Since I got my custom GWR steam locomotive working in the Editor I paused work on it and have just retuned to trying to resolve the Coupling and (Vacuum) Brake Pipe Control issues. I have managed to get the Couplings (Fowler 4F Chain Link) to work when coupling to wagons in a scenario. The chains work visually and functionally, including correct slack movements when accelerating or braking. However I can't get the Hoses to couple between vehicles. In Simugraph debugging mode they are connected but not visually. Does anyone know how to "animate" the hoses so they connect up. When I couple to two loose wagons (in simulation) the vacuum in the Loco brake pipe is slowly destroyed and I end up with the Brake pipe at atmospheric pressure throughout. At the moment I can't exhaust the brake pipe without losing all the steam from the boiler in a short time but I think this is because I haven't got the Ejector set up correctly in the Simugraph. (It may be working in reverse and letting air in.) Interestingly, I haven't yet managed to get a formation (loco plus carriage) to spawn in an AI scenario or to manually couple to a passenger coach even though I can couple to Vacuum braked wagons OK. If anyone has any knowledge of couplings or suggestions they would be appreciated.
UPDATE I realise the symptoms I have described in Simugraph debugging mode are exactly what you would expect if the Hoses are Not connected but the angle cocks (Coupling Cocks) are opened. Then air just comes through the hose and destroys the vacuum in the pipe. I was misled by the coupling LOVE on the wagon being opened which seems to happen automatically when the coupling is done manually. So the question really is how do I connect the hoses visually and logically so that I can control the brake pipe from the cab ?
SOLVED As with everything in TSW Editor the solution was remarkably simple once you know what it is. I created a child blueprint of the RVM for the wagon and went through the setup of the Front Hose. Then I realised that in the box marked Hose ID you have to type the word VAC (in capital letters). Hoses now link up when coupling and I can release the (wagon) brakes using the Ejector in the cab and move the train without the wheels dragging. I think this will mean I can couple to a passenger carriage but will have to test that thoroughly next. Thanks to those of you who troubled to read the post.
