Monogame (recent releases) question - Engine performance

[pschlik]

I noticed in F5, the second BP reading starts dropping from 90, and the Flow increases. In v143, neither BP drops. Not real savvy on this stuff, so looking for better minds to provide input.

You have a TrainPipeLeakRate of 0.7, which is in psi/s. 0.7 psi/s is 42 psi/min, well beyond anything realistic. Somewhere in the last dozens of versions, a bug in TrainPipeLeakRate was fixed that made it actually do what it says it does (ie: make the brake pipe leak). Things should not be set so haphazardly to unrealistic values, even if there seems to be no consequence (especially if it seems like there's no effect-that probably means something is broken).

[qballbandit]

pschlik - you nailed it, and I appreciate your time spent with assisting me. I didn't even have to turn of the Advanced Adhesion option.
Admittedly, I am not a physics "power user". I've never taken the time to really get educated on most of it, so yes - some experimental values that did not manifest as issues in prior MG releases just bit me in the ass.

Thanks to all who provided feedback, I greatly appreciate it.

[pschlik]

It's unfortunate that fixing a bug in the program can reveal a bug in the content, but that's simulators for you. With the possibility of leakage being set this wrong, I think a new override (disabling leakage or limiting it to just a couple psi/min) in the 'correct questionable braking parameters' setting could be an easier fix than searching through hundreds of eng to see where the leak wasn't set right.

[R. Steele]

Guideline For Setting Open Rails Braking Parameters (Including Blended Braking) --- Joe Realmuto

OR Brake Settings Guide.pdf

[derekmorton]

Hi Neil,

All 3 pics show the brakes are on?

[R. Steele]

I just set up MG 162.2 with a Cima Sub Activity I've been foolin' with....everything works exactly the same as in MG 145 ( & MG158 ) --- no differences observed. Using advanced adhesion model --- here's the engine file being used ( no include files --- an OR engine file that I've been learning to make ) Also using OR brake parameters found in Joe Realmulto's pdf that I attached in another post.

IMISA@@@@@@@@@@JINX0D0t______

Wagon ( UP_SD70ACE_1989_OR

Comment ( ********* General Information ********* )

Type ( Engine )
WagonShape ( UP_SD70ACE_1989.s )
FreightAnim ( SD70ACE_addon_1989.s 1 1 1 )
Size ( 3.594m 4.431m 22.174m )
Comment ( 420,000 lbs )
Mass ( 190.5t )
WheelRadius ( 42in/2 )

Comment( ********* Coupler Information ********* )

Coupling (
Type ( Automatic )
Spring (
Stiffness ( 4e2N/m 6e6N/m )
Damping ( 1e6N/m/s 1e6N/m/s )
Break ( 1800kN 2275kN )
r0 ( 12cm 15cm )
)
CouplingHasRigidConnection ( 0 )
Velocity ( 0.2m/s )
)
Comment ( front coupling )
Coupling (
Type ( Automatic )
Spring (
Stiffness ( 4e2N/m 6e6N/m )
Damping ( 1e6N/m/s 1e6N/m/s )
Break ( 1800kN 2275kN )
r0 ( 12cm 15cm )
)
CouplingHasRigidConnection ( 0 )
Velocity ( 0.2m/s )
)

Comment ( ******* ORTS Curve Resistance, Wind Resistance and Derailment Coefficient Information ******* )

Comment ( EMD-Progress Rail SD70ACs Specification Sheet )
Comment ( EMD-Progress Rail SD70ACe-T4 Specification Sheet )
Comment ( Downer EDI Rail Spec. Sheet for SD70ACe/LC STANDARD GAUGE for Pilbara Duty )
Comment ( Canadian National RR Diesel Unit Data Book )
Comment ( CN Mechanical Dept. Drawing MP-176 for class GF-640 )

ORTSNumberAxles ( 0 )
ORTSNumberBogies ( 2 )
ORTSLengthBogieCentre ( 14.8336m )
ORTSLengthCarBody ( 20.7772m )
ORTSLengthCouplerFace ( 22.0472m )
ORTSWagonFrontalArea ( 158.4306ft^2 )
ORTSRigidWheelBase ( 4.1656m )
ORTSDavisDragConstant ( 0.0377 )
ORTSWheelFlangeLength ( 19.1516mm )
ORTSMaximumWheelFlangeAngle ( 1.308996rad )
ORTSTrackGauge ( 1435.1mm )
ORTSUnbalancedSuperelevation ( 65.024mm )

