56xx released.

[stuart666]

Just how difficult is it to drive?

I like the list of content with the 56xx but I am not sure that I will be able to drive the darn thing... I play in expert mode always, but I don't ever do the 'Fireman' role when I drive Steam Trains, so, if I play in expert mode with this add on do I need to do all this 'extra' stuff to stop the train exploding?

Probably. I never tried playing with auto fireman, and I advise anyone who does to give it up. You can drive far more accurately doing it yourself. Besides, its half the fun.

Its not hard to drive as long as you remember 2 rules.
1 Start with the cylinder cocks open for 4 revolutions. I do it even when shunting even though its arguably overkill.
2 Only change the reverser with the regulator shut.

The brake is an added complication. But anyone who has driven the Manor on the just trains minehead route will be able to understand it. I found that it made braking easier if anything.

Remember those too rules and its not much harder than driving any steam loco in railworks.

[Darpor]

Cheers Darren . I'm not complaining at all, the only reason I'd buy this is for the realism lol. But I don't want to spend 14euro and not be able to drive the thing . So you got used to it you say?

It's not aimed at you Mark, nor John for that matter, but it is inevitable.

I did get used to it, it takes time though but it feels very rewarding. It's actually got me driving Steam much more now, I even fancy creating some steam based scenarios which was a complete no-no before. Thing is, Pete did tell me a long time ago that he would turn me, he may have actually succeeded!

[msey0002]

I always liked steam, put it down to Thomas when I was a lad, being this far away I've never seen a Steam locomotive with my own eyes except on YouTube! Being brought up half my life in Scotland, it does make me wonder why I've never visited Bo'ness before . Might get this add on...

[Marleyman]

Thanks for that answer crumplezone, sounds like it is not difficult then, just different to what we have all been doing so far. One or three more steps to add to the driving process.

I was worried that it was gonna be like FPS games I used to like before they went all '7 million bad guys' storming your position and you with only a tea cup to beat them off

I will buy it.

[Will]

I've got a video on the way, just uploading to YT now.

I absolutley recommend this add-on. It is certified as the best thing available for RailWorks, better than anything else created, by a long shot! It's so realistic, the sounds are incredible, the detail is superb, and not forgetting the attention to detail. (Kind of the same thing then!). I say to you all who are indecisive about purchasing....Go now to the steam store, and just buy it. With everything that comes with it, you can't go wrong! Thankyou to Pete for creating my most favourite loco from the Western Region ever, even more favourited by me than a Castle & King, and thankyou to everybody involved with the project, and for actually releasing it a day early.

As I said, a video on the way, to say thankyou to all involved. I'll post it on the site as soon as it's done. I sensealot of 56xx images and videos coming very soon, and (hopefully) not all form myself....

[msey0002]

Probably a stupid question...but how do you know when you block the cylinder cocks? I must admit, curiosity got the better of me so I left them open, but nothing happened?

[msey0002]

Also I cant seem to place it in a scenario. I am using the manual, but I seem to get all the GWR logos on top of each other

EDIT: never mind!

[rhysicus1989]

56XX has been released early guys!

[partyspiritz]

There just things I don't like and This is one of them

I am sure there will be people saying I am just picking


John

[Will]

Well to be fair, you have the regulator open fully. I exepct it was trying to load several smoke variants in the time it took the 56xx to accelrate hard, not long at all, so it plays them all...

[Kariban]

Another thing to note is you will probably require to check the numbering section of the manual when you place the 56xx down on any routes, as it'll need some alteration to the headcode area to make sure all the bits look right when you run the scenario.

Turn round in the cab and open the toolbox...

I've been driving this through several evolutions with the autofireman on most of the time, and it's really not any harder than anything else once you remember the drain cocks and the brakes. Doesn't steam so well, obviously, which is quite a big thing but then neither do the other steamers.

[FoggyMorning]

Also I cant seem to place it in a scenario. I am using the manual, but I seem to get all the GWR logos on top of each other

EDIT: never mind!

That threw me as well!

It's really a beautiful recreation and has a lovely turn of speed to it once you get going; I've been quite happily tootling along the GWR mainline with half a dozen B set coaches at 50mph.

The controls do take a little bit of getting used to, but aren't as daunting as they sound.

Also, I must comment on how well the claustrophobic feel of the cab has been captured, as well as the visual element. Having been on the footplate of 5572 (different class I know) at Didcot the other day you become very aware of just how tight a space the cabs of these locos were, and I think this really comes across well in the model

[msey0002]

Probably a stupid question...but how do you know when you block the cylinder cocks? I must admit, curiosity got the better of me so I left them open, but nothing happened?

Lads if anyone may answer this . The ejector seems to be functioning, but can't get my head around the cylinders

[Will]

Before you start moving, make sure the Cylinder Cocks are open. Leave them open for at least 5 turns of the wheel. It's safe to shut them when you hear the cylinder cocks steam noise change pitch, if you want to call it that. Give the wheels 5/7 tunrs I would say before shutting them and it being safe to carry on. I think I capture it in my video, I can't remember. It's just finished so I'll put it in a new topic.

[msey0002]

Cheers Will. I actually left them 'on' on purpose as curiosity got the best of me but nothing happened for some reason . Looking forward for the video