Steam Q1a Operation Manual Rev 4.1.2
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24 August 2006
Brake Squeal: You can hear the brakes squeal on prototype locomotives when they are moving slowly. This sound can become quite loud
when the wheels are just about to stop turning. Listen for automatic Squealing Brake sounds at slow speeds and the final distinctive
squealing sounds as the Quantum equipped steam locomotive slows to a stop.
Coupler: To give you the most authentic coupler sounds, QSI has identified three distinct types of coupler activity. The first is when the
coupler is Armed, where you hear the clanking sound of the coupler lift bar and coupler pin raising. The next is Firing the coupler, where you
hear the opening of the coupler and the hiss of the air-lines parting. The third sound occurs when the locomotive couples up to its load of
cars, and you hear the Coupler Crash as all of the cars bunch together from the impact.
DCC and QARC only.
Flanges: When a train enters a curve, the flanges on the wheels ride up on the inside of the rail and usually squeal. Recreate this squealing
effect by pressing and releasing the Squealing Brake/Flanges DCC function key or QARC Analog button quickly and repeatedly as
necessary.
DCC and QARC only.
Steam Pop-off: If there is too much steam pressure in the boiler, special pop-off valves, or safeties, on top of the locomotive release the
excess pressure in a fury of hissing steam that often will blow for 30’ or more above the locomotive. This happens most often when the
locomotive is sitting still, since the fire continues to build up steam that is not used. The Quantum Pop Off sound comes on for random
lengths at random times in Neutral.
Steam Water Injector: The water used to make steam is replaced by water injectors at high pressure, to overcome the elevated pressure in
the boiler. The sound of rushing water and steam hiss ends with a distinctive valve shut off. This sound comes on for random lengths of time
and occurs randomly when the locomotive is in Neutral.
Steam Boiler Blow Down: As water evaporates, minerals and other residues settle to the bottom of the boiler. The fireman opens a valve to
vent this material through a large pipe under the side of the cab onto the ground. Quantum’s Blow Down sound occurs at random in Neutral
for varying lengths of time.
Locomotive Shut Down (Extended):
A long Air Let-off will first occur followed by the steam Dynamo revving down and the Directional lights
shutting off. The Air Pumps will turn off, followed by the sounds of Pop Off operating for about ten seconds and finally the Blower Hiss will
shut off.
Controllable only with QARC Analog or DCC.
Locomotive Start Up (Extended): The Dynamo will rev up while the Headlight comes on gradually, then the Cab Lights (if available) will turn
on, followed by the Air Pumps, the steam Blower will turn on and then the locomotive will enter normal operation.
Controllable only with
QARC Analog or DCC.