Comment ( ********* Adhesion Information ********* )

ORTSAdhesion ( ORTSCurtius_Kniffler ( 6.441 21.05 0.161 0.7 ) )
ORTSAdhesion ( ORTSSlipWarningThreshold ( 70 ) )

Comment ( ********* Resistance Information ********* )

ORTSBearingType ( Low )
ORTSDavis_A ( 1851.11 )
ORTSDavis_B ( 42.5797 )
ORTSDavis_C ( 8.740152 )
Comment( == Assumptions -Locomotive diesel/electric - speed - 65mph (105km/h), Low Torque Bearing, 6 axles, frontal area - 15.2m2, WagonWeight - 194.1 ton (metric), Drag 1.0 == )

Comment ( ********* Brakes ********* )

BrakeEquipmentType ( "Handbrake, Triple_valve, Auxilary_reservoir, Emergency_brake_reservoir" )
BrakeSystemType( "Air_single_pipe" )
ORTSBrakeShoeType ( "High_Friction_Composite" )
ORTSBrakeShoeFriction ( 0.0 0.49 12.1 0.354 24.1 0.343 36.2 0.314 48.3 0.293 60.4 0.279 72.4 0.269 84.5 0.262 96.6 0.254 108.6 0.249 120.7 0.245 132.8 0.243 144.8 0.239 156.9 0.238)
ORTSMaxBrakeShoeForce ( 206.842kN )
MaxHandbrakeForce ( 57.2kN )
NumberOfHandbrakeLeverSteps( 100 )
EmergencyBrakeResMaxPressure( 110 )
TripleValveRatio( 2.5 )
EmergencyResVolumeMultiplier ( 1.4 )
MaxReleaseRate( 6 )
MaxApplicationRate( 6 )
MaxAuxilaryChargingRate( 20 )
EmergencyResCapacity( 0.839ft^3 )
EmergencyResChargingRate( 20 )
BrakePipeVolume ( 0.46ft^3 )
BrakeCylinderPressureForMaxBrakeBrakeForce( 72 )


Comment ( ********* Fuel Refilling Access Points and Freight Animations ********* )

FreightAnim ( SD70ACE_addon_1989.s 1 1 1 )
IntakePoint ( 3.33 0.4 FuelDiesel )

Comment ( ********* Lights ********* )

LIGHT SECTION ELIMINATED TO BE UNDER CHARACTER LIMIT FOR POSTING PURPOSES

Sound ( "..\\..\\..\\..\\..\\Common.Snd\\MLW_710G3C\\710G3 C_UPeng.sms" )
)

Engine ( UP_SD70ACE_1989_OR

Comment ( ********* Engine Exhaust Effects --- Size and Position of Emitted Particles ********* )

Effects (
DieselSpecialEffects (
Exhaust1 (
0 4.72 0.99
0 1 0
0.23
)
Exhaust2 (
0 4.72 0.99
0 1 0
0.25
)
)
)
Comment ( ********* General Information ********* )

Wagon ( UP_SD70ACE_1989 )
Type ( Diesel )
ORTSDriveWheelWeight ( 194.1375t ) Comment ( Weight on all drive wheels )
ORTSNumberDriveAxles ( 6 )
MaxCurrent ( 1700A )
MaxPower ( 4400Hp )
MaxVelocity ( 71mph )
Sanding ( 15mph )
CabView ( SD70_DW.cvf )
HeadOut ( 1.72 3.9 7.15 )
MaxDieselLevel ( 4900gal )
DoesHornTriggerBell ( 1 )

Comment ( ********* Diesel Prime Mover Information ********* )
Comment ( With the exception of those labeled optional all parameters must be present for engine to operate )

