Test Stock and Activities

Aim - to provide suitably configured test rolling stock for Open Rails, and also provide some templates that may assist Open Rails model developers.

The primary purpose of these locomotives is to demonstrate the Open Rails steam functionality, and therefore some of the locomotives may not be 100% visually correct. Additionally some of the locomotives do not have the cabviews or sounds included, so these may need to be downloaded and installed separately. The absence of cabviews or sounds will not impact the physical operation of the locomotive.

Index

Introduction

Test Wagons

Test locomotive - Type = Simple, Saturated

Test locomotives - Type = Simple, Superheated

Geared locomotives

Compound locomotive

Rainhill Test - small locomotive

Oil Fired Locomotive

Wood Fired Locomotive

Diesel electric locomotive

Diesel mechanical locomotive

Control Car

Special Test Stock


Introduction

If you don't have Open Rails installed, or are not familiar with it, try reviewing this page first OR Installation.

This stock can be run on the test route to perform Steam Model performance testing. By default rolling stock and activities from this page will be installed in the folder C:\Open Rails - CTN Test Route. You may wish to change the folder if you wish, or have installed the test route in a different location.

Example ENG and WAG files are provide on the examples page.

It is recommended that you read the following pages to provide relevant background and context to the operation of steam locomotives - Introduction to Steam Train Physics and OR Steam Locomotive model. For those interested in advanced physics configurations refer to Open Rails Steam Parameters for Advanced Modellers.

The locomotives on this page usually have two configuration levels provided in the installation pack:

Where possible these models have all the known functions and features available for steam locomotives, and which can be configured in OR, that were known to be fitted to the locomotive.

When configuring the physics of a locomotive the various functions and features of OR can be tested with the different tests described on the Open Rails Function Testing and the Steam Locomotive Performance Testing pages.

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Test wagons

When running tests it is important to control all the relevant factors, so that adjustments and issues can be sorted out easily. It also allows comparisons of different locomotives without introducing unknown factors through the use of different rolling stock. These wagons have been specifically set up as test wagons and have consistent parameters in their WAG files.

Freight wagons
General Freight

The following four wheeled wagons have been set up with 20, 15, 10, 5 and 1 ton (UK) weights to allow easy matching of loads to actual train loads. The wagons have been included in consists included with the various locomotive test consists, but may not reflect realistic loads as these are not known at the moment.

Original models by Brian Bere-Streeter (Version 7 - updated Oct 2016)

Note - If you wish to install appropriate sounds for these wagons, then download "NSW 4 Wheel Coal Wagon Sounds" found on the sounds page.

Manual Braking Stock

The following four wheeled wagons have been set up with manual braking features. The wagons have been included in consists included with demonstration activity.

Original models by Dave Robinson (Version 1 - updated Nov 2020)

Heated Banana Van

The following four wheeled wagons have been set up with steam heating.

Original models by Ian Mcmillan (Version 1 - updated May 2020)

Steam Heating Boiler Van

The following four wheeled wagon have been set up with a steam heating boiler.

Original models by Darwin Smith (Version 1 - updated May 2020)

PRR H21 Coal Wagons

The following wagons have been set up for use with PRR locomotives, and the Niagara locomotive. This download only contains a single wagon for testing purposes. Other wagons in this series are in the MSTS Freeware Packs which can be downloaded from Broadway Limited Locomotive Works.

Original Models by Thomas J. Pearce (Version 2 - updated Jun 2019)

Note - If you wish to install appropriate sounds for these carriages, then install the default MSTS General Freight Wagon sounds

Passenger Carriages

The following passenger cars have been set up for use in passenger train consists.

ICC Passenger Carriages

These cars are fitted with air brakes.

ICC Cars - Original models by Dave Robinson (Version 5 - updated Sept 2016)

Note - If you wish to install appropriate sounds for these carriages, then download "NSW Bogie Passenger Carriage Sounds" found on the sounds page.

Mark 1 Passenger Carriages

These cars are fitted with vacuum brakes.

Mk1 Passenger Cars - Original models by Dave Robinson (Version 4 - updated May 2020 - Steam Heat added))

The friction values on these cars have been extrapolated from BR test reports. FCalc values were found to be slightly higher than those published in the test report, thus for consistency with the test report the values from the test report were favoured when undertaking testing.

