Open Rail Conversion Kits

[R. Steele]

I've started this new thread about the OR Conversion Kits.

I'll bump this thread to post about future releases, information, instructions, and updates to the Conversion Kits.
Please post questions, comments, critiques, advice, what-have-you to this thread.

Most of the testing is done for the BNSF Scenic, just a matter of getting the work finished.
I'll be adding the ORTSMaxTractiveCurves to the Scenic locomotive files, I think I have got a handle on that.
Thanks to folks who helped through information posted in threads and email advice.

The Scenic should be ready next week.
Here's what will be included:
1. BNSF Scenic 2 - SLI.BNSF and SLI_BNSF_FREIGHT
2. BNSF-Scenic2-01-update - SLI.BNSF
3. BNSF-Scenic2-LocoUpgrade - SLI.BNSF and SLI_BN_FREIGHT and SLI_BOEING_FREIGHT
4. BNSF-Scenic v.1.1 - SLI.BNSF and SLI.FREIGHT
5. EMPIRE_BUILDER - SLI_AMT_EMPIRE_BUILDER

Common.inc folder and Conversion Docs.
There will be a complete list of all eng and wag files included in each of the above. That's to help you install them.
This set was complicated because of the various versions, updates, and patches. So you'll have to match up the various install files with what you actually have in your trainset. More about that when I release.
Stay tuned.

Thank You, Gerry

[=FI=Ghost]

Following!

[R. Steele]

I just completed uploading the BNSF Scenic conversion kit to the library. Should appear within the next few days.

This may be a complicated install for some...due to the two route versions, and the upgrades/updates.

I've tried to organize it in manner I thought best...any troubles, please post in this thread ( best way ) or pm or email, if you wish.
Included in the Conversion Docs is a Scenic Equipment List doc that shows what wag or eng files are in each trainset OpenRails folder.

Much thanks to David Richtmyer for all his help in figuring out what stock went where...and for testing.
Also thanks to Derek Morton, for generously sharing his knowledge and patiently helping me when I asked. Be well, my friend.

Here's the install readme for the Scenic

Installing BNSF Scenic - OR Conversion Kit
Within the BNSF_Scenic.zip file (named for the route the equipment belongs to) you will find seven folders:
1. BNSF-Scenic2
2. BNSF-Scenic2-01-update
3. BNSF-Scenic2-LocoUpgrade
4. BNSF-Scenic v.1.1
5. EMPIRE_BUILDER
6. Common.inc
7. Conversion_DOCS

In each of the folders 1 thru 5 you will find a TRAINSET folder.
Within the TRAINSET folder are folders named exactly the same as the default equipment folders that were provided with the route, update or upgrade.
Contained in the equipment folders are OpenRails folders, nothing else. NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE TO ANY MSTS EQUIPMENT.

You will have to determine which route, update, and upgrade you have. Use the Scenic Equipment List provided to help with that chore. Once you know what you have, paste the appropriate TRAINSET folders over your TRAINSET folder.

You may also paste the appropriate equipment folders directly into your TRAINSET folder, if you wish.
**NOTE - Remember, any eng or wag file in an OpenRails folder MUST HAVE a MSTS default eng or wag file in the parent folder, one level up.

Some of the eng include files in the OpenRails folders may ask to overwrite, that is okay, they are duplicates. Even though the default SLI MSTS shape file was upgraded, this does not affect the OpenRails include eng file.

Place Folder 6, the Common.inc folder, in your TRAINSET folder that has all the BNSF Scenic equipment. If you have a previous OR Conversion Kit, there will be overwrites, that is okay.
(see Common.inc explanation in Install-Readme doc.)

You are now ready to use the equipment in Open Rails.
(see Known-DieselExhaust-Bug readme for more information)

For more information critical to the use and understanding of this conversion kit and OR in general, please read the other documents included with the kit...found in the Conversion_DOCS folder.

Note: If you have another conversion kit Brake&Coupler files for both Locos & Wagons will overwrite...that's okay, just let them do so.