ORTSDieselEngines ( 1
Diesel (
IdleRPM ( 200 )
MaxRPM ( 1000 )
StartingRPM ( 100 )
StartingConfirmRPM ( 250 )
ChangeUpRPMps ( 100 )
ChangeDownRPMps ( 63 )
RateOfChangeUpRPMpSS ( 15 )
RateOfChangeDownRPMpSS ( 10 )
MaximalPower ( 3430220W )
IdleExhaust ( 1.2 )
MaxExhaust ( 2.2 )
ExhaustDynamics ( 1.6 )
ExhaustDynamicsDown ( 0.8 ) Comment ( This parameter is optional )
ExhaustColor ( 20161819 )
ExhaustTransientColor ( 40212324 )
DieselPowerTab (
0 0
300 428778
400 857555
500 1286333
600 1715110
700 2143888
800 2572665
900 3001443
1000 3430220
)
DieselConsumptionTab (
0 0
200 13.6
1000 368.3
)
ThrottleRPMTab (
0 200
12.5 300
25 400
37.5 500
50 600
62.5 700
75 800
87.5 900
100 1000
)
DieselTorqueTab (
0 0
200 163772
300 109182
400 81886
500 65509
600 54591
700 46792
800 40943
900 36394
1000 32754
)
MinOilPressure ( 30psi )
MaxOilPressure ( 90psi )
MaxTemperature ( 120degc )
Cooling ( 3 )
TempTimeConstant ( 720 )
OptTemperature ( 71degc )
IdleTemperature ( 55degc )
)
)

Comment ( ********* Open Rails Max Tractive Force Curves ********* )

MaxForce ( 889033N )
MaxContinuousForce ( 778439N )
ORTSSpeedOfMaxContinuousForce ( 8.71mph )
ORTSMaxTractiveForceCurves (
0 (
0 0
3.41 0
4.92 0
7.15 0
9.83 0
13.41 0
17.88 0
22.35 0
26.82 0
31.29 0
35.76 0 )
0.125 (
0 111130
3.41 111130
4.92 77063
7.15 52981
9.83 38532
13.41 28257
17.88 21193
22.35 16954
26.82 14129
31.29 12110
35.76 10597 )
0.25 (
0 222259
3.41 222259
4.92 154125
7.15 105961
9.83 77063
13.41 56513
17.88 42385
22.35 33908
26.82 28257
31.29 24220
35.76 21193 )
0.375 (
0 333388
3.41 333388
4.92 231188
7.15 158942
9.83 115594
13.41 84769
17.88 63577
22.35 50862
26.82 42385
31.29 36330
35.76 31789 )
0.50 (
0 444517
3.41 444517
4.92 308250
7.15 211922
9.83 154125
13.41 113025
17.88 84769
22.35 67815
26.82 56513
31.29 48440
35.76 42385 )
0.625 (
0 555646
3.41 555646
4.92 385313
7.15 264903
9.83 192657
13.41 141282
17.88 105961
22.35 84769
26.82 70641
31.29 60550
35.76 52981 )
0.75 (
0 666775
3.41 666775
4.92 462375
7.15 317883
9.83 231188
13.41 169538
17.88 127154
22.35 101723
26.82 84769
31.29 72659
35.76 63577 )
0.875 (
0 777904
3.41 777904
4.92 539438
7.15 370864
9.83 269719
13.41 197794
17.88 148346
22.35 118677
26.82 98897
31.29 84769
35.76 74173 )
1.0 (
0 889033
3.41 889033
4.92 616500
7.15 423844
9.83 308250
13.41 226050
17.88 169538
22.35 135630
26.82 113025
31.29 96879
35.76 84769 )
)
Comment ( ********* Emergency and Wheelslip Throttle Information ********* )

ORTSTractionMotorType ( AC )
ORTSSlipControlSystem ( Full )
ORTSWheelSlipCausesThrottleDown ( 1 )
ORTSEmergencyCausesThrottleDown ( 1 )

Comment ( ********* Brake System ********* )

BrakesEngineBrakeType( "Air_single_pipe" )
BrakesTrainBrakeType( "Air_single_pipe" )
ORTSMainResChargingRate ( 0.4psi/s )
ORTSBrakePipeChargingRate ( 200psi/s )
ORTSEngineBrakeReleaseRate ( 38psi/s )
ORTSEngineBrakeApplicationRate ( 34psi/s )
ORTSBrakePipeTimeFactor ( 0.003 )
ORTSBrakeEmergencyTimeFactor ( 0.1 )
ORTSBrakeServiceTimeFactor ( 1.009 )
ORTSAirBrakeMainresvolume ( 28.35ft^3 )
TrainPipeLeakRate ( 0.0833psi/s )
TrainBrakesControllerMaxReleaseRate ( 10psi/s )

