Railworks America

Hey everyone.

This is kind of confusing to ask, but I'll try asking anyway. Is there any way to make a steam locomotive that acts like a diesel?

Like, it's technically a diesel, but with the model, smoke, and sounds of a steam locomotive. I honestly find it confusing to keep a real steamer up to speed, and I think scripting one similar to a diesel might work better, especially for those of us who can't actually drive them.

I was just wondering if it was possible at all.

Noel.

Do you know how to drive a steamer manually firing it? The automatic fireman isn't too bright with some locomotives. I always hand fire them. Keep the water between 90 and 95% and the fire between 70 and 75% and the steam pressure will stay up if you have the other stuff set properly for the speed you are going.

I think I was reading that Mike Rennie has scripted an "Intelligent Automatic Fireman" for his upcoming FEF3. Mdurdan was saying how much he hates the existing auto fireman, and can't drive a "stick shift". Maybe Mrennie will stop in (or you could PM him) and say if this kind of thing can be applied to other locomotives.

I had to script an expert automatic fireman for the FEF-3 because of the loco being set up to simulate oil firing - the game's own auto fireman has no idea what to do in those circumstances and goes completely bonkers. It's certainly possible to script an intelligent auto fireman for any steam loco - you just have to make sure the game's auto fireman is off, so that it doesn't interfere. However, if you really want it to be as easy as a diesel, why don't you just run it in simple mode with one lever to go faster/slower and a button to change direction? Basically a toy train mode.

I just love steam engines Smokebox! I can't wait to buy your 2 steam engines buddy. As soon as I get some money. Your design on that fef is amazing! You did a great job!!!

Ok, so I do have another question. AGAIN.

On a steam locomotive, is the smoke that comes out of the funnel a child object?

Because if that is the case, I am going to try and change the smoke on the UP 4-12-2s to something a bit better than whats on there. And if, and only IF I get that done, I might change the smoke on all of the converted MSTS steamers and release the patches for them.

Yes it's a child object at least with the 4-12-2. Look in the MSTS\Conversion\Import folder.

Smoke,cyl cocks and whistle steam vapor are all child objects. To understand them better Papa express has a nice tutorial on how to make your own smoke and steam gizmos. Are you planning on doing more coverts? We hope so.