P42DC Genesis add-on released on Steam

[sundog]

I think this DLC was produced by G-Trax and DTM, and it's only marketed by RSC. Not pointing any fingers, I just thought it might be prudent to point this out as RSC seem to be getting a bit of stick regarding the NEC route at the moment. Maybe they can't be blamed for everything

[bigvern]

I think this DLC was produced by G-Trax and DTM, and it's only marketed by RSC. Not pointing any fingers, I just thought it might be prudent to point this out as RSC seem to be getting a bit of stick regarding the NEC route at the moment. Maybe they can't be blamed for everything

Nevertheless, they must take on an element of responsibility when they accept something for sale through official channels. Don't forget not so long ago there was talk of content receiving some kind of "RSC Approved" certification, which would to me mean emphatically that it guaranteed a certain level of quality. I'm not saying the P42 is a poor add-on, far from it it's actually very nice and if I had the patience I wouldn't mind putting together a little US route to give it somewhere else to stretch its legs, but accepting and putting on sale something that fails on a basic level (scenarios that don't complete, state of the cab not saved) is a rather poor show (IMHO).

[VernonDozier]

I'm not trying to slag RSC off. I'm just saying satisfied customers are more important than making quick $$$ which seems to be the business practice gospel of these times.

[hertsbob]

Last night I encountered one of the "Scenario Failed" messages due to an AI train leaving it's path (I'm assuming this is because the scenario writer pathed it over hand points). Did no one either at the developer or RSC run this scenario to check it and why have we not seen a patch as yet?

I'm the developer of both SanB-Barstow sceanrios. I'm sorry that some of you have problems.
The problem with QA is that this error only occurs on some systems. We've tested it a lot and everytime it ran without problem. It seems to be a random issue.
However, I think I found a fix. Will be released soon on: http://gtraxsims.com/ It will laos be released over Steam when the loco gets an update for RW3.

It also appears the P42 will not reload as is from a saved scenarios. On each occasion I have reloaded a saved run the train has immediately gone into emergency applying the brakes and putting the direction lever in neutral. You cannot recover until the train has completely stopped and then reset everything. Surely a basic tenet of beta testing anything is how it performs when you reload a saved game. RSC are getting a lot of money for this stuff, it's not freeware and it needs to be right at these prices.

This is a known issue. It seems that if you press q while reloading a scenario avoids the application of the emergency brake. No fix for this, yet. Sorry.

Have you actually read this post?

Cheers

Bob

[sundog]

I'm not saying they shouldn't be responsible to a degree for products marketed under their banner, but IMO so should the original developers in the first place. Presumably they have their little army of beta testers? If a product is passed on for release in good faith, then should RSC use what resources they have to double check?

[Kariban]

Anyone else finding the train brakes take an age to bail off?

Rik.

What is "an age"? If it's about 15-20s I'd accept that - that's what UK passenger brakes take for a full release. If it's longer than that there might be issues.

No issues with this DLC so far bar the underwhelming railjoint noise which I think is just default anyway - been spoiled by the US wagon soundpack. The cab for once is a quiet place!

I'm pretty sure RSC do beta-test everything that goes to Steam, seeing as I think they have to deal with Valve for 3rd parties anyway.

[GenesisMan]

Last night I encountered one of the "Scenario Failed" messages due to an AI train leaving it's path (I'm assuming this is because the scenario writer pathed it over hand points).

On the Ridin' the Chief Scenario, we drive about an hour, then we arrive at a double red signal and get hit by a freight train The BNSF #8340 Refr.

It also appears the P42 will not reload as is from a saved scenarios. On each occasion I have reloaded a saved run the train has immediately gone into emergency applying the brakes and putting the direction lever in neutral. You cannot recover until the train has completely stopped and then reset everything.

I also saw that... It seems that the scenario is reloaded with alerter in Emergency Stop.

[bigvern]

I suspect the brake release is probably about right, remember these aren't EP brakes on a short EMU. That's what makes the reloading bug a little more irksome - some of the scenarios have timed action points which a full stop means you might well miss. Re the earlier highlighted dev-text I think you would have to be pretty quick to hit Q as last one I re-loaded just now, "Emergency Brakes" was already written on the HUD when it appeared. Suppose I could try hitting Q as the scenario loads, see if the keyboard buffer puts it through, but we really shouldn't have to do this.

Still I do appreciate that the developers appear to be looking at the issues, maybe some of which at least are down to flaws in the simulation rather than the loco and stock pack.

[micaelcorleone]

(...)
On the Ridin' the Chief Scenario, we drive about an hour, then we arrive at a double red signal and get hit by a freight train The BNSF #8340 Refr.
(...)
I also saw that... It seems that the scenario is reloaded with alerter in Emergency Stop.