AirBrakesAirCompressorPowerRating( 4 )
AirBrakesMainMinResAirPressure( 14.7 )
AirBrakesMainMaxAirPressure( 140 )
AirBrakesMainResVolume( 12 )
AirBrakesAirCompressorWattage( 19000 )
AirBrakesCompressorRestartPressure( 135 )
AirBrakesAirUsedPerPoundsOfBrakePipePressure( 1.4 )
AirBrakesHasLowPressureTest( 1 )
AirBrakesIsCompressorElectricOrMechanical( 1 )

Comment ( ********* Engine Controllers and Controller Information ********* )

EngineBrakesControllerMinPressureReduction( 6 )
TrainBrakesControllerMinPressureReduction( 6 )
EngineBrakesControllerHasProportionalBrake( 1 )
EngineBrakesProportionalBrakeLag( 0.45 )
EngineBrakesControllerMaxApplicationRate( 7 )
TrainBrakesControllerMaxApplicationRate( 4 )
EngineBrakesControllerMaxReleaseRate( 14.5 )
TrainBrakesControllerMaxReleaseRate( 4.5 )
EngineBrakesControllerEmergencyApplicationRate( 8 )
TrainBrakesControllerEmergencyApplicationRate( 7 )
EngineBrakesControllerMinSystemPressure( 15 )
TrainBrakesControllerMinSystemPressure( 15 )
EngineBrakesControllerMaxSystemPressure( 90 )
TrainBrakesControllerMaxSystemPressure( 90 )
EngineBrakesControllerEmergencyBrakeTimePenalty( 60 )
TrainBrakesControllerEmergencyBrakeTimePenalty( 60 )
EngineBrakesControllerFullServicePressureDrop( 26 )
TrainBrakesControllerFullServicePressureDrop( 26 )
EngineBrakesControllerDirectControlExponent( 1 )
BrakesEngineControllers( "Independent, Train, Dynamic" )

Comment ( ********* Open Rails Dynamic Brake Curves ********* )
ORTSDynamicBrakeForceCurves (
0.10 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
1.72 48930
5.36 48930
6.73 39015
8.09 32441
9.45 27766
10.82 24265
12.18 21552
13.55 19381
14.91 17611
16.27 16134
17.64 14888
19.00 13816
20.36 12891
21.73 12086
23.09 11370
24.45 10738
25.82 10169
27.18 9662
28.54 9199
29.91 8781
31.27 8398
32.63 8047
37.10 0 )

0.20 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
1.88 97861
5.36 97861
6.73 78031
8.09 64882
9.45 55527
10.82 48530
12.18 43099
13.55 38757
14.91 35217
16.27 32263
17.64 29772
19.00 27632
20.36 25782
21.73 24167
23.09 22739
24.45 21472
25.82 20337
27.18 19319
28.54 18393
29.91 17557
31.27 16792
32.63 16089
37.10 0 )

0.30 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
2.03 146791
5.36 146791
6.73 117046
8.09 97323
9.45 83288
10.82 72791
12.18 64646
13.55 58138
14.91 52823
16.27 48397
17.64 44656
19.00 41449
20.36 38673
21.73 36249
23.09 34105
24.45 32205
25.82 30506
27.18 28976
28.54 27592
29.91 26333
31.27 25186
32.63 24132
37.10 0 )

0.40 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
2.19 195722
5.36 195722
6.73 156061
8.09 129763
9.45 111050
10.82 97056
12.18 86193
13.55 77515
14.91 70429
16.27 64526
17.64 59539
19.00 55265
20.36 51564
21.73 48330
23.09 45474
24.45 42939
25.82 40670
27.18 38633
28.54 36787
29.91 35110
31.27 33580
32.63 32174
37.10 0 )

0.50 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
2.35 244652
5.36 244652
6.73 195072
8.09 162204
9.45 138811
10.82 121316
12.18 107740
13.55 96896
14.91 88035
16.27 80655
17.64 74423
19.00 69081
20.36 64455
21.73 60411
23.09 56844
24.45 53672
25.82 50839
27.18 48290
28.54 45981
29.91 43886
31.27 41973
32.63 40221
37.10 0 )

