Sandpatch Grade Question

Discussion in 'TSW General Discussion' started by cattivo, Aug 16, 2021.

  1. cattivo

    cattivo Member

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    Hi all

    Using the AC4400CW for a timetable run. I have done some runs before, although perhaps not with this locomotive, and it's always been a bit of a struggle getting up the hill. I tried in this one yesterday, and could rarely get above 25 MPH, and then on the way to Mance, at full throttle and with wheels spinning I eventually came to a stop, game over.

    I've looked online and it seems that perhaps I'm meant to get into each of the four locomotive cabs and set them for either lead or trail. Trouble is, the manual doesn't really explain the process for the AC4400CW, just says it's the same as the others, so I've done my best...

    But it doesn't seem to have worked. Is there a dummies guide for this, and I've also read that in fact it's not necessary to get into each cab and set things up, just be sure to turn the banking com on, something I haven't found in this locomotive.

    Any help appreciated. :)
     
  2. solicitr

    solicitr Well-Known Member

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  3. breblimator

    breblimator Guest

    1. Proper DPU setup - link // as mentioned above :)
    2. SPG (Cumberland side of the route) is very steep.
    3. AC4400 is 4400 HP, 2 x AC4400 is 8800, etc.

    If the train is really heavy (you can check this in the pause menu) uphill run will be slow-speed. It depends on HP per Ton.

    HPPT < 2 = slow-speed or serious difficulties in difficult weather conditions

    PS Use the throttle sensitively and do not spare sand :D
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 16, 2021
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  4. chieflongshin

    chieflongshin Well-Known Member

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    Bare in mind you don’t always need to run to the back of the train.
    I think you can throw some of the switches if I recollect using the 8 camera

    You definitely can put your 8 cam near loco 3 to see the rpm screen when you Rev it up. That will save you a little running
     
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  5. cattivo

    cattivo Member

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    Ok guys, thanks very much. I had in fact just found the Banking Comm radio, so that's something.

    So it seems I should visit each cab? I did it before, but presumably still got things wrong. And on the display screen, once the train is running are the front and rear boxes (top leftish) indication how much power the different sets of locomotives are generating, because if they are, the rear never seems to do much.

    Final issue, when I visited all the cabs, three of the locomotives were AC4400's while one (the rear of the front set) was one of the other type. Not an issue, but is that a bug and will it affect anything?

    Thanks again.

    Edit: Looks like the one I'm trying is Manifest - Cumberland to Willard, 5,391.9 tonnes. :D
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2021
  6. breblimator

    breblimator Guest

    Switching Banking Comm to ON theoretically sets DPU up for you
     
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  7. cattivo

    cattivo Member

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    Yes, thanks. That seems to have done the trick as I'm fairly racing out of the Cumberland yard at 13MPH... :) And that's with throttle idle. So I am guessing the other locomotives are set up correctly. Once again, thanks for the great replies.
     
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  8. chieflongshin

    chieflongshin Well-Known Member

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    Stick with it cattivo . The game has its niggles but there’s some brilliant routes and services tucked away in it. Some of the trains are really good fun. German trains and safety systems are superb ONCE you’ve torn your hair out learning it :cool:
     
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  9. cattivo

    cattivo Member

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    Thanks, and don't worry, I'm having a great time learning things! It's something I enjoy actually, being able to progress from just driving trains, to driving them with some degree of authenticity. And I agree, I have three German routes, and enjoy them very much especially as I spent a lot of my misspent youth in Germany, including areas represented in the game. Haven't tried the safety systems yet, but will no doubt do so down the line.

    And with regards this particular thread, had a lovely and successful trip with the AC4400 thanks to everybody's help, keeping up with and to the speed limits! :)
     
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  10. LastTrainToClarksville

    LastTrainToClarksville Well-Known Member

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    That's not actually "theoretical" -- it definitely affects pulling power.
     
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  11. breblimator

    breblimator Guest

    Almost always. Almost :) BR o7
     
  12. solicitr

    solicitr Well-Known Member

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    I think what he meant by 'theoretically' is that it's supposed to work, but doesn't always.
     
  13. Crosstie

    Crosstie Well-Known Member

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    I asked what the changes to the Banking Com were because the patch note was rather cryptic. In the stream MP said only that he wasn't sure and needed to check with Adam. It's supposed to be an option that sets up the other SPG locos reliably, once you've set up the lead. I haven't checked it since today's upgrade.
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2021

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