Engine Controllers

ENGINE CONTROLLERS

Thanks mainly to Dave Robinson, it is possible to work out some reliable engine controllers. If you want to try one out, back up your eng file first, in case you don't like it.

SCREW REVERSE CONTROLLERS: VACUUM BRAKE

EngineControllers (

Regulator ( 0 1 0.05 0
NumNotches ( 0 )
)
Cutoff ( -0.75 0.75 0.01 0
NumNotches ( 0 )
)
Brake_Train ( 0 0.99 0.1 0.65
NumNotches( 3
Notch( 0 0 TrainBrakesControllerReleaseStart )
Notch( 0.05 0 TrainBrakesControllerRunningStart )
Notch( 0.2 1 TrainBrakesControllerApplyStart )
)
)
Note
The first value after Regulator, Cutoff and Brake_Train indicates the smallest setting; the second the biggest. The important value is the third one, which determines how fast the lever is operated. The fourth value is the starting value at the beginning of the activity.

It seemed to me important that the regulator could be closed quickly and the brakes released quickly. If you try the brakes out in the cab while stationary, you can see what is happening.

Release the brakes, giving them a moment to release fully. Put the brake into the 'running' position, where it should be when moving. There is no percentage in the 'running' position: 'running' is 'running' as it should be.

Then 'apply' for a moment and go straight back to 'running'. The 'running' position has a definite notch, so it is easy to stop there. You will have destroyed a few inches of vacuum and made a partial application. Repeat the process and you will apply a bit more brake. It all depends on how far into the 'apply' position you go and how long you leave it there. Leave the brake there for more than a few moments and you will be making a full application, even if it says 'apply 7%'. Of course, if you need to stop quickly, put the brake to 'apply 100%' and leave it there.

For a locomotive with a steam reverser the cutoff line could read:

Cutoff ( -0.75 0.75 0.02 0

LEVER REVERSE CONTROLLERS: VACUUM BRAKE

EngineControllers (

Regulator ( 0 1 0.05 0
NumNotches ( 0 )
)
Cutoff ( -0.75 0.75 0.05 0
NumNotches ( 15
Notch ( -0.75 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.65 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.55 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.45 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.35 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.25 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.15 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.0 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.15 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.25 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.35 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.45 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.55 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.65 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.75 0 Dummy )
)
)

Brake_Train ( 0 0.99 0.1 0.65
NumNotches( 3
Notch( 0 0 TrainBrakesControllerReleaseStart )
Notch( 0.05 0 TrainBrakesControllerRunningStart )
Notch( 0.2 1 TrainBrakesControllerApplyStart )
)
)

SCREW REVERSE CONTROLLERS: WESTINGHOUSE BRAKE

EngineControllers (

Regulator ( 0 1 0.05 0
NumNotches( 0 )
)
Cutoff ( -0.75 0.75 0.01 0
NumNotches( 0 )
)
Brake_Train ( 0 0.99 0.1 0.65
NumNotches( 4
Notch( 0 0 TrainBrakesControllerReleaseStart )
Notch( 0.05 0 TrainBrakesControllerRunningStart )
Notch( 0.2 0 TrainBrakesControllerSelfLapStart )
Notch( 0.3 1 TrainBrakesControllerApplyStart )
)
)
Note
Here there is an extra notch: the 'lap' position. Release the brakes; after a moment, put them in the 'running' position before you move off. As you approach a stopping point put them in the 'lap' position; then 'apply', back to 'lap'; 'apply', back to 'lap' and so forth.

LEVER REVERSE CONTROLLERS: WESTINGHOUSE BRAKE

EngineControllers (

Regulator ( 0 1 0.05 0
NumNotches ( 0 )
)
Cutoff ( -0.75 0.75 0.05 0
NumNotches ( 15
Notch ( -0.75 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.65 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.55 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.45 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.35 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.25 0 Dummy )
Notch ( -0.15 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.0 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.15 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.25 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.35 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.45 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.55 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.65 0 Dummy )
Notch ( 0.75 0 Dummy )
)
)

Brake_Train ( 0 0.99 0.1 0.65
NumNotches( 4
Notch( 0 0 TrainBrakesControllerReleaseStart )
Notch( 0.05 0 TrainBrakesControllerRunningStart )
Notch( 0.2 0 TrainBrakesControllerSelfLapStart )
Notch( 0.3 1 TrainBrakesControllerApplyStart )
)
)

Remember not to add or omit any brackets, or you will be in trouble.

I should be interested to know what people think, as these could be uploaded as part of the 'For the love MSTS' campaign.

Roderic Findlay

Roderic
Firstly welcome to the TSSH forums, and secondly and of course especially welcome to your "engine controllers". Anything and everything that may or will enhance the enjoyment of MSTS is to be actively encouraged. Certainly I would say that these could be uploaded as templates for those who might wish to look at alternatives for their driving experience.
I look forward to seeing what others think in particular those who have a better understanding of this area.