All very interesting thanks and I believe I have the same publication somewhere in my collection.
Regarding the controls of the Woodhead in Blue (ie advanced) Class 76 - there are two separate levers - the usual reverser and then, the combination control lever which goes from off to series (to move off from rest) then to parallel. So, when you have set up the train, as per my previous comments, move the reverser to forward then, move the combination lever to the series position. You should hear a low hum. Then release the brakes and move the main power controller to notch 1. I have rarely managed to get moving without a slight jerk but then from then on everything should seem fairly smooth. You can normally move through the notches fairly quickly, depending on the load gradient etc., to full field and on into the four weak field notches but always keeping below 800 amps current. Then, when the speed reaches around 30 mph, move the combination lever on to the parallel position and after this immediately move the main power controller back to notch 1 not notch 0! After a second or two, you will see the Amps gauge fluctuate slightly and simultaneously hear a low click. Thereafter start notching up again as before, although you may find it slower than before in reaching the 800 Amps limit each time. The aim is to get to notch 14 or full field where all the resistances are removed.
I respectfully suggest you reread the manual since, this is a very complex but satisfying loco to drive when mastered in train simulator.
Cheers again