WAL - Coal Empties Return

[dforrest]

Mike, the best way to change the brake parameters for OR would be to create an OR-specific .eng file in an OpenRails subfolder. This will only be read by OR.

[MikeandDi]

Thanks for the advice David, but I have been successfully using this method for too long now to change.

I am keeping my eye on the forums regarding OR specific subfolders, and, as soon as I can fully understand what to do, and what settings to use, I may change over to this method.

I never use MSTS now, so altering the files my way does the job for me at the moment.

I am, however, using OR subfolders for track squeal and point sounds, and find these excellent, if a little loud.

Kind regards
Mike

[dforrest]

Thanks for the advice David, but I have been successfully using this method for too long now to change.

I am keeping my eye on the forums regarding OR specific subfolders, and, as soon as I can fully understand what to do, and what settings to use, I may change over to this method.

I never use MSTS now, so altering the files my way does the job for me at the moment.

I am, however, using OR subfolders for track squeal and point sounds, and find these excellent, if a little loud.

Kind regards
Mike

I also am moving only to using only OR.

As I understand it, if you put a complete .eng or .eng file in an "openrails" sub-folder of the stock, OR will use this and MSTS will continue to use the one in the stock folder.

How are you using openrails sub-folders for track sounds?

_____________
David

[MikeandDi]

Hi David

Have a look in the latest Open Rails Manual, available here -

http://openrails.org/learn/manual-and-tutorials/

Section 13.3 describes the procedure. It's a bit fiddly to set up, and has to be set up in each mini route (if you are using these), and in each route within the mini routes, but I think it is worthwhile to improve the realism of the sounds.

There is a useful topic on Train Sim Safe House here (including erroneous advice by me, corrected by Ged ) -

http://tsforum.freeclanforum.com/t1287- ... chescurves

I note that you were participating in this, so you may already have enabled these sounds.

Regards
Mike

[ianmacmillan]

I have just completed this actity - my first in Open Rail.

I stopped using OR when I kept failing to stop passenger trains.
After I updated to X4076 I gave it another try but the first activity I tried My path was blocked by an AI. This moved off at start up in MSTS.
A second activity also had an AI which didn't move.

When I tried this activity in MSTS I got low frame rates so gave it a try in OR. I am pleased to say that it worked perfectly.

I had the same problem at Poole but In MSTS I could see that the signal in the distance was off for the light engine so I set back clear of the main line and waited until it passed and got the correct road.

No serious problems with the rest of the activity.

I found that some of the reversing points dissapeared in the HUD after I passed over them but did not change the path.
Moving further back usually fixed this.

I came to a halt several times due to the slow release rate of the brakes.
I suppose I just need practice.
THe need to initiate the brakes every time I coupled on was annoying.
This is because the train included fitted wagons (the brown ones) on which the vacuum brake worked due to the unfitted wagons being piped.

I use the van brake on unfitted trains but do not like the way it works in OR. Much better in MSTS where it can be applied quickly direct from the Train Operations window.

I lost time on the trip.
One reason was the way the speed limit does not change until the complete train has passed over it.
Correct for the real thing but looses time in activities written for MSTS.

At least I have restored my faith in OR.

[slipperman12]

Hi Mike (and others),
You might be interested in my findings regarding the Q1 loco/tenders saga!
I've posted details in the Open Rails Forum where it might elicit some answers from those in the know!
http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... 3#p1834552

Cheers,
Ged

[MikeandDi]

Thanks for looking into this Ged.

It is obviously way beyond my understanding.

Mike

[eholly]

Good Morning Chaps

It is an extremely bright and white frosty morning here, on the mountainside, in North Wales.

What I love about our hobby is the dispassionate way we can discuss the various problems that arise. I have refrained from making any comment to date, as Ged has upheld my POV from the very start - the activity is designed to run on MSTS!

The most important factor in my decision not to use Open Rails was its complete inability to deal with a pick-up goods (in my experience) - or any activity where uncoupling/recoupling was an essential part of the service! So I dismissed OR as a tool for me. I do admit it is very good at running uncomplicated passenger runs from A to B - but surely there is more to our hobby than those?

I'm sure advocates of OR will disagree with me, but be in no doubt - until I can be sure OR meets all of my criteria, my activities will continue to be designed and perfected for exclusive use on MSTS.

Cheers and good morning to you all.

Eric

[scampispeedway]

Hi Eric, I have looked at Open Rails in the past and because of the problems in certain Activities not bothered with it, I only download and install Activities that are purely written for MSTS and therefore not expect
that it will run in O.R. o.k.
Therefore I totally agree with your post and hope that you will continue to create Activities for MSTS for many years to come.

Bob

[eholly]

Hi Bob

I'm sure many will disagree with us - but thanks for your comments - appreciated.

I'm not wishing in any way whatsoever to denigrate OR. It just doesn't suit me - that's all.

Cheers

Eric

[stephenrwells]

Hi All,

So far, I too, have kept out of this discussion but now I will add my views for what they are worth.

Yes, Activities especially written for MSTS don't always work for OR - a lot of my early ones don't so they continue to need to be run with MSTS and vice/versa.

No, Activities involving coupling/uncoupling can be successfully run with OR if they are written for it AND your OR is set up correctly. Two activities demonstrating this are:- Somerset and Dorset Route S - Harbour Goods
Huddersfield and Environs 1920 V3 S - LowMoor_HillhouseYard_Return This one also uses operational turntables.
Both of these also have weather changes during the activity.

My preference for OR is that the activities can make use of the extra functions available and often more realistic performance. OR is constantly evolving usually for the better but sometimes improving one aspect has a detrimental effect on another so an open mind has to be kept throughout. This doesn't mean that I have completely abandoned MSTS - when I run Eric's activities I use MSTS as that is how they are superbly written.

Regards,

Stephen