Just discovered something by accident that turns out to be a happy coincedence: Serendipty!One of the things I've found less than real in MSTS is the default brake systems. From my (limited) experience running prototype engines/trains, I felt certain items are lacking. One of my biggest feelings of lack is the way the train brakes are handled by MSTS. That is, the so-called "Self Lapping" feature on the GP38 diesel, and the clumsy "never seen this before" steam brake system with its mind boggling "0-100% Release - 0-100% Lap - 0-100% Apply" baggage that makes train brake usage a royal pain when using a steamer to take a train down some serious grades, to say nothing of it not resembling any US steamers I have had the privilege to run.Well, I had to download a specific TA demo engine to be able to get the cars that come with it for reskinning. I don't have a "use" for either a NKP or LV RS11, but hey, sometimes you do what you gotta' do. On a lark, I thought I take a look see at what kind of cab came with the RS11's, and if TA used default GP38 sounds, or custom "Alco 251" sounds. I chose to run the TA supplied 2 RS11's x 20 loads option and started at Unicoi, TN on the BR Sub.It started about like the default GP38, and when abused, there was no slippage (another "unreal" feature, btw). Thus, I quickly concluded that the Adhesion and Friction lines in the ENG file were probably default GP38. No suprise.Then it came time to stop it. Like all the other diesels I have (that use the basic GP38 ENG file with some minor tweakings), I reached up and grabbed a bit of application by tapping the " key once. (All my diesels in the past use the default MSTS "system" of hitting a bit of air, and this brings bring the entire train to a much too effective halt. A feature that I've tried to adjust in the ENG files to more closely simulate the nature of actual trains... but thus far haven't really been satisfied with my experiements)Instead of getting "Apply 2%" (or so) in the text pop-up, imagine my suprise to see it set up to read "Running". "Huh?" I tap the " key again. "Lap". "What's going on here??"Tap the " key again: "Apply 2%"... and I hear the air kick in. "Hey!! This ain't default!"I grab a bit more air then bring it back to "Lap". It holds the air I've set and the air set dial stops."COOL!" I think.Sure enough, TA has tinkered with the train brake system to where it functions like it should for 1st Generation diesels! Now you can grab the amount of air you want, pull it back to "Lap", and it will hold that setting. When you're ready to bring it to a full stop with a maximum rate stop (without hitting Emergency, that is) you now must go to Full Service... JUST LIKE IT SHOULD BE!!Needless to say, I exited MSTS in a hurry, and loaded up the RS11 ENG file to see what they've done.I've found it. And now I'm going to make these same changes on all my other dieselsIf you do not have the TA RS11 demo pack, I encourage you to downloaded the RS11 Demo from Trainartisan.com and give it a try. If all you've used is the MSTS default GP38 brake systems... you will be in for a real treat: This is the way it SHOULD be. Now I'm going to go through my diesel collection and make the changes so all my 1st Generation will have this brake system.I love this sim.Have Fun!Andre Ming
Printer-friendly page | Top
[ Home | MSTS Forum | MSTS FAQ | File Library ] Copyright © 2002 by Nels Anderson. All Rights Reserved.