@@ -464,6 +464,60 @@ specified by the player:
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.. image :: images/driving-train-names-multiplayer.png
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+ Alt-F7 Train Forces
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+ -------------------
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+
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+ Pressing ``<Alt+F7> `` opens the Train Forces window.
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+ It shows the forces along the player's train in bar-graph form.
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+ The window is sized to fit the train (graph), with a minimum size for short trains,
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+ and a maximum size for very long trains.
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+ Scrolling may be required to see the end of the train, or the end of the text line.
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+
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+ .. image :: images/driving-trainforces.png
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+ :align: center
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+ :scale: 80%
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+
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+ The train is shown as a white line; locomotives are shown in blue.
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+ The front of the train is to the left.
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+
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+ ``Coupler Force ``
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+ '''''''''''''''''
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+
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+ Shows the length-wise pull or push force at each coupling, as a colored bar graph.
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+ Up (positive) is pull, down (negative) is push.
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+ The scale is determined by the weakest coupler in the train.
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+ The steps are non-linear, to provide more sensitivity near the breaking point.
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+
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+ Note: Because the graph is scaled by the weakest car,
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+ a red bar may not mean that the coupler will break.
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+ When the car has a higher coupler strength, it can tolerate higher forces than the weakest car.
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+
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+ ``Derail Force ``
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+ ''''''''''''''''
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+
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+ Shows the sideway push or pull at the wheels as a colored bar graph.
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+ Up (positive) is pull to the inside (stringline), down (negative) is push to the outside (jackknife).
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+ The scale is determined by the car with the lowest axle-load (lowest vertical force).
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+ The steps are non-linear, to provide more sensitivity near the derailing point.
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+ But this is less effective for lateral forces, as the force is proportional to the curve radius,
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+ which changes in discrete steps (MSTS legacy).
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+
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+ Note: Because the graph is scaled by the most susceptible car,
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+ a red bar may not mean that the car will derail.
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+ When the car has a higher vertical force, it can tolerate higher forces than the most susceptible car.
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+
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+
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+ ``Brake Force ``
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+ '''''''''''''''
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+
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+ Shows the braking force of each car as a bar graph.
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+ The scale is determined by the car with the smallest brake force (generally lowest weight).
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+ The steps are non-linear, to provide more sensitivity near the small brake applications.
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+ As the weight (and thus brake force varies greatly between cars (and especially engines),
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+ the graph can be quite jagged, even though all brake cylinders have the same pressure.
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+ Locomotives will show a full bar long before the brakes are fully applied.
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+ Dynamic braking is shown in blue (unless there also is a greater force from the air-brakes).
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+
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F8 Switch Monitor
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-----------------
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