0.60 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
2.50 293583
5.36 293583
6.73 234088
8.09 194641
9.45 166572
10.82 145581
12.18 129288
13.55 116272
14.91 105641
16.27 96789
17.64 89307
19.00 82897
20.36 77346
21.73 72493
23.09 68209
24.45 64406
25.82 61007
27.18 57947
28.54 55180
29.91 52662
31.27 50367
32.63 48263
37.10 0 )

0.70 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
2.66 342513
5.36 342513
8.09 227082
9.45 194334
10.82 169842
12.18 150835
13.55 135653
14.91 123247
16.27 112918
17.64 104191
19.00 96713
20.36 90237
21.73 84574
23.09 79579
24.45 75144
25.82 71172
27.18 67604
28.54 64375
29.91 61439
31.27 58761
32.63 56306
37.10 0 )

0.80 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
2.82 391443
5.36 391443
6.73 312118
8.09 259522
9.45 222100
10.82 194107
12.18 172382
13.55 155029
14.91 140853
16.27 129047
17.64 119074
19.00 110529
20.36 103128
21.73 96655
23.09 90948
24.45 85877
25.82 81340
27.18 77261
28.54 73569
29.91 70215
31.27 67155
32.63 64348
37.10 0 )

0.90 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
2.97 440374
5.36 440374
6.73 351129
8.09 291963
9.45 249861
10.82 218368
12.18 193929
13.55 174406
14.91 158459
16.27 145181
17.64 133958
19.00 124341
20.36 116018
21.73 108737
23.09 102314
24.45 96611
25.82 91509
27.18 86918
28.54 82768
29.91 78991
31.27 75549
32.63 72390
37.10 0 )

1.00 ( 0.00 0
1.56 0
3.13 489304
5.36 489304
6.73 390144
8.09 324404
9.45 277622
10.82 242633
12.18 215476
13.55 193787
14.91 176065
16.27 161310
17.64 148842
19.00 138157
20.36 128909
21.73 120818
23.09 113683
24.45 107344
25.82 101677
27.18 96575
28.54 91963
29.91 87768
31.27 83942
32.63 80437
37.10 0 )
)

EngineControllers (
Throttle ( 0 1 0.125 0
NumNotches ( 9
Notch ( 0 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.125 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.25 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.375 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.5 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.625 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.75 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.875 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 1 0 Dummy )
)
)
Brake_Engine ( 0 1 0.025 0
NumNotches ( 1
Notch( 0 1 Dummy )
)
)
Brake_Train ( 0 1 0.0125 0.3
NumNotches ( 5
Notch ( 0 0 TrainBrakesControllerReleaseStart )
Notch ( 0.3 1 TrainBrakesControllerGraduatedSelfLapLimitedHoldin gStart )
Notch ( 0.85 0 TrainBrakesControllerSuppressionStart )
Notch ( 0.9 0 TrainBrakesControllerContinuousServiceStart )
Notch ( 0.95 0 TrainBrakesControllerEmergencyStart )
)
)
Brake_Dynamic ( 0 1 0.10 0
NumNotches ( 1
Notch ( 0 1 Dummy )
)
)
Combined_Control( 0 1 0.5 0.5 throttle dynamic )
DirControl ( -1 0 1 1 )
BellToggle( 0 1 0 )
Sanding ( 0 1 0 )
Horn ( 0 1 0 )
EmergencyStopToggle( 0 1 0 )
Vigilance ( 0 1 0 )
Headlights ( 0 0.25 1 0 )
BailOffButton( 0 1 0 )
)
Sound ( "..\\..\\..\\..\\..\\Common.Snd\\MLW_710G3C\\710G3 C_UPcab.sms" )

Comment ( ********* Engine Description, Name and Reference Information ********* )

