C&O SD40

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

While working on the other Mountain Sub paints - it became apparent - SD40's would look good on the route as well. In my mind - the year is 1975 - so SD50's are out. I don't think there is a good model for the SD40-2 - as I haven't seen any that have the high headlight with the horn on the cab - sans air conditioner and other extraneous stuff. I looked at the old SD40's on Clinchfield - with the SS Sound Pack (huge difference) - the engine is enjoyable to run.

While the models are old - is the GP38 and SD40 accurate enough models (shape) - without any glaring deficiencies? I'm not a diesel guy. The SD35 looks tiny compared to the SD40.

Is there any way - I can improve the headlight to make it look better when on? If there isn't an appropriate face on the model - I don't think I can do any of the lens flare I see on newer models. Any thoughts appreciated.

Can I add a second crewman to the model?

Has anyone ever looked at the physics on the SD40 and made improvements?

Figured out and redid the numbering system with new textures.

Working on remastering the panel lines - as they were poorly done and you can't even make out individual panel detail.

If the models are worthy - plan in Chessie, WM, C&O, B&O paints - GP38 too.





Any thoughts appreciated - constructive criticism always welcome.



Regards,
Scott

[Unoriginal]

Is there any way - I can improve the headlight to make it look better when on? If there isn't an appropriate face on the model - I don't think I can do any of the lens flare I see on newer models. Any thoughts appreciated.

You should be able to swap flares pretty easily just by taking the light files from another locomotive and then renaming/replacing the originals.

Has anyone ever looked at the physics on the SD40 and made improvements?

This works fine for the physics, although the SS 645E3 pack should've had some. https://railworksamerica.com/index.php/download-library/sounds-enhancements?view=document&id=616:emd-sd40-sound-pack&catid=25:sounds


It looks pretty good. I'd recommend making the unframe/wheels darker though.

[ElphabaWS]

Great to see you expanding the available B&O/C&O/Chessie diesel roster!

In regards to the GP38 and SD40 (as from the Clinchfield route). The primary improvement I would suggest looking at are the air brakes, which on those two models are particularly problematic.

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the responses - I've only about a week's worth of experience making content on this side of the fence.

Re: Lens Flare - I'm guessing this is not part of the model and simply an entry in the bin file. I'll look into it.

Perhaps I used that sound pack - with an SS horn - I'm mixed up now - I may have to remove and install Clinchfield so I know what I'm working with again. On notch 8 - the engine screams like a banshee - I love it.

I haven't touched the truck textures - the tank and flask I plan to add a shadow gradient which would darken them a bit more. I also have to figure out which texture sheet is used for all the grey hardware on the body - like the hinges and latches.

Yeah - variety is the spice of life - I really want some GE's on here as well - but I haven't seen a good model with a good sound pack - I was looking at the Feather River unit (I don't have) but the headlight has me concerned if I could change the - WP red and white - to C&O double white?

The brakes seem to be running a script on startup - it presents a choice of "Easy" or "Easiest" setting but gives no confirmation when you select either. I don't know where that is coming from. The braking seems far more powerful than the ones on the SD35's.

Thanks for the interest.

Regards,
Scott

[Unoriginal]

If you want a good GE loco for the Chessie era we have this https://store.steampowered.com/app/3769 ... oco_AddOn/

Not sure if using the WP U30B would be a good idea, since it has nose lights while the Chessie/C&O locos don’t (although it’s yours to do whatever with anyway lol).

[scottb613]

If you want a good GE loco for the Chessie era we have this https://store.steampowered.com/app/3769 ... oco_AddOn/

Not sure if using the WP U30B would be a good idea, since it has nose lights while the Chessie/C&O locos don’t (although it’s yours to do whatever with anyway lol).

Hi...

Oh - gotcha - while I'm not a "rivet counter" - - - a misplaced headlight is a showstopper for me as well - thanks for the heads up.

