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F3 Flange Squeal
Let’s face it, when we introduced Flange Squeal on our SW1200RS, we created a
monster. A really good looking and amazing-sounding monster. So, since it was never
possible for anything to SILENTLY go around tight curves and switches without waking
up half the neighbourhood – no matter what locomotive you have – we’ve included
the flange squeal. Press F3 to turn it on. Press F3 again to turn it off. If your neighbour
complains about that nasty racket, just keep F3 on and say you can’t hear them and
maybe they’ll go away.
F4 Dynamic Brake
Press F4 to get dynamic brake sounds. Who does that? Well apparently a lot of people
because once upon a time, we got flak for putting it in the upper echelons of functions
on our old locomotives. So for that, we apologize and have brought it to the forefront of
functions for your acoustic pleasure.
F5 Doppler Horn
You can play this when approaching level crossings or any other whistle post. The
doppler is nicely timed for a moderately paced train blowing for a level crossing.
F6 Ditch Lights (if equipped)
F6 turns on the ditch lights. Like the prototype, the ditch lights are not directional.
Remember to turn off the ditch lights when approaching a station or an oncoming train
as they are BLINDING and we currently do not offer HO scale sunglasses for your
customers. The ditch lights do not flash as that is not a Canadian requirement. Hoser.
F7 Dim the Headlights
When approaching a station stop or an oncoming train, press F7 to dim your lights
and turn off your ditch lights – you don’t want to blind your passengers or the oncoming
train’s engineers. See our note above about sunglasses. Not dimming your lights is a
direct violation of what’s commonly referred to as “Rule 17”. The internet can answer all
your questions about said rule.
F8 Startup/Mute/Shutdown
While your locomotive is stationary, pressing F8 will begin the startup sequence of the
engine sounds. If your locomotive is silent but already in motion, pressing F8 will skip
the startup sequence and simply turn on the sound. If the sound is already on, press F8
to mute the sounds. If your locomotive is stationary, then you will hear the engine shut
down sequence before the sound turns off.
But wait, there’s more! By pressing F8 and turning on the sound, you’ll also turn on the
control stand lights inside the cab. How sweet is that? Press F8 again when you turn off
the sound, and the lights will go out.