MSTS Route--Rocky Mountain Div. East Options

[dgionet]

Hello to all,

Lukas Lusser and his contributors have released today the above route, which is actually the RMD-1 and RMD-2 combined and updated, that is from Harlowton to Deer Lodge. He has also released railstock to go along with the route. I am downloading the route as I write to find out if it is suitable for a template. I believe it will be, since the latest route of the Milwaukee series, the RMD-1 had the sidings marked.

Work is also done on the rest of the route from Deer Lodge to Avery in the future.Not sure when but will be interesting to follow its progress which can be seen inthe TS forum.

Will update later for the results of the present download.

[dgionet]

Hello to all,

I have been busy working the helper trains issue of the template from both sides of the Continental divide.

In addition to the default stock that will be used with the template package, those among us may have some diesel motive power of the early 60's. Like myself, in the case here the MILW GP35's(from MSTSGMO) and SD7 & SD9's (from CLW), you may decide to substitute the player engines from electric to diesel. If you proceed to change to diesel use of helper trains will be quite essential climbing up the mountains.

On the MILW line, there will be helper trains (EF-5 set) at Piedmont (WB) and Butte (EB). On the NP help will come from three GP9's located at Butte (EB) and at Whitehall (WB). Along the NP, it is suggested not have consists longer that 35 cars, in addition to the 4 F-Units and the three Geeps on the back if helpers are used. I have tested along the NP with 40 cars and helpers and found out that at least one siding counld't contain the player consist. I will proceed in adjusting the AI trains having not more than 40 cars, including the head engines.

With the EF-5 set at 6800 hp without any helper units, I was able to pull up 50 cars up the mountains but it gets really slow closing in Donald at 12-15 mph. With 2 little Joes at 5500 hp each (11,000 hp) it is a lot easier to climb up the grades with the same stock unassisted. However, the maximum number of cars at Piedmont will be at 40, just to be safe in regards to sidings length along the rest of the MILW line.

It will be preferable to hook up your helper trains at the end for all player trains. Once at the Donald (MILW) or Homestake (NP) platforms, simply unhook your helpers there to allow them to return to their point of origin. I have seen some photos at Pipestone Pass of the MILW electric helper trains unhooked there and preparing the returning trip down while the rest of the consist resumed its trip the other way downward.

I am including some beautiful photos around the mountains from both lines. Great Job Lukas!

Will be continuing testing the route later this week