How do I activate and use SIFA in Train Simulator Classic?

In Train Simulator Classic, enable SIFA with the locomotive’s cab switch or, on many German locomotives, Shift+Enter. While driving, acknowledge each vigilance warning—usually with Q—by tapping and releasing the key. Mappings and start-up states vary between scripted add-ons, so the locomotive manual and cab indication take priority.

How do I switch SIFA on?

On most compatible locomotives, activate SIFA after setting up the driving cab by using its labelled cab control or pressing Shift+Enter.

1. Select Expert controls. Some locomotives simplify or omit safety-system operation in Simple mode.
2. Activate the cab. Insert or turn the master key, enable the desk and select a direction as required by that locomotive. Our guide to the basic cab set-up and driving sequence covers the general procedure.
3. Enable SIFA. Click the cab switch marked SIFA, or try Shift+Enter where the locomotive uses the standard Train Simulator Classic binding.
4. Check the indication. Look for an illuminated SIFA indicator, a changed switch position or an on-screen confirmation. The exact indication differs between cabs.
5. Begin moving and monitor it. Some scripts do not start the vigilance cycle until the reverser is engaged or the train passes a minimum speed.

If the standard shortcut does not match your locomotive, check its supplied manual and the simulator’s control settings. Our default keyboard mapping reference also explains why scripted locomotives and control modes can use different safety-system keys.

How does SIFA work while driving?

SIFA is a driver-vigilance system: it requires a periodic response and applies the emergency brake if repeated warnings are ignored.

Many Train Simulator Classic implementations use a cycle of roughly 30 seconds, although the locomotive script controls the actual timing. The usual sequence is:

• A visual SIFA lamp or message appears.
• An audible warning follows if it is not acknowledged.
• An emergency brake application occurs if there is still no response.

When warned, tap and release Q on locomotives using the standard acknowledgement control. Do not hold the key down: detailed pedal simulations often expect a release-and-press change rather than a permanently held input. Some advanced add-ons provide a dedicated SIFA pedal binding or clickable cab control instead.

Practise in a tutorial or low-speed service before relying on the system during a busy run. The advice on choosing beginner scenarios and using the driving HUD is useful while learning a locomotive’s safety controls.

Is SIFA the same as PZB?

SIFA and PZB are separate systems, and acknowledging one does not necessarily clear a warning from the other.

A common mistake we see is pressing the SIFA key while the train is actually under a PZB brake demand. Check the illuminated indicators before attempting a reset.

Why is SIFA not activating or acknowledging?

SIFA usually fails to respond because the locomotive uses a custom script, the driving cab is not fully active or the selected stock does not model the system.

• No indicator appears: finish the cab start-up, select a direction and move at low speed. A stationary test may not start the timer.
• Shift+Enter does nothing: use the physical cab switch and confirm that Expert controls are selected. The add-on may replace the standard shortcut.
• Q does not clear the warning: release the key fully and press it once rather than holding it. If that fails, use the locomotive’s assigned SIFA control.
• The warning returns immediately: a pedal-style script may not have detected a complete release-and-press cycle, or another safety system may be demanding attention.
• There is no SIFA equipment: not every German locomotive, historical vehicle or third-party model implements a functioning system.

How do I recover from a SIFA emergency brake?

To recover from a SIFA brake application, acknowledge the warning, remove power and allow the train’s braking system to reset before trying to move again.

1. Set power to zero. Return the throttle or combined controller to its neutral position.
2. Acknowledge SIFA. Tap and release the correct key or operate the cab pedal.
3. Wait for the brake demand to clear. Some locomotives must stop completely before releasing an emergency application.
4. Recharge the brakes. Move the train brake to its release or running position and wait for the brake pipe to recover.
5. Resume carefully. Reconfirm the reverser and apply power only after the brake indicators show that the train is released.

If the brakes remain applied, check for a PZB intervention, an emergency brake control left active or an unacknowledged cab warning. Repeatedly switching SIFA off and on will not clear a separate safety-system demand.

Can I turn SIFA off again?

Where the locomotive permits it, use the same Shift+Enter toggle or return the cab switch to its off position while stationary. Some scenarios or scripted locomotives keep SIFA enabled, and disabling it should not be used to conceal an incorrect key mapping or unresolved brake demand.