Brake_Hand ( 0 1 0.0125 0
NumNotches( 0 )

[cytrain]

Yes, as CMO has pointed out, it's quite possible to change it over. You can vary the number of notches just as with throttle settings.

If you examine the TECHDOCS folder on the MSTS CD you should find a document named Eng_and_wag_file_reference_guide.doc. I also have one named Eng_and_wag_file_reference_guidev2.doc. Not sure if it came with the original CD or with the update patch. That will spell out what each parameter means.

Open the existing .eng files on some of your locos with a Unicode editor and examine their syntax, then try out your own mods.

It's difficult to display code correctly in these forums as tabs don't seem to work, but make sure that all brackets are paired, i.e. you don't omit any closing brackets if you add or change the code.

Good luck.

[Ponder]

>I beleive it is, along these
>lines: :-)

Afraid not, the available brake systems as described in the TechDocs and intensive experimentation seem to indicate the braking systems are limited to:

Standard Air/Vacuum Brake (Apply to increase brake pressure, central to hold and Release to decrease brake pressure);

Self Lapping/Equalising (Apply increases brake pressure as per handle position, any and back pressure and the brakes totally release requiring full release before they'll reapply);

EP (Apply increases as per handle position but full release of brakes required for any release).

You can check what the brakes are actually doing by checking the extended HUD (F5 twice), this shows brake pressures.