The idea of the ashtray is a good idea. :D This must also be cleaned at a certain time, and if it becomes full, this can then have a strong effect on "lack of oxygen" for the fire. (This also depends on the type of locomotive / ashtray construction of course).
I already had a similar idea about burning coal fire. (after certain time the "solid clumping" of coal). IOW, you have to stop after a certain amount of time to clean the grate (shoveling or shaking grate). Maybe make an extra option in the SIM with "reduced n% burn rate, increasing in time provided". An extra "key-y" (?) can then imitate the shaking grate / shoveling and reduce the "n% reduced burning rate" back to 100%. With some extra discrete triggers (shaking grate, but also separately for the ashtray ...!) it would be again beautiful for the sound effects. :)
Some other ideas are:
- If a low-lying injector is used, if water supply is not shut off (KEY-K / L) water will continue to run out of tender stock (via drain pipe).
- Additional function for Boiler Blowout, also has an effect on the boiler water level. (the water level then drops).
- Boiler priming (boiler water level> 100%) causes water in superheaters, so maybe "runaway train ..." (IOW, fast throttle at 0%, cylinder valves open and reverse at 0% to prevent this).
And suddenly I think of one more, from the good old days of MSTS. :)
- Boiler water level is n% higher or lower, depending on the slope of the railway line!
If possible, it seems convenient to me to "activate" every function with a new line "ORTSxxxxxxx" in the .ENG file, in order to prevent problems with existing models. (?)
I know, nice ideas. I also know that it is a lot of work to make these functions in OR codec ...... :sweatingbullets: