Okay! I'm new here...this is my first post! I'm going to try and post a introduction post to myself somewhere, if there's a forum for it to introduce myself.
I just got Train Simulator 2013 recently, and got some nice screenshots to show for it. The UP Big Boy (4018) on the Sherman Hill route. One thing I think is great about simulators, is how realistic they are becoming with the increase of technology...I'm a major computer nerd (nerdette actually) and I think it's impressive how far train simulators have come within the last ten years. More than that, it's a great way to "rail-fan" the locomotives which have been lost to the passage of time and will most likely never run again (such as the Big Boy). Hopefully in another 10 years, these simulators will be almost photo-realistic...if not fully there. ;-)
The 4-8-8-4 is a pretty impressive puller. Very little wheel slip. Can run with the regulator at 9% at 40 mph, easily with 15 double stacked shipping containers. Has a lot of starting traction...can easily reach 30 to 40 mph within 30 to 50 seconds at about 50% on the regulator. Of course...it is just a "game" but it's a very realistic one and it's about the closest we'll ever come to "driving one." Needless to say, I really loved this locomotive.
The photo above and below depict the loco running at top speed...which for the record, is 66 mph for practical load-outs and applications. Speed limit was 70, so I wasn't driving illegally. ;-)
While accelerating the smoke plume was pitch black (had the firebox loader on), but it clears out once I shut loading the firebox after about fifteen to thirty seconds. Sometimes more.
This next one shows the locomotive "coasting" down grade, with the regulator at 0%. Sherman Hill has a lot of uphill and downhill gradients, and the last half of the route was almost all downhill...so I was able to coast down track quite a bit. Very fuel thrifty tactic, and still allows you to stay within the speed limit (and stay on schedule).
#4017/18 approaching Laramie.
Photo above shows acceleration uphill.
Above photo, pulling 878 tons. A relatively light load for the 4-8-8-4. ;-)
Next three are overhead helicopter style cam shots of #4018 leaving Laramie.
wow i love the new look , & with them restoring a big boy on the horizion , all i can say i awesome , i guess i have to get ts 2013 . thanks for the screen shots
I have the original Big boy it's a decent loco it does pull well but for some reason I feel I was able to get more out of the Pennsy K4, I always play free roam but I have definitely been considering getting some more railworks DLC.
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader