C&S Clear Creek Scenario Issues - Updated

[gtrtroger]

I figure I can drive a B4D as good as anybody can. That said, I keep encountering scenarios (DTG and Workshop) that have been created that really push the tractive effort of a B4D to its limits. In an effort to understand why the B4D seemed to struggle on parts of the route, I dug into (lots of research) the Operations of the C&S on the Clear Creek as well as other C&S Divisions west of the front range to look for a resolution. Actually, as it turns out, the answer was right there in front of us the whole time..... it’s just that no one building scenarios are paying any attention to it. They just stick a loco in with a bunch of cars and after minimal (struggling) effort and testing, publish the scenario as it is leaving the poor Engineer to “getter done” so to speak. Well, that’s just wrong and it takes away from the enjoyment of the sim.

So, I direct your attention to the route manual, page 10, the chart at the bottom of the page “Maximum Tonnage Rating”. This chart only makes sense if you know what it’s talking about. To simplify things, I have put together a PDF file (draft ATM) that helps explain what “Maximum Tonnage Rating” chart REALLY means and how to use it properly.

I hope this document will help future Clear Creek scenario writers.