RSC 2-8-0 CONSOLIDATION

[mrennie]

I only recently got into running steam so I hadn't heard of it. Thanks for enlightening me! It does work and I ran the scenario but it takes all the fun out of it. All that training to coax the reverser into the prime position shot to hell!

Back on topic: I finally got the Consolidation yesterday and have been learning to operate it whenever I can kick my kid out of minecraft.
I'm part way through the tutorial where I just topped up the tender with coal and went back to couple on to the train but it won't couple back up. I've tried slow and fast, I've tried clicking on the coupler but nothing works. Any ideas on how to fix this and continue?

I believe that to be a glitch in TS2013, as it happens with other locos and rolling stock too. It happens extremely rarely, but when it does, it's very annoying. I'm not sure if this works, but try saving and resuming, as it sometimes sorts things out (like the silent whistle, for example).

Also, what's the difference between hold and hold lapping on the train brake. I've read some on westinghouse brakes but they only talk about lapping, which I always thought held the current pressure.

If you have time, this is recommended reading: http://railtown.team.parks.ca.gov/volunteers/Document%20Library20/1/ABTH%20Manual%20Railtown.pdf

Here's what it says about the positions for the train brake handle in the 6-ET brake equipment that I modelled:

RELEASE: Connects the brake pipe directly to the main reservoirs, bypassing the feed valve, while holding an automatic set of locomotive brakes applied. Used primarily for charging a long dry train. If left in this position, the brake pipe could become overcharged, that is, charged to a pressure greater than the setting of the
FEED VALVE. To alert the Engineer, a distinctive “hiss” is audible when the H‐6 handle is in the RELEASE position.

RUNNING: Connects the brake pipe to the feed valve, which reduces main reservoir pressure to the desired brake pipe pressure. This is the normal position for recharging and releasing all brakes, and when running.

HOLDING: Recharges the brake pipe to the feed valve setting and releases the train brakes, but holds locomotive brakes, if set, applied.

LAP: Closes all brake pipe connections. Holds the brake pipe at the desired reduction, but does not maintain it against leakage.

SERVICE: Vents EQUALIZING RESERVOIR (CHAMBER D) air pressure to the atmosphere, causing the EQUALIZING VALVE to open and reduce brake pipe pressure a like amount. This applies the brakes on the train and locomotive in proportion to the reduction.

EMERGENCY: Opens the brake pipe directly to the atmosphere causing a rapid, uncontrolled reduction of brake pipe pressure and thus an emergency application of the brakes.

So in the game, there's no practical difference between HOLD and LAP, as leakage isn't modelled.

Oh, and thanks for the Rio Grande livery Mike!!

[CSX2057]

ooooo sounds good!

If only my sis can pay me 200 id get it right now.

200????? Dolars???? What kind of locomotive are you selling?

LOL nah! $200 I'm gonna spend it on DLC.

PRR K4
Horseshoe Curve
SP Cab Forward
BB + Chall Twin Pack
ATN Consolidation
Maria Pass
and last but not least SW1500 Switcher

[CSX2057]

NS Heritage.

[slick204]

If you have time, this is recommended reading: http://railtown.team.parks.ca.gov/volunteers/Document%20Library20/1/ABTH%20Manual%20Railtown.pdf

Here's what it says about the positions for the train brake handle in the 6-ET brake equipment that I modelled:

HOLDING: Recharges the brake pipe to the feed valve setting and releases the train brakes, but holds locomotive brakes, if set, applied.

LAP: Closes all brake pipe connections. Holds the brake pipe at the desired reduction, but does not maintain it against leakage.

So in the game, there's no practical difference between HOLD and LAP, as leakage isn't modelled.

Thanks. I was searching around at lunch and found (and saved!) the same reference. Does your modelling of the "hold" position release the train brake but maintain the loco brake like it says? I'll give it a shot tonight. I'll also hope that my train reconnects.