Also make sure you read these two docs to understand OR Diesel Exhaust
OR_Diesel_Exhaust .odt
Known-DieselExhaust-Bug.odt

Enjoy
Regards, Gerry

[R. Steele]

I just uploaded an UpGrade for the Willamette Pass Open Rails Conversion Kit ( willamette_pass.zip ). The upgrade contains revised ORTS Diesel Engine block files and new ORTS Max Tractive Force Curves. No changes to wag inc file were made, so none are in the upgrade, for the engine inc files only.

Later this week and into the month of October, I plan on uploading the following and maybe a surprise or two...see how it goes.
1. SLI ATSF Seligman Trainset Conversion Kit
2. SLI BNSF Seligman Trainset Converstion Kit
3. SLI DRGW GreenRiver Trainset Conversion Kit
4. Something for our Canadian fans...maybe either the MLT Bala equipment that is used in the new CN Blackfoot Activity Templates, or CP Mactier Trainset Conversion Kit.
More coming... Thanks to those who have provided feedback. Questions? PM me here at TS.

[ebnertra000]

These are great, Gerry! I've only started converting stuff with these kits (all my SD40-2s, dash 9s, etc.), and some rolling stock, so I haven't felt any effects in-game just yet, but I'm glad you're keeping these coming

[derekmorton]

Hi Gerry,

Your work is much appreciated here.

[conductorchris]

Thank you, Gerry

[klsc85]

1. SLI ATSF Seligman Trainset Conversion Kit

4. Something for our Canadian fans...maybe either the MLT Bala equipment that is used in the new CN Blackfoot Activity Templates, or CP Mactier Trainset Conversion Kit.

Gerry, have you been reading my mind????

Uncle E

[Timbit]

Thanks Gerry .

[R. Steele]

Uploaded DRGW Green River conversion kit to library. One major change I've made...is changing the name of the standard engine inc files to the following ( for example ) "Std_Eng_SD40-2.inc". Eliminating the name of the payware supplier. It is becoming too confusing for me to keep track of three or more different sets of inc files. In my setup everything, regardless of vendor, is named Std_Eng_XXX.inc.

In making up the engine blocks and curve sets I attempt to find data that sets up a prototypical locomotive made by the original GE, EMD, ALco or whatever manufacturer. That's the hard part...finding good, accurate data.
( Thanks to Bob Boudoin, Derek Morton, and others for all the information they have given to the community )

So if anyone has or knows of good data, that's documented, I would be appreciative of knowing about it. Anyway, the whole point of these kits is to introduce people to the method of using OR physics employing the common folder and include files, providing a basic template to use.

for all the thank yous... You are very welcome, my pleasure, learning all the time.

[derekmorton]

That is a simplification that I would agree with, and much less work on your part.

Many thanks

[bobwdude]

Thanks for all your hard work. I can't wait to run to see how many knuckles I can break on the DRGW...

[R. Steele]

Thanks for all your hard work. I can't wait to run to see how many knuckles I can break on the DRGW...

The wagon couplers in the Common.inc\Fleet Folder are set to not break - 1850kN, lower them to around 900kN +or- and depending upon consist makeup and loading, you will find a breaking point. When I run activities on the powder river or soldier summit, I usually lower the couplers just to the point where improper handling may break them. I find 750kN breaks most of the time (too low for me). Enjoy.

Nice thing about the common.inc folder....one adjustment does all the cars. Although, you could copy the couplers I provided, adjust the values to break, rename them to your preferences and only use those on certain cars.

[R. Steele]

Since couplers were mentioned, now would be a good time to explain something. The kits only have two types of couplers for wagons, a standard freight and a standard passenger coupler, that's it. I have sub folders in the Fleet folder ( in my setup) and one of those is for couplers. I have a coupler for Autoracks, couplers for COFC and TOFC cars, slack and rigid couplers, Type E and so forth. I wanted to keep these kits simple and basic, however, and so I'm only putting in two basic types. OR at this point does not model couplers with much sophistication. Some work on the coupler scheme is being done, I think some of it was withdrawn because of some unexpected bugs, but I'm sure in the future the sim will model a variety of coupler types. I urge people that are interested and know about couplers ( I do not...I'm still learning about them) to experiment and keep up with new developments.

[bobwdude]

Ah. Thank you for the clarification. I can't wait to see your next conversions.