I quote myself (do you call it requoting? )

(...)
I'm the developer of both SanB-Barstow scenarios. I'm sorry that some of you have problems.
The problem with QA is that this error only occurs on some systems. We've tested it a lot and everytime it ran without problem. It seems to be a random issue.
However, I think I found a fix. Will be released soon on: http://gtraxsims.com/ It will also be released over Steam when the loco gets an update for RW3.

(...)
This is a known issue. It seems that if you press q while reloading a scenario avoids the application of the emergency brake. No fix for this, yet. Sorry.

Again sorry for the problems with the scenario, but it seems to be a random issue. Actually, it's a fault of the Railworks dispatcher.

The following updates are currently planned. Steam subscribers will automatically receive these updates.

- The Genesis Pack will be updated to take advantage of new features that will become available upon the release of RailWorks 3: Train Simulator 2012.
- Three scenarios are included with the Genesis Pack: two for the Barstow to San Bernardino route and one for the Castle Rock route. Now that the Northeast Corridor route has been released, additional scenarios will be provided for that route. Watch the Products - Scenarios page for information.
- The "VIA Rail" version of the P42DC lacks VIA Rail logos. As soon as permission is obtained from VIA Rail, an updated model with complete logos will be provided.

The following discrepancies, bugs, problems or "just feel like complaining" items have been reported. Those of us who put this project together will make every effort to address these items and we appreciate any help you can provide to resolve them.

- Emergency brake is applied upon resumption of saved scenario.
- Audio issues:
Some say the exterior P42DC audio is too loud, others not loud enough.
Some say the exterior Superliner audio is too loud, others not loud enough.
Some say the cab and passenger view audio is not loud enough. I think we can all agree it's supposed to be quieter inside the train than outside, and it is. The question is how much? Actual attenuation figures in dB would be a real help.
Some say the sounds aren't realistic. If that's the case, what is? And do you know of a good alternate sound source? That is, sound files that are free of clicks, pops, background noise or other ambient noise. I can tell you there are not many
of them available
If you have an opinion about these issues I'd love to hear from you, but be prepared to authenticate your statements. Provide references, internet links, or other corroborated data. Terms like "too loud" or "not realistic" don't mean much
without authentication.
- Partial lack of compatibility with Raildriver.

[Kariban]

I have run into the savegame issue and locomotive state myself - the problem being ( iirc, it was a few months back ) that obviously saving the game doesn't save the state of the script. I'm not sure I ever found a solution but I think I might have some possibilities.

[Wikkus]

Anyone else finding the train brakes take an age to bail off?

Rik.

What is "an age"? If it's about 15-20s I'd accept that - that's what UK passenger brakes take for a full release. If it's longer than that there might be issues.

Okay, from about 68% on the HUD which is just shy of "Suppression" with the following readings on the HUD (bear in mind, there are no working in-cab brake gauges...) :
Brake Pipe :80.1
Brake Cylinder :74.8
Main reservoir :132.2
EQ Pressure :80.1

...brake release (0psi in the BC) takes 28 seconds.

A "50% application" (50.8psi BC pressure) takes 19 seconds to release to zero
A "25% application" (15.4psi BC pressure) takes 6 seconds to release to zero

What actually caught my attention the most was the beginning of scenarios where you're stopped; the brakes begin are in "emergency", i.e. 100% application, 93psi in the BC and the BP pressure is falling toward zero. Should it actually reach zero, then a brake release sees *17 seconds* before the BC pressure even changes from 93psi and a further 34 seconds before the brakes are fully off and the train can move -- 51 whole seconds.

Were this a mile-long freight then I might be persuaded to believe it were realistic, however, for a six-coach Amfleet or Superliner consist, less so.

I have other concerns about the braking but suspect they're more to do with the amount of "travel" of the lever when controlling from the k/b rather than using the Fisher Price "My Little Trainset" thing.

Rik.

[Kariban]

If it was a mile long freight you're probably talking in minutes before the rear end gets released. That seems a little long from a european perspective, but it might be right, who knows. A minute to release from emergency isn't totally unbelieveable.

[Wikkus]

If it was a mile long freight you're probably talking in minutes before the rear end gets released. That seems a little long from a european perspective, but it might be right, who knows. A minute to release from emergency isn't totally unbelieveable.

I appreciate the point, however, the real issue (for me) is the starting state of "emergency". Any clues as to how to make it less, e.g. 50%, maybe?

Rik.

[Kariban]

If it was a mile long freight you're probably talking in minutes before the rear end gets released. That seems a little long from a european perspective, but it might be right, who knows. A minute to release from emergency isn't totally unbelieveable.

I appreciate the point, however, the real issue (for me) is the starting state of "emergency". Any clues as to how to make it less, e.g. 50%, maybe?

Rik.

I think changing the default value of the TrainBrakeControl ( try .75 instead of 0 ) will do it.