There's something that's been confusing me for a while. The different Class 66s in TSW behave widely differently when notching up. On the newer ones, even notch 1 almost maxes out the Amp meter as seen below: SEHS version Cargo Line Vol. 2 version ECML version On the older ECW version though, you only get about 1000 amps: These low amps on the ECW version are what I'd expect based on the US diesels the Class 66 is based on. Also, it seems to be similar to how the AP version in TSC behaves: 5:13 Can anyone explain to me why the newer 66s behave this way in TSW? Is it actually prototypical? Valkyrie, I remember you posting that you're a real 66 driver. Any chance you (or anyone else) could jump in?
There's another anomaly if you look at the data readouts on the overhead display. There's a "target" power which the governor is supposed to follow by adjusting the alternator excitation, etc. There's also a readout of the "actual" power output. In some notches, including notch 1, the actual power is significantly above the target power. Step up to Notch 3, and suddenly it goes back into step.
That’s a good call - hadn’t noticed that. It certainly feels like there is something off about notches 1-4 to me. All of them seem to give similar amps on the newer 66s with some variance up or down while notching up. After those, the loco seems to behave more like I’d expect.
Lamplight Sorry for the late response. I need to adjust my notification settings, clearly! This behaviour is incorrect. I've previously reported it through the bug reporting/feedback system. Every loco is different, but from a stand you would roughly expect notch 1 to max out at around 1000 amps, notch 2 at 2000 amps and so on. The amount of amps each notch gives decreases with speed, until the transition in the 32-37mph range. The behaviour in TSW of each notch being able to completely max out the gauge is incorrect.
Since we’re talking about flaws on the 66. Anyone else struggling to hear the horn from inside the cab?
Thank you very much for confirming, Valkyrie. I thought I was going mad since no one seemed to talk about it on the forums. Unfortunately, it takes quite a bit of enjoyment away from the TSW 66 to me.
I’m glad we have had confirmation that the newer models are incorrect in the amps department. I had watched a YT video of a driver talking about the Class 66 from inside the cab and he put it into notch 1 and showed the power gauge reading 1000 amps exactly so had guessed that it was indeed wrong. Considering the loco’s ubiquitous nature in TSW it really could do with being addressed but what are the chances?
I also checked Dad Rail who gave the advice to wait for amps to drop below 1000 before returning the throttle to idle, which isn’t even possible in the newer 66s in TSW. Precisely because of how often it gets re-released, I feel it is crucial to address this. This is not a niche feature barely anyone knows, the fundamental simulation of the loco is broken. Given the re-releases, there might be some hope. The early RSN and MSB 185s were rather bad but then the DRA re-release came with a significant physics upgrade. However, given how long this wrong 66 set-up has now been re-used … I must admit, I was quite optimistic when I got one of the MML cargo packs in a sale because of the good reception they got, but my enthusiasm waned as soon as I got in the 66 cab.
Considering the bug has been carried over to five locos, I wouldn't expect a fix ("too much work"). Probably only for the next iteration of the 66.
True, that’s usually how these things work (as in my example of the 185). Personally speaking, I’d be satisfied with that as long as the new fixed 66 subs in everywhere as all the others do.
