Locomotive Type Proposal: Speeder

Discussion in 'Loco Suggestions & Proposals' started by 52_Western, Apr 22, 2018.

?
  1. Yes, definitely!

    90.9%
  2. Yes, but I'd rather want them to make other stuff first, like... (please specify)

    9.1%
  3. No, I wouldn't, because... (please specify)

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. 52_Western

    52_Western Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2018
    Messages:
    296
    Likes Received:
    216
    [​IMG]
    (a Santa Fe Fairmont MT-14 speeder on a small Flatbed Trailer. Image source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/429812358164648996/)

    What are speeders?
    A Speeder, or also often called a Draisine (although that can be unpowered) are small motor cars which can averagely hold 2-4 people, used by work crews and track inspectors, to move swiftly from work site to work site.

    [​IMG]
    (A Fairmont MT-19 Speeder's interior. Image source: http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=37246&whichpage=3)

    Can I have more info/facts about Speeders, please?
    Sure you can! Speeders aren't used anymore, as they were replaced by flange wheeled pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. These were however used throughout the world, including the US, Australia and England (as seen below).

    [​IMG]
    (Image source: https://www.jeff-z.com/wks/mow/speeders/speeders.html)

    And what is this?
    Also used with speeders are what's called a 'speeder cart', which are flatbed wagons as long and usually with the same wheelbase as a speeder, only unpowered and used for carrying tools for the potential repair they needed to perform when the inspection revealed something broken.

    Exhibit,_Locomotion_Shildon,_28_April_2010_(3).JPG
    (a Standard gauge Wickham trolley, at the NRM. Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wickh...it,_Locomotion_Shildon,_28_April_2010_(3).JPG)

    Can I see a video of them?
    Yes. Here's one:


    [​IMG]
    (A speeder with its cart. Image source: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=29085.15)

    Are they still with us?
    Not all. Most of them ended up as a scrap heap, but some were preserved by people who use them for adventures on abandoned and/or closed lines.

    [​IMG]
    (A Fairmont MT-19 MPL speeder. Image source: http://www.flighttech.com/speeder_intercom.htm)

    Why for Train Simulator?
    I think everyone would enjoy speeding along a line, and stopping for some inspection. Why not? These could then include scenarios for various routes, as they were used on lots of lines. Also, there's NOTHING like it in TS. (except for the Permaquip in the IoW DLC)

    [​IMG]
    (A Western Maryland and an Amtrak speeder, facing away from each other. Image source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/429812358164649003/)

    Can I have some links to maybe more pics?
    Yes, here are a few:

    http://www.railridersupply.com/fairmontspeederdetails.htm
    http://www.sps700.org/gallery/0707OaksParkOPR.shtml
    https://www.psrm.org/trains/equipment/up-2644/

    [​IMG]
    (Danbury Railway Museum 270302 speeder. Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/429812358164648872/)

    Proposer's note:
    I think this will be a great addition to Train Simulator, and I think everyone will enjoy driving these cute little motor cars. I certainly would. ■


    Disclaimer: I do not own any of the media shown here, nor do I claim to. All media belongs to their rightful owners. I just put them in here for illustration purposes.
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2018
    • Like Like x 5
  2. NotAgain

    NotAgain Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Messages:
    37
    Likes Received:
    44
    Well, the Permaquip Personell Carrier from the Isle of Wight addon seems to fit the bill, and even has the little unpowered trailers, but I would love to see some more scenarios for it, and maybe add a new trailer with tools and other clutter on it, or at least a lumpy tarpaulin.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  3. ARuscoe

    ARuscoe Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2018
    Messages:
    10,832
    Likes Received:
    10,482
    In addition to the suggestion above, you could add all sorts of works vehicles which are rail mounted, such as trucks, excavators, cranes etc
    They don't have to be drivable off the rails but could be used for scenarios or just as clutter in yards or next to the track.

    As per NotAgain, the only in game example I can think of is the Permaquip from Isle of Wight, which does have one scenario specifically for it.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  4. JJTimothy

    JJTimothy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2018
    Messages:
    1,528
    Likes Received:
    975
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2022
    • Like Like x 2
  5. 52_Western

    52_Western Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 18, 2018
    Messages:
    296
    Likes Received:
    216
    You're right, about the IoW Permaquip. I forgot about that one when I made the proposal!
    I've edited it appropriately. Thanks for all your feedback, I appreciate it! And JJTimothy, I hope you had fun at Locomotion! :D
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. JJTimothy

    JJTimothy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2018
    Messages:
    1,528
    Likes Received:
    975
    I usually do and I got started in TS because Dovetail were giving copies away at an event there. I'm Dad-sitting tomorrow but, if he seems up to it after a fall last week, I hope to drag him round there for an hour or so.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  7. BLRy

    BLRy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2020
    Messages:
    577
    Likes Received:
    428
    Bumping this to the top again as I believe it is a very interesting and worthy idea that could be implemented to enhance the game in many ways. It has all kinds of potential for use as Scenarios, Route Tasks, and even "spawned on foot" interactions. And with pretty much standard choices (most railways in North America used the same types) it would be a very versatile addition to game play and equipment addition. I know I would like to explore some of the lines riding in one of these able to take one's time and experience the whole in game atmosphere on a more personal level. I support this idea 1000%.

    Please if you haven't already voted -- do so. Maybe DTG will take note of interest and consider this as an Add-on feature some day.
     

Share This Page