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Documentation

Welcome to the official documentation for ZDSimulator — a realistic train control simulator that models railway operations with a high degree of detail.

ZDSimulator is a unique project of a professional train driver simulator that is available to players as a railway simulator.

This documentation contains installation instructions, description of main features, technical details for scenario developers, routes and other add-ons, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

⚠️ Attention: This documentation is under development and may contain inaccuracies. If you notice an error or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know.

How to start: ZDSimulator Launcher

This guide will teach you how to launch the game, configure routes and scenarios, and customize game settings.

ZDSimulator Launcher: How to start

ZDSimulator has two ride modes:

  1. Scenario mode
  2. Free ride

Scenario mode

Riding according to the scenario:

  1. choosing a route;
  2. choosing a direction; (forward or backward)
  3. selecting an existing scenario; 3.1 after selecting a scenario, the start time, locomotive, number of wagons, direction and season of the year are set according to the scenario.
  4. click 'Start simulator'.

Free ride

In free ride:

  1. choosing a locomotive;
  2. choosing the type of train (passenger or freight)
  3. we enter the number of wagons in the composition;
  4. choosing a route, departure station from the list, and direction of travel (forward or backward)
  5. click 'Start simulator'.

Other settings

In the Graphics tab, you can adjust the simulator window to match the screen resolution and computer bit depth.

Braking Control in ZDSimulator

This paragraph will cover the different types of brakes, key factors to consider, and how to control them. It consists of a video part and a text part.

ZDSimulator: Brakes (part 1)

Specifically, we will discuss several key topics.

Locomotive and train brakes

Locomotive break - breaks only the locomotive Train break - brakes both the locomotive and the entire train

To turn them on, you need to open the faucet under them.

Braking is performed using the braking 2 position; To lock the brakes in the hold 2 position; The brakes are charged in the charging position.

Pressure gauges

There are few gauges:

  • Main reservoir
  • Brake line (trains)
  • Equalizing
  • Locomotive brake cylinders

Electro Pneumatic brake

The EPT is activated by a toggle switch on the control panel, and the warning light lights up.

The EPT is controlled by a pressure gauge in the brake cylinder of the locomotive

Braking is performed using the braking 1 position; To lock the brakes in the hold 1 or hold 2 position; The brakes are charged in the charging or release position.

How to perform braking in ZDSimulator

In this paragraph, we will explore how the braking system works using a freight train as an example and demonstrate how to control a train in the game.

ZDSimulator: Brakes (part 2)

Train and locomotive brakes

To start, open the disconnecting valve

Pay attention on pressure gauges:

  • Locomotive brake cylinders
  • Main reservoirs
  • Main brake pipe
  • Equalizing reservoir

As the locomotive lever is pressed ], the pressure in the cylinders will increase.

Train brake:

There are provisions:

  • Charging
  • Train service
  • Hold (1)
  • Hold (2)
  • Brake (1)
  • Brake (2)
  • Emergency

The braking process

  1. Discharging the air
  2. The brake is released when the initial pressure is exceeded by 0.4 kgf/cm2.
  3. Between releasing the brakes and the subsequent braking, it is necessary to wait 1 minute to fill the brake line with air

Braking is performed using the braking 2 position; To lock the brakes in the hold 2 position; The brakes are charged in the charging position.

To perform braking in game:

  1. Press ' 4 times
  2. After the release step, press ; 2 times
  3. To release brake, press ; 3 times, and after charging the line to charging pressure, press ' once

The train's braking force is controlled using the F1 menu.

Railroad Lights and Signals Explained

This paragraph explains the key aspects of railroad signals and traffic lights, how they function, and their importance in train control. We’ll explore different signal types, their meanings, and how they ensure the safe operation of trains.

ZDSimulator: Railroad Signals Explained

Traffic lights

The checkpoint is located on the stage

Entrance traffic light allowing entry to the station Exit traffic light allowing exit from the station to the stage

A locomotive traffic light is installed in the cabins of the locomotives Locomotive traffic light, duplicates the reading of the traffic light ahead on the railway track

Signals

  • Red: prohibits movement
  • Yellow: allows movement at a speed of no more than 60 km/h, the next traffic light is red
  • Green: the next traffic light is permissive

Signals in front of the station

  • 2 Yellow signals: follow the deviation on the switch, the speed is 40 km/h, the next traffic light is red
  • 2 Yellow signals, the upper one is flashing: follow the deviation on the switch, the speed is 40 km/h, the next traffic light is permissive

Maneuver signals:

  • Blue: prohibits maneuver
  • White: allows you to make maneuvers