Quacking Duck

I am reminded of certain user interfaces in aviation[1], which are arguably even more counterintuitive, in which the user first enters a value into a "scratchpad" field, and only then selects the input field into which to place the value. More relevantly, here[2] is a series of videos which has helped me learn to use ETCS, including the use of the touchscreen DMI. Because of these videos, I was able to effectively use ETCS despite bugs in earlier versions of the ETCS tutorial scenarios. As illustrated by the very first forum thread I posted[3], however, there remained some subtleties of the user interface which neither the videos nor the tutorial prepared me for. In case you have not seen it yet, here[4] is the official driver's manual. Though repetitive, it rather exhaustively illustrates the step-by-step usage of much of the user interface. [1] Here is a relatively short video showing an example of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw8hQX2dFCE [2] https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-11Syv2fsjTVdOLoRmFc--BO-7Dyk8Hx [3] https://forum.simrail.eu/topic/11609-clicking-the-etcs-staff-responsible-acknowledgement-button-at-the-beginning-of-the-pruszkowskis-intermodal-scenario-does-nothing/ [4] https://www.era.europa.eu/domains/european-rail-traffic-management-system-ertms/generic-etcs-drivers-handbook

Much of what has been said in this thread appears to imply that the driver can choose between these brake timing settings. Is there some switch in the locomotive with which to do so? How do I know which setting is correct for a specific train? Similarly, in ETCS data entry, the driver has to choose between several brake timing options. How do I know which one accurately describes my train? I broadly understand that it is bad to overuse the "fill" position. What is the exact problem caused by doing so? How do I know when I have caused such a problem? Thank you for your patience as I try to understand Polish air brakes.

What are "T" and "G"? Does the "brake assimilation" button do exactly the same thing as the "fill" position on the brake lever? If no, what is the difference, and what is the significance of the difference?

Thank you for explaining what those buttons do. In what situation, and for what purpose, is the brake releaser intended to be used?

There are two brake-related buttons on the control panel of the Dragon 2 locomotive whose functions I do not understand. When the "brake releaser" button is pressed, it rapidly reduces the indicated brake cylinder pressure to 0, but only while it is pressed. When the button is released, brake cylinder pressure returns to approximately its original level. I had originally assumed that this button could accelerate the process of releasing the train's brakes. However, using this button while the brakes are releasing, after having charged the brake pipe to above 5 bar, does not appear to accelerate brake release in any useful way. It appears that there is a "true" level of brake cylinder pressure which can only decrease slowly. When the button is released, indicated brake cylinder pressure returns to that level. Under what circumstances, if any, does this button actually help to release the brakes? Toward the right side of the control panel, near the brake gauges, there is a "brake assimilation" button. Pressing it has no obvious effect. What does this button do, and under what circumstances is it used?

I have now tried this, and to my surprise, it worked. Thank you quite seriously. The scenario is playable now. Other suspected issues will be reported in separate threads as necessary.

Procedure to reproduce: Run the "Pruszkowski's Intermodal" scenario. Choose all the default options in the menus at the beginning of the scenario, except in the cargo menu where a DLC would be required to choose the default option. Set up ETCS, as shown in the attached video. As far as I understand, I did not do anything unusual while setting up ETCS. After pressing the "start" button, Staff Responsible mode is offered. Expected behaviour: Clicking the flashing Staff Responsible acknowledgement button, or pressing the spacebar, should cause the ETCS Onboard to enter Staff Responsible mode. Actual behaviour: Clicking that acknowledgement button, or pressing the spacebar, appear to do nothing. No mode transition occurs, and the button continues to flash. See the attached video for a demonstration of this problem. The log is also attached. Simrail 2025.10.25 - 14.12.59.01.mp4 SimRail_log_2025-10-25_14-11-55.txt