[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

[farrmp]

Yes, it works! And a wonderful improvement for Steam Locomotive Lovers everywhere.
Thank you Peter for this and all that you have done on the OUTSTANDING Steam Physics.

Paul

[Kazareh]

Unfortunately I still no matter how I install it, am able to get it to work. Add the fact I run a 64 bit OS and would not be able to utilize the LAA system, is a bit of a breaker for me too.

[steamer_ctn]

Kazareh, on 18 February 2016 - 09:54 PM, said:

Unfortunately I still no matter how I install it, am able to get it to work.

To try and assist, can you describe how you set up the test environment to trial this patch? (You can PM me if you wish, and I will attempt to help you)

It should also be noted that once the patch is committed to the main OR code, that there shouldn't be any of these types of issues, as all the relevant files are included in the OR update.

The patch in this thread is really an "alpha" version for testing purposes only, before it is loaded into the "mainstream" OR code.

Kazareh, on 18 February 2016 - 09:54 PM, said:

Add the fact I run a 64 bit OS and would not be able to utilize the LAA system, is a bit of a breaker for me too.

I am also running a 64 bit software, and the patch works on my system.

The LAA exe would normally be used for 64 bit systems, but for this alpha patch it needs to be disabled, and the normal "runactivity.exe" used.

[steamer_ctn]

I am currently wondering how to control the "drainpipe" steam effect, which in this patch is permanently on.

Whilst doing research for this area, I came across this information on the steam pipe plumbing for a steam locomotive. (Refer to the three diagrams shown in the 5th post).

Does anybody have access to this book, and are they able to share any additional information, such as the descriptions associated with the diagrams?

Based upon a study of these diagrams, I suspect that the drainpipe should be linked to the injector operation, rather then leaving it on continuously.

Are there any other steam effects which might be worth investigating, and can be linked to existing steam controls?

Thanks

[longiron]

steamer_ctn, on 18 February 2016 - 10:52 PM, said:

I am currently wondering how to control the "drainpipe" steam effect, which in this patch is permanently on.

Whilst doing research for this area, I came across this information on the steam pipe plumbing for a steam locomotive. (Refer to the three diagrams shown in the 5th post).

Does anybody have access to this book, and are they able to share any additional information, such as the descriptions associated with the diagrams?

Thanks

Yes, I have this book. It has dimensional drawings of about 100 different US steam locomotives, with lots of pictures. Is there some specific information you are looking for? I can post details. The illustrations in the thread are the only ones of that kind in the book, IIRC.

chris