Name ( "SLI UP SD70Ace 1989 Open Rails" )
Description ( "The SD70ACe, a modern diesel-electric locomotive, most effective pulling loads over long stretches at moderate speeds" )
Comment ( VER3 Standard ORTS Diesel Engine for EMD SD70ACe Tier4 )
Comment ( Canadian National RR Diesel Unit Data Book )
Comment ( CN Mechanical Dept. Drawing MP-176 for class GF-640 )
Comment ( EMD-Progress Rail SD70ACe-T4 Specification Sheet )
Comment ( EMD 12-cylinder 1010TM engine )
Comment ( ORTSCurtius_Kniffler ( 6.441 21.05 0.161 0.7 ) )
Comment ( Power Ratings == Gross HP 4600 == Traction HP 4400== Rail HP 4118 )
Comment ( Continuous Tractive Effort 175000lb @ 8.71mph==93.6%eff. == Starting Tractive Effort 200000lb )
Comment ( Mass 428000lbs = 194.1375t == metric, Adhesion Factor = 46.7% )
Comment ( Mass×Adhesion Factor = Starting Tractive Effort )
Comment ( Brake HP -- bhp = Power-at-the-shaft = Gross HP or MaximalPower )
)

I've got no problem with questions, constructive comments/critiques or observations. ( it's a work in progress --- any suggestions on sound files would be helpful. )

[pschlik]

Another thing I think could be going on here is wheel slip detection. The rewritten advanced adhesion system seems to produce momentary erroneous indications of wheel slip (no clue why don't ask me) that could cause issues if ORTSWheelSlipCausesThrottleDown is used as even a little wheelslip could cause that to move your throttle handle to idle.

I still don't know of any locomotive where the "CausesThrottleDown" settings are accurate, the whole behavior of the throttle handle moving on its own seems to be made up, so we really shouldn't be using those. ORTSSlipControlSystem ( Full ) is a much better approximation of how the diesel electrics handle things.

[CSRX]

While it doesn't cause the throttle down in real life, it does drop its load on the meters to reduce wheel slip, at which point, myself, and many other real life engineers throttle down anyways to help reduce damage to the wheels, rails, and traction motors. So makes sense to have it set up that way in ORTS, unless it can be handled in such a different manner.

With the whole leakage, majority of the time a train can move with less than 5psi per minute, however it does go further up if there is an absolute major leak somewhere in the train or a cock was left open on a car. I've seen it up to 20 on a GP38-2 before, couldn't tell you the AFM reading, as those were ripped out by the mechanics.

[R. Steele]

Attached is a zip of the entire engine file ( my parent folder is SLI_UNION_PACIFIC ) --- uses shape files, etc found in that folder, to use file change sound and cvf lines to parent folder default cvf and sound files. The engine file has been renamed so this eng file can be dropped into the folder without disturbing anything else.

UP_SD70ACE_1989_OR.zip

[pschlik]

So makes sense to have it set up that way in ORTS, unless it can be handled in such a different manner.

As I said, ORTSSlipControlSystem ( Full ) is the "different manner". The slip control system will automatically adjust power to avoid wheel slip, though it's quite effective which will be anachronistic for older equipment. How to move the throttle is then up to you.

[wwhall]

I believe that many of Gerry Steele's .inc files have a stated TrainPipeLeakRate of 0.0833psi/second, which equates to 5 psi/minute, about the maximum leak rate that it allowed under Fed regulations. However, if a TrainPipeLeakRate is ALSO specified in the .eng file, that can cause problems. This has been discussed over on ET. In my opinion, there should two "leak rates" specified in OR .eng files, the TrainPipeLeakRate and a new "LocomotiveAirReservoirLeakRate." In OR currently, the TrainPipeLeakRate of the lead player locomotive is "globally" applied to the entire player consist. However, the main air reservoirs of each locomotive can also leak in real world operation. Unless that leak is severe, that won't affect air brake operation beyond affecting how long it takes to recharge the brake system (as does the TrainPipeLeakRate), but it will affect how often the locomotive(s) air compressor(s) will run. Also, as OR is currently programmed, AFAIK, only the lead locomotive in an MU and/or DP configuration is contributing air to recharge the brake system, which I do not believe is prototypical, at least on North American diesel locomotives. To be sure the air operations in OR are still a work both in progress and in need of more progress. One final note, both MSTS and OR "cheat" some on charging brake systems because, in prototypical operation, long trains can take a long time to "pump up" brake systems--e.g., 20 minutes or more on long trains. Many "gaming" simmers just don't like that.

[R. Steele]

However, if a TrainPipeLeakRate is ALSO specified in the .eng file, that can cause problems.

