[steamer_ctn]

I have been studying the steam effects on steam locomotives, and as I understand it MSTS did not include code for the "DrainpipeFX" steam effect.

It appears to be a relatively simple task to implement it within the current OR steam code, provided it's operation is kept relatively simple and consistent.

As it can only be coded with a single set of operating parameters, it is envisage that it be set up along the following lines:
i) to be used for small steam leaks, and drainpipes, air compressors, etc.
ii) has a single low volume of steam, thus presenting a wispy appearance
iii) it would be potentially on at all times.

Multiple "DrainpipeFX" entries can be defined in the ENG file to provide multiple steam leak effects, all with same appearance, but at different locations.

One possible downside with enabling this feature, is that some ENG files may already have this value defined, which might be in the "wrong" location. Therefore these locomotive will start to have steam appearing at the location defined. However as it proposed to only have a small amount of steam showing, this may not be an issue depending upon the location defined on the locomotive.

Is this feature worth enabling?

[dforrest]

My opinion is that it is certainly worth implementing.

[copperpen]

Needs to be separated from the stack steam effects though. The cylinderfx looks a bit silly coming out in puffs as well.

Needs the facility to decide if on permanently for each drainpipefx used.

[farrmp]

I too, would love to see Steam Effects available on Steam Locomotives. ( It wouldn't have been me that was seen driving with
the CylinderCocks open? )

Paul

[steamer_ctn]

Whilst studying some of the steam effects for OR I came across this video showing the operation of the steam cocks on a locomotive. Note how the steam output alternates as the steam piston moves backwards and forwards.

This inspired me to make some modifications to the OR code to try and simulate this operation, and other steam effects as follows:
i) Alternating steam cylinder cocks - when cocks opened, and locomotive is moving
ii) Compressor steam leak - when the compressor operates
iii) Drainpipe (leak) - currently permanently on.

Attached is an attempt to model the above.

To use install this patch:
i) OR program in "test" program folder.
ii) Set up a consist with the test locomotive (E2A Atlantic - #5266) from here, and then overwrite the ENG file with the one attached to this post.

Thanks

EDIT - files updated in post below to correct some issues.

[Kazareh]

Unfortuantely I am unable to test this, as your locomotive's .exe file will not work on W7 64 Bit, all it does is sit in my processes at 108K memory and do nothing. At all. Not even process-killable.

I tried setting up my own .eng as such, however even after the OR_Program.zip addition, I cannot see any visible change in steam behavior.

[steamer_ctn]

It appears that I was "too economical" with the patch files.

The patch attached should now have sufficient files to run correctly. Install and overwrite these into your test OR program folder.

Note: The following option in the Options Menu should be unchecked - Large address aware binaries. When this option is checked it will open a different RunActivityLAA.exe file which has not been included with this patch.

When run OR should identify a debug version.

I am sorry for any confusion.

EDIT: Program file removed as implemented in OR #3450. Working example locomotive here.

[Kazareh]

Unfortunately after installing this, I run into the same issue that I do with the afore-mentioned .exe file.

[dforrest]

 Kazareh, on 17 February 2016 - 11:38 PM, said:

Unfortunately after installing this, I run into the same issue that I do with the afore-mentioned .exe file.

Could it be bacause you use "RunActivityLAA.exe" and it is not included?

[wellsburg]

Hello All,

Peter has really advanced the appearance of steam locos in OR. Here are some screen shots.

OR test loco Atlantic cylinders blowdown




Atlantic showing forward blowdown.




Atlantic showing rear cylinder blowdown. Forward and rear blowdown are synchronized to piston position. Screenshot did not capture it, but there is a wisp from a drain pipe near the cab. Also, the air compressors, when running, have exhaust wisps.




Even the little guys look good.




Another application of Peter's exhaust enhancements.




Setup will require some one-time work by the users. The X Y Z positions for the desired exhausts need to be defined. A straight forward method is to view the loco in SView and load Postool as a second shape. The Postool can be positioned to the specific exhaust location and the X Y Z coordinates noted. Enter these coordinates in the loco .eng file in the SteamSpecialEffects section.

For instance, here are the settings for the Test Atlantic.

DrainpipeFX
(
-1.35 1.1322 -3.4974
-0.4 -1 -0.2
0.05
)

Comment ( Compressor - Back )
CompressorFX
(
-1.15 2.65 -1.75
-1 -1 0
0.05
)

Comment ( Compressor - Front )
CompressorFX
(
-1.15 2.65 -1.15
-1 -1 0
0.05
)

Comment ( Cylinder - Left )
CylindersFX
(
-1.0485 1.0 2.8
-1 0 0
0.1
)

Cylinders2FX
(
-1.0485 1.0 3.7
-1 0 0
0.1
)

Comment ( Cylinder - Right )
CylindersFX
(
1.0485 1.0 3.7
1 0 0
0.1
)

Cylinders2FX
(
1.0485 1.0 2.8
1 0 0
0.1
)
)
)


This is a great improvement for OR steam engines. Thank you Peter.

Mike Gray a.k.a. wellsburg