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The CTN Stock is not meant to be an exclusive collection of stock, but it is designed to specifically support the development of OR.
It serves the following purposes:
i) Provides a test model that is used in confirming the performance of code and model in OR. This is usually done by comparing the operation of the model against a documented railway company test report.
ii) Provides a test model that can be used to compare changes in OR code that might impact on the original functionality or operation of the model. For example, if a bug is inadvertently introduced.
iii) Provides users with configuration examples that they can use to set up their own models. The use of a common file format has been adopted to ensure files are as easy to read as possible, and to acts as a form of checklist.
Over time the "older" model ENG files get out of date and do not have all the new functions coded into them, so they don't easily fulfill the goal of item iii) as they may or may not have all the relevant functions in them.
One of my desires is to get a small group of supporters who, from time to time, review the various ENG and WAG files in the test models to ensure that they are up to date with all the most recent features.
In other words this would be an opportunity to showcase OR's capabilities, and encourage new adoptees by overcoming some of the "learning" hump.
I want to respond to some specific testing related comments from the other thread.
superheatedsteam, on 02 January 2023 - 03:10 AM, said:
I see the NS SD70ACE #1030 has a 3D model that is unable to be modified. If you can lower your standards, then I have an incomplete SD70ACe/Lc that could be used as a base. With an open licence, interested contributors in their respective fields can collaborate to compile a peer reviewed model of a SD70ACe locomotive for Open Rails.
The purpose of this model was to build a scenario that matched the test report linked to on the stock page. This report was used by NS to get the best performance possible for their locomotive fleet. Thus, it provides a real world demonstration of the actual load hauling capability of a diesel.
I am not fixed on this specific model, and I am open to a different model provided the physics are maintained accurately over time and it serves the goals outlined above.
ATSF3751, on 02 January 2023 - 05:06 AM, said:
I would be willing to help out. If you would like I could build an updated NYC Niagara 4-8-4 for testing purposes so we have a proper American 4-8-4. I just found a big article about there testing on the road. I will see if I can find any more American steam locomotives that have testing by the railroads. I do understand where you are coming from Peter with wanting test results but they are very hard to come by here in the USA and I honestly feel we have so many steam locomotives over here that people know how they operate under specific conditions that it is okay if we don't have test results for every single one of them. Every steam locomotive class performs differently so it is okay to not have test results for everything. I feel like lowering your standards just a little bit would be helpful because then more would be willing to help out in the cause.
Thanks for the offer to help.
I already have a Niagara on the stock page which refers to the documents that you have indicated.
Again I am not fixed on this specific model, and I am open to a different model provided the physics are maintained accurately over time and it serves the goals outlined above.
I agree that test reports are not very common, but this page has a list of the test results that I have managed to find. A lot of them have been instrumental in developing the physics of the steam locomotive in OR.The test reports provides a "black and white" measure of performance, and removes any potential disagreement in regard to how the locomotive should perform.
scottb613, on 02 January 2023 - 07:40 AM, said:
I'm certainly willing to help where and when I can - perhaps it would be better - to post the individual tasks you want done and we can evaluate our own abilities to accomplish said task? I've certainly spent a great deal of time trying to come up with the best physics possible for my locomotives.
As far as 3D Modeling goes - as long as detailed realistic textures aren't needed - we should be able to accommodate anything you need. UV Mapping and Textures are the most time-consuming aspects of any model for me.
As far as 3D Modeling goes - as long as detailed realistic textures aren't needed - we should be able to accommodate anything you need. UV Mapping and Textures are the most time-consuming aspects of any model for me.
For example, most of the models on the CTN site do not support dynamic coal usage on the tenders, this would be a good feature to have on them all.
So in short, my goal would be to have:
i) Good physics and features in the ENG and WAG files that are maintained up to date.
ii) Good looking models representative of the test report or scenario for which the test locomotive is created for.
