KRS 47 Class locos

[ka959]

These "new" Class 47 locos uploaded recently, including last night, seem to have a "Headlamp by David B", but I'm not too sure exactly what it is about it - does it illuminate objects in front of the loco or what ? Is it just another KRS "appearing to be lit, but does nothing much" type headligh ? There's also a file called "Class47 Engine Simulation.lua" that comes in every Class 47 with this light, and I put one such file in the correct place, according to the ReadMe file, but every class 47 with this light, seems to have the same file, and they need to be placed in the same location.

Is this strictly necessary, and overwrites the previous one placed there, or is it OK to leave the first file placed there, in place, and ignore future similar files ? Are they all exactly the same, or is it important to update them, or what ? I'm, to say the least, feeling a bit confused over all this, and would much appreciate some words of reassurance on the matter if at all possible, thanks.

Regards...

Jim McDermott

[davidhossack]

The headlamp is just the same as normal KRS headlamps. They light up but do nothing more...

I felt it was a major failing of the default model that it didn't have anything like the correct front end detailing for locomotive still operational in the 1980s or later so when I came up with the idea of painting a series of class 47s I asked DaveB (of the flashing red tail lamp fame) if he would kindly do the same sort of thing for the 47. What you see is the result. The front has a new headlamp that goes some way to improving the model. (It still lacks a few other details but...)

Each package is supposed to be self supporting so I have included the file and the instruction in each one. You only need to do this once for all my repaints. I shall update the read me to indicate this clearly. In my excitement to be releasing this thing I must have forgotten.

btw. My first uploads had a mistake in the file which meant that the headlamp didn't show up unless you ha the "EWS-773" paint (which nobody did at that time). The latest uploads, approved this evening should be OK.

[bristolian]

<snip>

I felt it was a major failing of the default model that it didn't have anything like the correct front end detailing for locomotive

</snip>

Hello,
The loco also has grossly incorrect flat cab sides, which are more reminiscent to that of the BRCW 'LION' prototype, rather than the tapered inwards towards the top style of the Brush Type 4. In my mind, that is THE major failing of the model, detracting considerably from the vast majority of the versions for MSTS.

Very Best Wishes,
Bob.

[davveb]

Jim

The modified simulation lua file contains a bit of script to enable the headlights to be turned on and off. The same file is used by all repainted locos. You are correct, the headlight does not provide any projected illumination, which I don't believe RS currently supports. I understand some real drivers on this forum have pointed out that train headlights aren't like car headlights, they're not for illuminating the way ahead, but are to enable others to see you, so I don't think this RS limitation is a major issue.

Dave B

[phill70]

I understand some real drivers on this forum have pointed out that train headlights aren't like car headlights, they're not for illuminating the way ahead, but are to enable others to see you, so I don't think this RS limitation is a major issue.
Dave B

Completely correct
The driver does not need to see where he is going, he knows where he is, that's one of the things that route learning is there for.

Glyn

[davidhossack]

<snip>

I felt it was a major failing of the default model that it didn't have anything like the correct front end detailing for locomotive

</snip>

Hello,
The loco also has grossly incorrect flat cab sides, which are more reminiscent to that of the BRCW 'LION' prototype, rather than the tapered inwards towards the top style of the Brush Type 4. In my mind, that is THE major failing of the model, detracting considerably from the vast majority of the versions for MSTS.

Very Best Wishes,
Bob.

Didn't say it was the only failing... It is still the best class 47 for KRS!

[ka959]

Jim

The modified simulation lua file contains a bit of script to enable the headlights to be turned on and off. The same file is used by all repainted locos. You are correct, the headlight does not provide any projected illumination, which I don't believe RS currently supports. I understand some real drivers on this forum have pointed out that train headlights aren't like car headlights, they're not for illuminating the way ahead, but are to enable others to see you, so I don't think this RS limitation is a major issue.

Dave B

Hi there...

Maybe not a major issue to those in GB or Ireland, but in my country (NZ), and Australia, headlights are used in non-metropolitan areas, as well as country running. The headlights are powerful and illuminate the area for a fair distance in front of the loco / train. Americans, and others would like to see these "proper" headlights working as they should, to give more realism to the simulator. MSTS locos (American) were like KRS lights initially, but someone decided to get his act together, and made the MSTS headlights much more intensive, and realistic, to the pure satisfaction of many MSTS fans. The "night" mode in KRS isn't at all like real night, but more like twilight, and that is probably why it's that way (even MSTS was originally a proper shade of black for night mode ,and I was satisfied with it, no question, apart from the rediculously pitiful headlight glow), to let KRS users see more when using night mode, because without proper headlights that worked correctly, you wouldn't be able to drive a train in the dark, and KRS's current "night" mode isn't anywhere near to being correctly portrayed. The list grows... level crossings started this off, night mode not anywhere near dark enough to look realistic, then the headlights, and none has been addressed as important enough to fix in a year of KRS. I'm sure there's plenty of folks out there with a copy of KRS, who've wished these things would be addressed quickly. What might satisfy Britons and Europeans, might not do the same for KRS fans in other countries, and if RSDL wants to expand sales as far as possible, then they need to keep everyone happy & smiling, right ? What abouot a proper poll on the issues like proper level crossings, night mode not dark enough, headlights illuminating ahead of the train, and whatever else, and see how everybody feels on these issues ?

Regards...

Jim McDermott