Dash 9 TS2012 Update

[robbit]

Yes, I think we can write off the chance that any route or asset still listed as RW2 will ever be updated to RW3 standards.
This includes rather a lot of US content I am afraid.

the GP9 pack
the SW1500 pack
the SD70 series, but perhaps with Sherman Hill?
the BN, ATSF, NW and CN SD40 packs
the UP steamers, now "in possession" of RSC
the GTrax steamers.
Portland Terminal engines

Some of these have been hacked into RW3 with wet windows both from the inside and outside by others.
The older shape and texture files of the old SD40 packs will probably require a complete rebuild.

Portland terminal engines have been updated

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

What is actually needed for updating a route? I know that superelevation requires laying completely new track. Due to the way and precision scenarios store the position of every piece of rolling stock that means at least putting all of the trains on the rails again.

Cajon Pass could use superelevation, though, plus the grading of a few bumps and kinks.
The coming Sherman Hill will probably have it, as I think prototype trains reach up to 79 MpH or perhaps even higher if ATC is in place on this main artery of UP.

Of the default routes, only the Seebergbahn has been given superelevaton by some German users. Hagen-Siegen is also being worked on, at least track, lighting and scenery.
For any route with speed limits below 35 MpH/50 KmH is is probably not worth the effort.

There are a few building which uses obsolete shaders or have small errors, but these are of minor annoyance.

We could use better foilage througout, I have read that we need shrubs, bushes and trees that show themselves when projecting headlights shine on them.
I hardly ever drive trains at night, so really don't know.

Anyways, concluding this while we wait for things to evolve, I conclude there is still lots to do.
Perhaps the announced Steam Workshop will help things a bit, if RSC decides to release most of the stock assets for editing.

Didn't know about Portland engines being updated. They still look a little bland compared to the newest of RSC, but at least from the cab you won't notice much difference.

[artimrj]

G-TraX steamers were updated to RW3. They have lights now and a new model.

[Kali]

Superelevation does *not* need track relaying if it was done with easements originally. You don't even need easements if you don't mind hefty bumps at the entrance & exit to curves.

[Machinist]

Superelevation can be added by scenario's writer as track rule, not that hard at all...

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

You don't even need easements if you don't mind hefty bumps at the entrance & exit to curves.

Like in Donner Pass you mean? A 30 MpH route with superelevation, seems rather a wasted effort.

One of the routes RSC has promised to fix, it would be nice if an updated Southern Pacific Dash9 comes with it.
Seams like a good deal to me: Sherman Hill with updated ES44 and SD70, plus the humpback of Laramie - Donner Pass II with updated Dash9 and SW1500 engines.

The consensus is that we are generally satisfied with the F7 and SD40-2 that came with TS2012, aren't we?
Appearance wise that is, physics is a different matter.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Superelevation can be added by scenario's writer as track rule, not that hard at all...

Please explain, as Kali stated you need to have easements "in hardware" for a smooth transition.

[Kali]

You can search & replace tracks.bin to turn it on ( and then edit the route in the editor to get rid of it from pointwork ), whether you get lumpy corner entrances is dependent on easements. You can go enable it on individual ribbons in the editor ( I presume the scenario editor even, I've never tried ) if you're insane enough or the route is short.

I've no issues with the F7 other than it being slightly aged, I'm not overly sure about the SD40 yet.

[MattW]

Having just bought the Donner Pass route in the Steam Sale, will the Dash9 upgrades include the Dash9 that comes with Donner Pass or would I still have to get the regular Dash9 pack?

[Arctic Cat ZRT]

The Dash 9 upgrade just includes the Dash 9s associated with that pack. All the Dash 9 upgrade is doing is adding lights and rain affects. The DP Dash 9 already has both of those features.

[arizonachris]

The Dash 9 upgrade just includes the Dash 9s associated with that pack. All the Dash 9 upgrade is doing is adding lights and rain affects. The DP Dash 9 already has both of those features.

And, Donner Pass itself is still awating a patch. And it needs a big one.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

The Dash 9 upgrade just includes the Dash 9s associated with that pack. All the Dash 9 upgrade is doing is adding lights and rain affects. The DP Dash 9 already has both of those features.

Thanks, Cat, for reminding me about the wet windows and projecting headlights.

I was referring to a total upgrade of the Dash 9. We don't know yet if the upgraded ES44 will finally have working cab displays instead of those dummy blank screens.
The same goes for the Dash9 and the SD70. IMO both upgrades must include working cab displays as I can add headlights myself and somebody else has already taken care of the wet windows on the Dash9 and SD70 models.

There are some more problems with the cabs, like the failing of the idle position on the throttle handle. Don't get me even started on the physics.

... we'll wait and see ...

[Kali]

Another guy and I are discussing making the screens work on the class 70 - systems wise it's basically a GEVO AC - and it'd be horrendous. While I think I've covered everything that needs doing it's also a monumental hack, and RSC aren't known for those. We can hope they implement screens in XML or something but that's pretty much the opposite ends of their apparent priorities, so I would start working on doing it yourself.

Physics, I have lots of stuff on an aussie SD70ace clone but no time atm.

[Machinist]

Superelevation can be added by scenario's writer as track rule, not that hard at all...

Please explain, as Kali stated you need to have easements "in hardware" for a smooth transition.

I added superelevation in all my scenarios (personal use so far) on Cajon curves, for example, usually when changing other parameters' values on the flyout tool. I'm sure I never noticed any bump at entrance or exit to curves (in fact if superelevation is available in the tool, it's supposedely core programmed to give a smooth transition, naturally), or if the bump exist I don't care (I love jumps, bumps, rough tracks, sways etc.).

Very easy, in fact, at least compared to other bothering and annoying things like the time you usually waste misleading the dumb dispacther to get the traffic you want, but I use to get what I want despite of "he" initially showing me that red icon saying that I can't.

Scenario Editor Superelevation.jpg (71.99 KiB) Viewed 189 times

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Doc, would you care to share one of those "superelevated" scenarios with me (PM me please) or us at large?

I am looking into this myself and would like an example of how and what can be done and what it will bring.

I have cab sway usually at 20, but don't like rides rougher than that over high speed mainline tracks.
B-SB has a few bumps from sloppy joining of track sections that need ironing out but otherwise is pretty smooth.

Don't get me even started on the dumb dispatcher. I have so far only dabbled in scenario writing for COARW and P&LE. The scenario editor is one of the most flaky "assets" of TS2012 and no word so far from RSC what they will do about it.

Routebuilders have serious problems with the route editor as well, serious to the point of them wanting to throw TS2012 right out of the window. Instead of getting these issues - which surely must hinder RSC as well - fixed we are surprised with gamepads and other frivolities.

Before I am off on a rant again, better go into emergency braking before running out of control.