[mrennie]

Thanks. I was searching around at lunch and found (and saved!) the same reference. Does your modelling of the "hold" position release the train brake but maintain the loco brake like it says? I'll give it a shot tonight. I'll also hope that my train reconnects.

I think it does what the programme does for Hold, just holds the brake pressure, the same as Lap

The behaviour of the different positions is all programmed in the internals of RW (and you have to use the reserved words for the different positions). The only things you can tune in the blueprint are the reservoirs' pressures, brake force, the rate of charge and discharge and so on, but not what the positions do. That's another reason why there's no independent bail-off - it's not been programmed in the core.

[slick204]

I think it does what the programme does for Hold, just holds the brake pressure, the same as Lap

The behaviour of the different positions is all programmed in the internals of RW (and you have to use the reserved words for the different positions). The only things you can tune in the blueprint are the reservoirs' pressures, brake force, the rate of charge and discharge and so on, but not what the positions do. That's another reason why there's no independent bail-off - it's not been programmed in the core.

I tried it last night and they do the same thing. It's not a big deal. I got the train to couple though and finished the scenario but it was a slow crawl up the hill. I had it on automatic fireman and you're absolutely correct in that he doesn't do a very good job. I'll have to run it again with it turned off. Practice, practice practice!

[bpetit]

Slick, try with the dampers on full. I was able to do 8-12 mph.

[CSX2057]

Dampers always helps. Steam engine is a bit of challenge isn't it? I LOVE IT!!

[mrennie]

Slick, try with the dampers on full. I was able to do 8-12 mph.

This was because with the dampers fully open, the fireman put more coal in the firebox and managed to get it to the ideal mass, right? With the damper closed, he only had it maintained around the idle (not ideal) level.

8-12 mph is to be expected on the steepest grade, but if you run with manual firing, it's certainly possible to reach the maximum permitted line speed (and more if you don't mind speeding), especially on the flatter part a few miles south of South Fork.

[slick204]

I had the damper open (it just says on/off in the F5 HUD). The auto fireman didn't keep the ideal fire mass as it was down in the 500s. I could get it going up to 11-12 MPH then he'd open the injector and the pressure would drop rapidly along with my speed. As soon as I got up the hill it took right off.

Yes, it's challenging. The first evening I got it, when I finally looked at the clock it was an hour past my bed time!
I think immersive is a better word. There certainly isn't much time to look at the scenery, signals, switches....

[mrennie]

I had the damper open (it just says on/off in the F5 HUD). The auto fireman didn't keep the ideal fire mass as it was down in the 500s. I could get it going up to 11-12 MPH then he'd open the injector and the pressure would drop rapidly along with my speed. As soon as I got up the hill it took right off.

Yes, it's challenging. The first evening I got it, when I finally looked at the clock it was an hour past my bed time!
I think immersive is a better word. There certainly isn't much time to look at the scenery, signals, switches....

You'll have even less time to admire the scenery when you run it with manual firing, but for me anyway, it's much more fun. It keeps you busy all the time! Even so, there's still time to look around, including when you go to the fireman's position where you have a better view looking sideways and backwards.

[mrennie]

Talking of immersion, I'm longing for RSC to get back to me about the patch I sent them. The addition of the rail joint and flange squeal sounds raises the "experience" to a new level.

[CSX2057]

oh goodie!!

[slick204]

Mike, I have a question about the scenario "Consolidating Power". After a very slow start I finally made it up to the tunnel. If "Slippery Slope" is worse than this, I'm never going to make it! Anyway, I had read something about blow back so I saved shortly before the tunnel. I got blow back and was dumped out of the scenario. I tried to restart but there were several broken consists. Not sure what happened but it looks like I have to start from scratch.

So, just how do I keep this, blow back, from happening? If I pull up all the way on the stoking pedal with that do it or will it eventually open the doors? What I mean, is there a minimum stoking rate or is it no stoking at all? That's what I was going to try but it's too late to start from the beginning.

Thanks for your help.

[bpetit]

Close firebox doors and turn off the blower I think.