G-Trax Nickel Plate 765

[miata54]

First let me say that the subject loco interior view was showing just fine until after I decided to experiment with a camera view change found in the miscellaneous files in the library. The instructions say to change the fov number from the default 65 to either 30 or 45. I did that but did not care for the new view. I changed back the two fov files to the default setting of 65. Went back into RW2012 and selected the NPR765. Head out left and right showed just fine, but when I selected the interior view, you can see what I got by the screenshot. Just a column of smoke and an open air view. I deleted the 765 and installed it again. Same outcome. Also, there is a small black object directly ahead on the tracks. Any idea what that is?

I decided to do a "validate files" from Steam. No change. Still no interior view. I then decided to uninstall/reinstall Steam & RW2012. A complete fresh install. Still, no interior camera view of the boiler.

I purchased the NPR765 from Steam a couple of months ago and it has showed and run flawlessly. I am stumped why this is happening now. It is ONLY happening on this loco. All others are fine.

I need your help.

Thx

Chris

[steve_the_slim]

Supposedly all the G-Trax steam locomotives were broken by the TS2012 update. I haven't tried them myself, since TS2012 is barely playable even with TSX off. G-Trax is working on updating their engines for TS2012 but the updates haven't been released yet.

[miata54]

Thanks very much for the info.

[ugadawgs2716]

Just guessing from the screenshot, I'm thinking it's the coupler?

[Toripony]

It's not the only loco with a camera problem. I heard a theory put forth last night that adjusting the center-of-gravity of the locos for proper function on superelevated track may be the cause (just one theory). In any case, Rick is aware and working on fixes; there's more info/updates on his web site. And if you want to discuss things with him, write; he's a super nice guy (as I found out after someone once told me the same thing).

[MontanaRails]

Have no idea what could have caused that to persist like that.

I've also noticed that all the Berkshires have shading issues. It appears based on sun position, the side that should be in shadow is the lit side, and vise versa. The Northern and GS-4 dont seem to suffer from this issue.

So maybe theres some model issues.

[MugHug]

I have the SP&S Northern Pack by G-TraX and it displays exactly the same fault. I also saw a friend's copy of the G-Trax Nickel Plate 765 and it is the same. No shading issues here.

All we did was upgrade to TS2012.

I understand Rick at G-Trax is aware and there will be a patch soon.

Apart from the cab issue, my SP & S 700 looks and sounds stunning in TS2012, so I am willing to wait until Rick deals with the cab issue.

Regards

[MugHug]

Have no idea what could have caused that to persist like that.

I've also noticed that all the Berkshires have shading issues. It appears based on sun position, the side that should be in shadow is the lit side, and vise versa. The Northern and GS-4 dont seem to suffer from this issue.

So maybe theres some model issues.

I have found some of the BritKits locos have a similar sun side issue. The sunny side ends up being far too light in color and you can clearly see a hatched type pattern or imprint. The non-sun sides seems fine and correct in color. Not all locos but just some, which seems weird. Dick seems aware and is working on these issues.

[DelTrainVid]

I have seen a problem with the Berks of my own. You can't run them at high speed or on much of a grade because they suck at holding/building pressure. I was on castle rock with 4 SP heavyweights, running from Castle Rock to Larkspur. and I could barely keep 35mph. Could anyone direct me towards who to talk to about this or possibly how to change the settings myself? I have found the same thing with the UP Challenger/Consolidation, just not nearly as bad. Any help would be appreciated.

[Kali]

Hmm, I found I couldn't stop it blowing steam off most of the time. It sounds like you're running it with the reverser full forwards ( backpressure would stop it going over a certain speed ); instead leave the regulator full open and reduce the reverser until the steam use is around the same as the steam production. Use the F5 display to see that, it's much easier to read than the F4 hud. Steam engine reversers are analog devices, they're rather like an infinitely variable gearbox.

[DelTrainVid]

No, that's the problem. I know you hook up the reverser as you gain steam. This relies more on the expansion of steam rather than the volume of steam. When I run the K4, I have no problems. But with 765, I have to hook it way up to I am building steam, and when I get it hooked up so I do, I don't have enough steam going to the cylinders. Trust me, I know how steam locomotives function. And the 765 I downloaded doesn't steam right. I should be able to run her at half hookup at 30 mph. Instead, I have to run her at 15% hookup to conserve steam.

[Kali]

Seems fine to me:

NKPBerkSteam.jpg

There was a bit of a hump at 30mph-ish where I was producing more steam than I could use because backpressure was retarding my acceleration, but once I backed off the dampers a bit & backed off the reverser it started accelerating again.

To check:

* You opened the dampers? they start closed
* Brakes are left in running once released
* Ideal fire mass is 1000lbs.

[DelTrainVid]

I have it running on auto fireman. But, I'll try manual and see what happens. If not, I'm thinking something was changed between when you downloaded it and when I did that caused different settings.

[Kali]

Dampers are controlled by you no matter what sort of fireman; it's possible the auto one can't fire fast enough if you're really working the engine though.

[XDriver]

I was reading through here and decided to to do a test of my own.
Used a Berk in a scenerio for Horseshoe Curve. Picked one that started out in Allentown so it would be uphill through the curve. The consist I replace had 3 GP7's so the Berk replaced 3 Gp7's that were needed.
Was able to maintain the speed limit of 30 all the way up and could have exceeded that.
Full open damper, blower off, 50% reverser and 60 to 80% throttle to maintain the speed limit.
Shoveled coal about every 3 min. or so. Let it drop to 800lbs and shoveled to 1100lbs. Even left shoveling on at half speed at times but kept the lbs between 800 and 1100. Added water as necessary. Usually add after it drops to 85%. Even that you could at times set to on and about half and above to keep it at the same level.
Final result. I think it did one heck of a job. Boiler pressure was always at the top. Remember. It did the work of 3 GP7's.