I had noted that linked Chessie unit - I read the comments section and it stated the locomotive is broken with the newer versions of TSC? I can make the paint on the unit look much better.

Regards,
Scott

[Unoriginal]

It is broken by default, but someone has recently made a patch for it in this thread. viewtopic.php?f=29&t=24548&p=275127#p275127

Now back on topic of the SD40s, if you can find a “Lights” folder somewhere then you’d be able to swap the bin files for the lights.

[scottb613]

Gracias Amigo.


Regards,
Scott

[buzz456]

As far as the second driver. Copy the entry for the Driver and paste it including the matrix and paste it right after the first one. Rename it Driver 2. Then go down in the path and change it to. DTG\Clinchfield\Driver\GP9 Driver2.xml

You will have to move the location in the matrix since they will be sitting on top of each other.

To offset object sideways, adjust element 13 (increasing value moves object left)

To change object height, adjust element no. 14 (increasing value raises object)

To offset object forwards or backwards adjust element 15 (increasing value moves object backwards)

[scottb613]

Hi Buzz,

Thanks so much - let me give this a look as well.


Regards,
Scott

[ENR3005]

Hi Folks,


While the models are old - is the GP38 and SD40 accurate enough models (shape) - without any glaring deficiencies? I'm not a diesel guy. The SD35 looks tiny compared to the SD40.

The SD35 is only about 18 inches longer than a GP40-2, and is pretty much a GP unit on SD trucks. I regularly see the operation of a SD35 on a local shortline a few blocks from my home, The Southern Railway of British Columbia (Same owners as Montana Rail Link) who roster a single SD35 which they run with their SD38/SD38-2s on their Fraser Valley Sub which is made up of many 2.75% grades requiring the larger power. It is a pretty rare bird and is impressive to watch and listen to in person when pulling tonnage up steep grades.

[ElphabaWS]

Hi Folks,

The SD35 looks tiny compared to the SD40.

The age old DTG SD40-2 (upon which the DTG SD40 is based) is over-sized, especially in height.

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

The SD35 looks tiny compared to the SD40.

The age old DTG SD40-2 (upon which the DTG SD40 is based) is over-sized, especially in height.

Hi Folks,

Well - THAT's disappointing - perhaps I'm just putting lipstick on a pig? You would think a modeler who is going to invest the massive amount of time it takes - to make a model - that they would get the basic size correct. That takes the wind out of my sails a bit - but - I'm glad I know - better now vs later. [sigh] So we don't have a good SD40 or SD40-2 that will work with Chessie.

I spent hours last night trying to get the panel lines back - pixel by pixel - justifying the time spent with my planned series of repaints. The modeler had built 3D panels in the shape - but didn't accent them - so they were nearly invisible. I spent hours trying to get the panel lines to match the shape. It would have been far easier without the 3D panels.

I darkened the tank and flask with shadow.


SD40 Panel Lines



Thanks for your insights.


Regards,
Scott

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,


While the models are old - is the GP38 and SD40 accurate enough models (shape) - without any glaring deficiencies? I'm not a diesel guy. The SD35 looks tiny compared to the SD40.

The SD35 is only about 18 inches longer than a GP40-2, and is pretty much a GP unit on SD trucks. I regularly see the operation of a SD35 on a local shortline a few blocks from my home, The Southern Railway of British Columbia (Same owners as Montana Rail Link) who roster a single SD35 which they run with their SD38/SD38-2s on their Fraser Valley Sub which is made up of many 2.75% grades requiring the larger power. It is a pretty rare bird and is impressive to watch and listen to in person when pulling tonnage up steep grades.

Hi Folks,

That sounds neat - I had been researching SD35's on YouTube and came across this video of an SD35 in notch 8 - it's being lead by an SD40 - but unfortunately no side by side shot for a relative comparison.

https://youtu.be/CS_DoLtgbEE

Thanks.

Regards,
Scott

[buzz456]

Kinda pricey but there is this. https://www.store.searchlight-simulatio ... rsd40-bnsf