RSC 2-8-0 CONSOLIDATION

[mrennie]

That's very impressive (the new video). Just installed the update. Thanks again for this wonderful loco that just keeps getting better.

It's been said before, but it's true, and worth repeating - for me, my locos are a labour of love. I like to look after them (even though it's entirely unpaid).

[mrennie]

I made a new video using the HUD version. This is located at the start of my V&T Route.

https://youtu.be/_k2Yd_hSRNw

Great video and a superb route! There are some brilliant touches in the scenery, like the prairie with the horses, and plenty more besides.

I'll post a link to your video on my Facebook page.

[jalsina]

When reading the detail notes of the update, it is clear that the update installation overwrites the previous files.
But my question is, considering those that have not installed the first update:
Is the first update required before installing the second one? Or this also includes modifications from the first?

[mrennie]

When reading the detail notes of the update, it is clear that the update installation overwrites the previous files.
But my question is, considering those that have not installed the first update:
Is the first update required before installing the second one? Or this also includes modifications from the first?

It includes the modifications from the first update in September.

[jalsina]

When reading the detail notes of the update, it is clear that the update installation overwrites the previous files.
But my question is, considering those that have not installed the first update:
Is the first update required before installing the second one? Or this also includes modifications from the first?

It includes the modifications from the first update in September.

Then this would mean that the first update should be removed from the RWA "Accessories & Tools" library?

EDIT: I would go beyond. What would happen if the user removes the Sep version before applying the Oct one?

[mrennie]

Then this would mean that the first update should be removed from the RWA "Accessories & Tools" library?

Yes, that would be a good idea

EDIT: I would go beyond. What would happen if the user removes the Sep version before applying the Oct one?

Nothing at all - the October one is completely self-contained.

There's actually no need to remove the Sep version first, because the Oct version overwrites it completely (you won't end up with any conflicting mixture).

[tg626]

Most of all I'd like to see if the new smoke is pleasing, keeping in mind that the final version will add the greyer smoke when the coal/air mixture is nearer to ideal (and that's in response to a helpful comment I saw on the ferrosim.es forum). I just want to be sure that there won't be a lot of people wanting to have back the old smoke (I don't expect that, but I'd like to avoid problems).

However, I'd also like to know if there are any bugs (hopefully not) that I can fix before it goes to DTG - that way it'll have a smoother ride through QA.

I would say that now it's a touch too black. Granted this 2-10-0 isn't working particularly hard, but look at it's output.



And for comparison, WMSRR 729 - here we get various angles of the sun light and while the plume is black as coal when back lit, it's far grayer when the sun is on it (NOTE 729 was out specifically for photos on this run, so there may be some showmanship involved)

[jalsina]

As I write these lines I am running a QD from Conkelley to Kalispell in the Marias Pass. It is relatively flat terrain. I am using the HUD version.
I don´t know because I am far from an expert driving this locomotive, But I am noting some differences in the steam management. I am having problems to build steam pressure. I don´t think I experience that situation with the Sep update. But I can´t tell by sure.
I have my dampers open. My pressure keeps lowering. I have tried the blower, but my chest pressure remains low. Take a look to low is my cut-off and it´s been so for a while:
.

2015-10-12_00012.jpg

I have made two runs like this one with same result. I had not this type of trouble in The Horseshoe Curve and Soldier Summit.
The smoke volume and textures are much better now but, Mike, I think I would prefer a more grayish smoke as you are planning for the final version. You can´t distinguish any difference between open and closed firebox. But again, volume and texture have been improved a lot.

EDIT:

Take a look to this other pic. Check the controls and pressure in the HUD:

[jalsina]

I managed to build pressure with the help of the blower. After a while and suddenly, the locomotive stopped making a strong movement as if something was broken (no message warning). TS2016 will not allow me to save the situation (F2):

[mrennie]

I would say that now it's a touch too black. Granted this 2-10-0 isn't working particularly hard, but look at it's output.

And for comparison, WMSRR 729 - here we get various angles of the sun light and while the plume is black as coal when back lit, it's far grayer when the sun is on it (NOTE 729 was out specifically for photos on this run, so there may be some showmanship involved)

With the latest tweak I did yesterday evening, it's now a lot more grey when the firebox isn't overfilled with coal and has the right amount of air and draft going through it. It'll still turn very black given the right conditions, but not all the time.

[tg626]

(Does the damper matter in HUD?)

[bpetit]

Yes, the damper does matter. Pull it up all the way.

[mrennie]

As I write these lines I am running a QD from Conkelley to Kalispell in the Marias Pass. It is relatively flat terrain. I am using the HUD version.
I don´t know because I am far from an expert driving this locomotive, But I am noting some differences in the steam management. I am having problems to build steam pressure. I don´t think I experience that situation with the Sep update. But I can´t tell by sure.
I have my dampers open. My pressure keeps lowering. I have tried the blower, but my chest pressure remains low. Take a look to low is my cut-off and it´s been so for a while:
.
I have made two runs like this one with same result. I had not this type of trouble in The Horseshoe Curve and Soldier Summit.
The smoke volume and textures are much better now but, Mike, I think I would prefer a more grayish smoke as you are planning for the final version. You can´t distinguish any difference between open and closed firebox. But again, volume and texture have been improved a lot.

EDIT:

Take a look to this other pic. Check the controls and pressure in the HUD:

I think the problem you're having is that the fire mass is way, way too high and you're suffocating the fire and blocking the passage of air through the coal bed. The ideal fire mass is when it shows about 60% on the HUD (the ideal fire mass is 650lbs, out of a maximum of 1083lbs). At 90%, it's almost like having no fire at all.

[mrennie]

(Does the damper matter in HUD?)

Yes it does, definitely. As Brennan says, it's best to pull it all the way unless you deliberately want to cool the fire or if there's a low fire mass in the firebox anyway (with less coal to burn, you need less air).

The HUD for steam locomotives is rather stupid. It has a button for windscreen wipers but no button for the damper! You can still use the mouse in the cab view, or M and Shift M on the keyboard to open/close the damper.

Another thing I hate about the F4 HUD is that it used to have buttons for operating the injectors properly too, but it's been seriously dumbed down and now you just click on the water icon to inject water (and it uses only the exhaust injector, with no separate controls for the water and steam).

[tg626]

Yeah, so remember my asking if I should expect my train to stall on a 2.5% grade? Using HUD and Auto-Fireman? Um... I've had the damper closed all this time...



Just opened it and ZOOMED up that hill with tons-o-steam to spare... Oh well, good training in conservation I guess...