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Railway Empire >  Workshop > redwhiteandblack's Workshop > The Chesapeake & Ohio > Discussions
The Chesapeake & Ohio
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 This topic has been pinned, so it's probably important
redwhiteandblack  [developer] 31 Aug, 2019 @ 7:25pm
Helpful Tips
ROUTE CONSTRUCTION
  • SWITCHES - When constructing switches, consider how they are intended to be used. In cases where space is at a premium, the tightest/shortest switch will get the job done. In situations where speed is of primary concern (such as a mainline crossover used by your passenger trains) a longer switch will allow for the highest diverging speed.

  • CURVES - Curvature in general will play a role in determining how fast your trains can safely operate. Once again, application is important. For major routes with high-speed trains, broad curves are always best. Where terrain is less forgiving, the choice most often involves a compromise between minimizing curvature and minimizing grade. Most often, grade wins.

  • GRADES - When surveying for a route in mountainous territory, you will typically be forced to decide what grade is acceptable. As with most route decisions, the answer varies by situation. For routes used uphill by heavy freight trains, grades should be minimized wherever possible (2% is a fairly steep climb for trains with heavy loads). For passenger trains with lighter equipment, a slightly steeper route may present the best balance between distance and grade if it allows for a more direct routing.

  • STRUCTURES - Bridges and tunnels are expensive and are best avoided wherever possible. For mainlines in mountainous terrain, the upfront cost of short bridges and tunnels should be weighed against the impact on grade and distance. Where tunnels are unavoidable, piercing the ridge at its narrowest point will always aid in controlling costs. Consider locating tunnels as high on a hillside as approach grades allow to permit the shortest bore.

LOCOMOTIVE SELECTION

When evaluating a locomotive’s suitability for a particular train, try to consider some of the factors below.

  • Driving Wheels – In general, locomotives with taller wheels are designed for sustained fast running. Conversely, smaller drivers typically provide superior pulling force (or ‘tractive effort’) at the expense of limited top speed. A 2-10-2 Santa Fe would be a far better choice for pulling an iron ore train over a hill than a 4-6-4 Hudson.

  • Pilot Truck – The leading, or ‘pilot’ axles of a locomotive serve to guide the front of the locomotive into curves and assist with overall stability at speed. Locomotives designed for higher speeds tend to have 4-wheel pilot trucks, while 2-wheel or ‘pony’ trucks are generally sufficient for freight applications. A locomotive lacking either will be less capable of navigating curving trackwork at speed.

  • Trailing Truck – With few exceptions, the trailing truck on a locomotive is designed to support the weight of the firebox above it. While not directly tied to a locomotive’s in-game behavior, a larger trailing truck often indicates a larger firebox, and thus a locomotive capable of generating greater power.

  • Rigid Wheelbase – Conventional locomotives have relatively little lateral motion across their driving wheels, which are suspended in a rigid frame. The longer this ‘rigid wheelbase’ is, the more difficult it will be for a locomotive to negotiate tight curves. The hinged (articulated) frames of locomotives like the 2-6-6-2 Mallet effectively cut this length in half, making them well suited to use on curving routes.

  • Overall Size – This one is fairly straightforward. As a general rule, larger locomotives tend to generate more power. This is as true for high-speed passenger locomotives as it is for heavy freight haulers. Bear in mind that larger locomotives also tend to have larger appetites; expect higher consumption of fuel and other consumables.

Pay attention to the in-game description of each locomotive when considering its use. Many locomotives incorporate unique design features which could impact your selection. Below are a few notable examples:

  • In addition to the large articulated locomotives (such as Old Maud and the Mallet), the 0-8-0 ‘Dragon’ is surprisingly capable on curving trackwork owing to its unique proprietary suspension, which allows the front and rear axle pairs to independently steer through curves.

  • The 4-4-2 Atlantic is a distinct ‘Camelback’ designed locomotive, with the engineer’s cab straddling the boiler. The wide firebox at the locomotive’s rear is specially designed to allow for operation on inexpensive low-grade coal, which makes this design an attractive option where economics are the primary selection factor.

  • For the steepest and most winding routes, the Shay is an indispensable tool. 2 and 3-truck varieties are available in game, with the latter having even greater power and adhesion. Shays are more than capable of handling loads up 8% grades, though their geared drivetrains and low top speeds limit their usefulness to short, steep runs.
Last edited by redwhiteandblack; 31 Aug, 2019 @ 7:30pm