You can see it working here:
https://youtu.be/vqmibUO2RIs
This has nothing to do with TruRail Simulations "GE P42DC Enhancement Pack" (which is in a league of its own). These are my own modifications to the default sounds and textures.
You can download this upgrade here:
http://railworksamerica.com/index.php/download-library/engine-repaints?view=document&id=3689:amtrak-p42dc-upgrade-pack&catid=18:engine-repaints
I tried to get as close as possible to Amtrak's Phase V color scheme (the default colors are way off):
- - Anthracite gray underbody.
- Amtrak red sill stripe.
- Amtrak blue nose, roof, “Travelmark” logo and numbers.
(I didn't touch the body since it looks close enough to Amtrak’s platinum mist color.)
These engines are not supposed to look brand new. Although I corrected the colors they still look weathered (Not dilapidated, but weathered nonetheless). They probably have close to 1 million miles on them.
The default audio sounds nothing like a P42DC, hence I included sounds from actual recordings. I'm not a computer programmer so I had to work within the limitations of the game:
- GE 7FDL-16 prime mover in normal mode (200-1047 RPM) and HEP mode (900-908 RPM).
The sound is directly linked to the RPM. So, for the HEP engines I gave it 1 RPM per throttle notch. That way you can hear the change in sound according to the throttle position. As you give it more power, the rhythm/beat of the engine stays the same like in real life (900 RPM regardless of throttle notch). But, the base sound becomes more powerful and the engine sounds more "grouchy". Also when you have non-HEP and HEP engines combined, the sound from the HEP engines will overpower the much quieter non-HEP engines. That is until the non-HEP engines surpass 900 RPM (notch 7 & 8). Then, they become KING!
Ignition and shutdown sequence.
The ignition sequence is from a P42DC that idles at 200 RPM, which works fine for the non-HEP engines. But, because of the way the audio program works I was forced to modify the ignition sequence of the HEP engines. So, they take 2 minutes, 10 seconds to reach 900 RPM (Anything faster and the engine sound will overlap badly over the startup sound).
Compressor sounds.
Sorry, no "whoop" sound. The audio program only allows for the "compressor running" and "compressor stop" sounds.
Amtrak K5LA Horn and Horn Sequencer.
SPEAKER ALERT: This is not the typical “bystander” recording of a P42DC passing by. The sound was recorded up close to the horn assembly itself, so it's REALLY, REALLY LOUD.
HEP Implementation:
You have the option to have a HEP engine with or without driver. I adjusted the performance according to the power demands of a “typical” Superliner long-distance consist. I couldn’t find the exact power consumption for each type of car. So, I used estimates based on this web page:
http://www.nwrail.com/HEP_config.html
Superliner Consist:
- 1 Heritage Baggage Car (1 kW)
+1 Superliner Transition Sleeper (50 kW)
+2 Superliner Sleepers (100 kW)
+1 Superliner Dining Car (100 kW)
+1 Superliner Sightseer Lounge (150 kW)
+4 Superliner Coach Class (160 kW)
= 561 kW
A P42DC produces 4250 hp at 1047 RPM (engine max). However, in HEP mode it needs to run at a constant 900 RM, regardless of throttle setting, in order to supply a steady voltage. This reduces the engine max power from 4250 hp to 3655 hp without a HEP load.
Engine performance with a HEP load of 561 kW:
Horsepower – Kilowatt Conversion: 1 hp = 0.746 kW
561 ÷ 0.746 = 752
This means it takes 752 hp to produce 561 kW of electricity.
3655 hp - 752 hp = 2903 hp
This means that with a HEP load of 561 kW, the locomotive has 2903 hp available for traction. I also adjusted the locomotive’s tractive effort due to the reduced horsepower. Just like Train Simulator itself, it might not be 100% accurate, but this is as close as I could get.
Non-HEP Engine Installation:
- 1. Using File Explorer, go to the folder located here: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\RailWorks\Assets\RSC\P42Pack01
2. Drop the Audio and RailVehicles folders from this pack into the folder you just opened.
Phase V HEP Engine Installation:
- 1. Using 7-Zip File Manager, open the P42Pack01Assets.ap file.
2. Inside the P42Pack01Assets.ap file, go to RailVehicles\Diesel\P42DC\Amtrak.
3. Open the RailVehicles folder you just dropped and go to Diesel\P42DC\Amtrak HEP.
4. Drop the CabView folder from the P42Pack01Assets.ap file into the Amtrak HEP folder from step 3.
5. Inside the Amtrak HEP folder open the Locomotive folder.
6. In the P42Pack01Assets.ap file open the Locomotive folder inside the Amtrak folder.
7. Drop the GX_P42_Amtk.GeoPcDx file into the Locomotive folder from step 5.
40th Anniversary HEP Engine installation:
- 1. Inside the RailVehicles folder you just dropped, go to
Diesel\P42DC\Amtrak 40th HEP\Locomotive.
2. Inside the P42Pack01Assets.ap file, go to RailVehicles\Diesel\P42DC\Amtrak 40th\Locomotive\
3. Drop the GX_P42_Amtk40th.GeoPcDx file into the Locomotive folder from step 1.
4. Run Train Simulator to verify that the engines work.
Engines with Drivers:
- RSC P42DC Amtrak PhV
RSC P42DC Amtrak PhV HEP
RSC P42DC Amtrak 40th
RSC P42DC Amtrak 40th HEP
- RSC P42DC Amtrak PhV-NC
RSC P42DC Amtrak PhV-NC HEP
RSC P42DC Amtrak 40th/NC
RSC P42DC Amtrak 40th/NC HEP
ENJOY!!!!
