PRR K4 - Steam 8th February 2012

[Acorncomputer]

Whether you are a fan of US Steam or not, this looks like an impressive addition to your collection.

This might inspire you -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTzuiAB_BE8

[styckx]

The most amazing thing about 1361 is that the darn thing never exploded after it's mid 80's (what the video is) sloppy and rushed `restoration'.. By many peoples accounts that thing was a ticking time bomb.

[Acorncomputer]

The most amazing thing about 1361 is that the darn thing never exploded after it's mid 80's (what the video is) sloppy and rushed `restoration'.. By many peoples accounts that thing was a ticking time bomb.

Let us hope that the TS2012 version is not prone to exploding

[pacerfan]

Out on Steam now

[bigvern]

I have not been that impressed by RSC Steam locos of late, they seem to be set up as bulletproof so you might as well be driving a diesel.

e.g:
The built in German steam loco continues to move and accelerate even when the steam pressure has fallen away in the boiler.

The 8F cannot be made to use more steam than it generates, thus negating the whole point of choosing to drive a steam loco - in that you have to manage power and energy production over and above just obeying signals and speed restrictions.

Then there's the (in)famous sound stutter when running a steam loco, which has not been addressed in the recent core update.

So I don't think I'll be rushing to buy this one.

[metrobus]

I wonder what the sounds are like, hopefully not like a black five Can't wait to see a video
Regards
Edward

[styckx]

Yet another steam locomotive in a long line (every single one of them) that looks great, sounds fantastic, when the audio actually plays and isn't going silent and cutting out on you.

[styckx]

Quick review from "my" point of view.

Model: 10/10.. It captures the "Pennsy" feeling 100%... Major major major major major credit for nailing it. It's as if RSC stole the museums model and flew it to Chatham to model.

Audio: 7/10. It captures the American steam sound well. Running sounds are a little more quiet than I prefer, and very quiet high speed running audio. Overall though great job.

Audio Performance: 0/10.. Seriously. We've been at this for over 5 years now.. Ditch the audio engine. It's garbage and everyone knows it.

Running: Steaming seemed fine, had no issues.

Quick tests show the audio cut outs seem avoidable if you avoid heavy interaction with a lot of other steam AI and keep it to doubleheading.. WW2 scenario I quit 10 minutes after starting because the audio cutting out was happening more than the audio actually playing. Tried another one and the audio was ok depsite passing some AI.. Hiccups here and there but it survived the short blast I did without completly dropping out.

Good model just beware of the audio engine limitations and you should be fine.

Edit: In cab signaling works!

[Griphos]

Thanks for that, Bill. How about steam generation and usage? Does it model the dynamics of running steam well?

[styckx]

Thanks for that, Bill. How about steam generation and usage? Does it model the dynamics of running steam well?

I had no issues with steam generation, seemed easily maintainable and didn't over steam..

My only issues are.. RSC and the audio engine that needs to be ripped out and given the same treatment the fax machine in Office Space got. And after 54mph the K4 has no high speed running audio.. Sounds like a boxcar with a steam leak.

[styckx]

Couple well lit screen shots. 95% of the ones I saw on Facebook were pictures of shadows.









One notable "I didn't see that coming"

The K4 light is a gigantic improvement for U.S. engine lights.. It actually lights up well down track like it should. Easily the longest distance light projection I've seen in the game.

[Acorncomputer]

This does look very nice indeed.

I am not a particular fan of US traction but this is different. I could be tempted

I will just go and check the piggy bank

[styckx]

Seems one scenario is dead on arrival. SBHH while on the loading screen. Saw it reported on RWA and can confirm..

[darkdj]

Not usually an American fan, but this looked the beans during development, so I snapped it up immediately.

I am so far very, very impressed. It might even make its way into my series...

Used in Legacy Mode, no problems besides the game sbhh'ing (memory, I tink, comps been on most of the afternoon)

One happy camper right now though, I guess American Steam aint bad!

[007MJB007]

Hello all, its not often i post but after just 30 seconds running the K4 I have a major bug about it. Could someone else check to see if your getting the same as me with it.
Useing view 2 look side on at the driving wheels and start to move slowly off in either direction and look at the animation of the driving wheels + connecting rods, it seems as though the
3rd wheel skips and jumps in the rotation animation and the whole connecting rods jerk about. Only up to about 25mph and then its too quick to see!
And yes befor you all say have i checked verifed file and cleared blueprints, yes i have.

Cheers Mick.