I use "TrainPipeLeakRate" only in the "engine" portion of Eng file .... this parameter is not used in the wagon portion of the Eng file or in any wagon brake parameters. I've kept it at regulation limit you describe as an experiment to see if it presents any problems ( different consist lengths, etc. ) and so far nothing I can notice. Thanks for the explanation....brake systems are definitely an ongoing mystery to me.

In my opinion, there should two "leak rates" specified in OR .eng files, the TrainPipeLeakRate and a new "LocomotiveAirReservoirLeakRate."

Currently the naming convention for new OR parameters has been to preface the parameter with "ORTS" --- so would this be the way to go >>> "ORTSLocomotiveAirReservoirLeakRate"? Any feedback from the developers on adding a new parameter?

...and...where in the Eng file would this parameter be used....eng or wag section?

[pwillard]

Is there already a tool that helps fix physics for engines in ORTS that originated from MSTS? I'm thinking of Markus Gelbmann's DPU utility. Am I mistaken?

[wwhall]

I use "TrainPipeLeakRate" only in the "engine" portion of Eng file .... this parameter is not used in the wagon portion of the Eng file or in any wagon brake parameters. I've kept it at regulation limit you describe as an experiment to see if it presents any problems ( different consist lengths, etc. ) and so far nothing I can notice. Thanks for the explanation....brake systems are definitely an ongoing mystery to me.



Currently the naming convention for new OR parameters has been to preface the parameter with "ORTS" --- so would this be the way to go >>> "ORTSLocomotiveAirReservoirLeakRate"? Any feedback from the developers on adding a new parameter?

...and...where in the Eng file would this parameter be used....eng or wag section?

That is the way that I use TrainPipeLeakRate, as well--via the .inc file for the engine. In my post, I was referring to two different aspects of that. First, that some .eng files HAVE a TrainPipeLeakRate entry. When I use one of your .inc. files, I delete the TrainPipleLeakRate entry in the "primary' .eng file--leaving the leak entry in both the .eng file and the .inc file seems to cause issues. Second, my comment is that the TrainPipeLeakRate specified for the player locomotive is adopted as the leak rate for the brake line of the entire train. For example, in a three-locomotive lashup, if the lead Player locomotive has a leak rate of 5 psi per minute specified, the train will leak air at 5 psi per minute. Now, if one switches to the cab of another locomotive in the lashup that has, say, a 4 psi per minute leak rate, the train will now have a leak rate of 4 psi per minute. I hope that clears up what I was trying to say.

Now my, as you clarified, proposed ORTSLocomotiveAirReservoirLeakRate is the leak rate out of the locomotive tank that the air compressor fills. This is NOT a train air pipe leak, but a leaks from the air tank that supplies air to the train pipe (in addition to independent brake, and air-operated accessories (horn, air-operated bell, moisture ejector, etc.). Indeed, the air to the train line could be completely shut off, and the locomotive can steel leak air from its main air tank fed by the air compressor. That is why a locomotive could be leaking air when idling by itself, not connected to anything else. Ideally, the ORTSLocomotiveAirReservoirLeakRate would apply to any locomotive, including AI locomotives and loose consist locomotives, and would be a parameter set in the .eng file for each locomotive to apply only to that locomotive.

[R. Steele]

Is there already a tool that helps fix physics for engines in ORTS that originated from MSTS? I'm thinking of Markus Gelbmann's DPU utility. Am I mistaken?

Pete, it's an eleven year old utility with limited uses to fix physics....especially considering all the code changes in OR since 2014. Here's a summary of the program found in the Elvas Library that Markus posted back when >>. ( HI Markus, hope life is smiling upon you )

Diesel Power Updater - DPU VX3.0

by Markus Gelbmann

A "command line", DOS-box-style utility to upgrade MSTS diesel locomotive .ENG files: It can change smoke, DoesHornTriggerBell, VigilanceMonitor and DieselEngineMaxRPMChangeRate settings. Additionally, DPU can correct the unit of the MaxPower statements to be kW and remove any AWSMonitor sections, that are of no use. Any of these operations can be defined and customized in extrenal "data profiles" (ASCII-formatted .INI files in subfolder "userdata" of the main installation). By Markus Gelbmann (markus_GE / markus1996).