How do you use PZB in Train Sim World?
To use PZB in Train Sim World, switch it on in the cab, confirm the correct train mode, acknowledge restrictive distant signals with PZB Wachsam, obey the resulting brake curve, and use PZB Frei only when the restriction has genuinely cleared. PZB Befehl is reserved for authorised passage of a stop signal.
How do you switch PZB on in Train Sim World?
Set up PZB while the train is stationary, before starting the service. The switch location varies between locomotives: it may be on the driving desk, a rear cab wall or an equipment panel, and some services spawn with the system switched off.
- Switch on PZB using the labelled cab control. On stock equipped with combined PZB/LZB controls, leave both systems in their normal operating condition.
- Check the train mode, called the PZB Zugart. Use the mode assigned to the train rather than automatically selecting the least restrictive option.
- Confirm the mode lamp. A lit 85, 70 or 55 indicator normally identifies mode O, M or U respectively.
- Check your controls for PZB Acknowledge, Release and Override. The common PC bindings are Page Down, End and Delete, but profiles and platforms can differ. Our guide to Train Sim World keyboard commands explains how to check and rebind them.
Passenger trains commonly use mode O, while heavier or lower-braking-performance trains use M or U. The actual choice is based on the formation's braking capability, so passenger, freight and locomotive type alone do not provide a reliable answer.
What do the three PZB controls do?
Wachsam acknowledges a warning, Frei releases eligible monitoring, and Befehl permits authorised movement past an active stop-signal magnet.
| Control | Train Sim World command | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wachsam | PZB Acknowledge | Acknowledge a PZB-relevant restrictive distant indication immediately after the cab passes its 1000 Hz magnet. |
| Frei | PZB Release | Release 1000 Hz monitoring only when the system permits it and the restriction ahead no longer requires supervision. |
| Befehl | PZB Override | Hold while passing an active 2000 Hz magnet after receiving authority to pass the stop signal. Remain at or below 40 km/h. |
PZB Acknowledge is separate from the Sifa vigilance control. Pressing the Sifa button will not necessarily acknowledge a 1000 Hz influence, even where the cab controls sit close together.
When should you acknowledge a PZB warning?
Acknowledge whenever the train passes an active 1000 Hz magnet associated with a restrictive warning, such as an expectation of stop or a sufficiently low-speed route ahead. Brake first, then press Wachsam as the locomotive reaches the signal or warning board; acknowledging does not slow the train for you.
- Read the signal and begin braking before reaching its magnet.
- Press Wachsam promptly as the cab passes the warning. The 1000 Hz indicator should illuminate.
- Meet the brake curve for the selected PZB mode. PZB supervises speed continuously after the warning.
- Expect 500 Hz monitoring near a stop signal. It activates automatically and imposes a stronger curve; there is no separate acknowledgement.
- Use Frei cautiously. Release normally becomes available after part of the monitored distance has been travelled, but it must not be used if the restrictive signal or low-speed route still applies.
Not every yellow-coloured indication has identical PZB meaning. Read the complete signal aspect and any speed indicator rather than acknowledging or releasing solely because of one lamp colour.
What speeds does PZB allow after a 1000 Hz warning?
Standard PZB 90 monitoring uses different targets for the three train modes. These are supervision ceilings, not speeds you should aim to maintain.
| Mode | Typical application | 1000 Hz target | Time to reach it | Restrictive target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | Higher braking performance | 85 km/h | 23 seconds | 45 km/h |
| M | Medium braking performance | 70 km/h | 29 seconds | 45 km/h |
| U | Lower braking performance | 55 km/h | 38 seconds | 25 km/h |
The timer starts at the magnet. A lower signal or lineside limit always takes precedence, and stopping while under supervision can place PZB into its more restrictive state.
Under normal 500 Hz monitoring, the usual PZB 90 entry and subsequent target speeds are 65/45 km/h in O, 50/35 in M and 40/25 in U. Restrictive monitoring can demand lower speeds, so watch the 500 Hz and flashing mode indications rather than relying only on memorised figures.
Why did PZB apply the emergency brake?
A PZB emergency application means the train missed an acknowledgement, exceeded a monitored curve or passed an active stop-signal magnet without a valid override.
- No 1000 Hz acknowledgement: Wachsam was pressed too late, pressed before the locomotive reached the magnet and released too soon, or confused with Sifa.
- Brake curve exceeded: the driver acknowledged correctly but did not reduce speed quickly enough.
- 500 Hz overspeed: the approach to a red signal was still too fast, even though the 1000 Hz curve had been met.
- Unauthorised release: Frei was used while the restrictive condition ahead still applied.
- Active 2000 Hz magnet: the train passed a stop signal without holding Befehl after receiving the required authority.
How do you reset a PZB penalty brake?
Bring the train to a complete standstill before attempting to reset a PZB penalty application.
- Set power to zero and place the master controller in its neutral or off position.
- Wait for the train to stop. PZB normally prevents release while the penalty application remains active.
- Press PZB Frei once the system permits a reset. Some locomotives also require the brake handle to be placed in the appropriate full-service or emergency position before the interlock clears.
- Release the brakes normally only after the cab indications and brake gauges respond.
- Continue under restriction. Resetting the emergency brake does not erase the signal condition that caused it.
Do not switch PZB off to escape a penalty brake. Apart from defeating the safety system, this can leave the locomotive in an unexpected isolation or start-up state.
What happens when LZB is active?
LZB assumes continuous train supervision while the locomotive is inside an active LZB section, so some PZB indications may be suppressed. At the end of LZB supervision, acknowledge the displayed ending instruction and expect normal PZB monitoring to resume; do not isolate PZB during the handover.
What is the best way to practise PZB?
Start with a straightforward German passenger service, leave the HUD signal information visible and concentrate on the 1000 Hz lamp, speedometer and braking curve. Once the acknowledgement timing becomes familiar, reduce the HUD assistance and drive from the physical signal aspects.
A custom path can also provide repeated signal approaches without committing to a long timetable run. Our instructions for setting up Train Sim World Free Roam cover placing a compatible train and establishing a route before practising the PZB controls.