{ Some of the BR locomotive models below use and earlier version of the Mk1 cars, which can be downloaded from here - Early version Mk1 Cars. All BR models prior to May 2018 release will use the older cars. }

Note - These car use the standard MSTS default sound sets.

NYC Heavy Passenger Cars

The following wagons have been set up for use with the Niagara Locomotive.

Original model by Dick Cowen (Version 1 - updated Jul 2017)
Physics by Mick Clarke

Note - If you wish to install appropriate sounds for these carriages, then install the default MSTS General Passenger Wagon Modern sounds

Animated wagons

The following wagons have been set up to demonstrate the use of freight animations, and the ability to load / unload trains.

Original models by Justin Waite, Gavin McLaughlan, Brian Bere-Streeter , Gavin Woolf , Ian Macmillan (Version 2 - updated Mar 2016 - added load variation physics function)

Note - If you wish to install appropriate sounds for these carriages, then download "NSW Bogie Freight Wagon Sounds" found on the sounds page.

Auxiliary Water Tender

The following wagons have been set up to demonstrate the use and operation of auxiliary water tenders.

Original model by Brian Bere-Streeter (Version 3 - updated May 2018 - Load animation added)
Physics by Mick Clarke

Note - If you wish to install appropriate sounds for these carriages, then download "NSW Bogie Freight Wagon Sounds" found on the sounds page.

A consist is also included in the download that uses other stock from this page - H6a Consolidation - #1499.

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Test locomotive - Type = Simple, Saturated

These locomotives are classified as saturated steam, simple type of steam locomotives.

E2A Atlantic - #5266

The following test locomotive is configured with the same parameters as described in the Pennsylvania Railroad Company test report titled 'Tests of "E2A" Atlantic Type, Simple Locomotive - Bulletin No. 5'. This report describes tests undertaken on PRR locomotive No. 5266 at the PRR Locomotive Testing Plant at Altoona, Penna. in 1910.

A full copy of this report is available for viewing here - PRR test report #5266

A summarised extract of this report, including DHP and drawbar pull information is available - E2a_test_v3

Original model by Ron Pertuit (Version 8 - updated Sept 2016)

This download includes consists, using the above stock, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "AU CTN Test - Atlantic" in OR.

NB: The livery of the locomotive does not align with the PRR. This locomotive uses the Consolidation cabview, so if not installed, no cabview will be available. This shouldn't impact Steam Model performance testing.

NYC Atlantic

The following test locomotive is configured with the same parameters as described for a NYC Atlantic which was used as a test scenario for wheel slip. This locomotive had a FoA less then 4 (ie 3.9) so as consequence it was prone to slipping. For a more detailed explanation of steam locomotive slippage refer to CTN Adhesion description or pg 276 of George Hendersons book, Locomotive Operation, a Technical and Practical Analysis.

Original model by Ron Pertuit (Version 2 - updated Feb 2023) - Sounds updated by Roger van Duijnhoven.

This download has consists in it which use the PRR H21 Coal Wagons from above. Two options have been set up, one with a throttle set so that it can be quickly increased to full throttle, and one a throttle that is increased at a 'normal' rate. Note the 80mph speed will only be obtained if the locomotive is running light engine on a level track.

The following diagrams indicate how the locomotive will behave under different track conditions. Full throttle and reverser settings will apply for starting conditions, whereas at 40mph the reverser setting will be 37%. To match the results described in the reference text from above, the adhesion of the locomotive has been set at 0.3 under dry conditions.

NYC wheel adhesion - Dry       NYC wheel adhesion - Wet       NYC wheel adhesion - Snow

Studying the diagrams will show when slip is likely to occur (ie when Rotational Force exceeds Adhesion Force).

H6a Consolidation - #1499

The following test locomotive is configured with the same parameters as described in the Pennsylvania Railroad Company test report titled 'The Pennsylvania Railroad System at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition - Locomotive Tests and Exhibits - Saint Louis, Missouri, 1904'. This report describes a number of tests undertaken on different locomotives, including PRR locomotive No. 1499.

A full copy of this report is available for viewing here - PRR test report #1499 - found on pg 124 of document. Outline diagram for a H6A.

A summarised extract of this report is provided in the main folder of the locomotive download below.

Original model by Dick Cowen (Version 8 - updated Feb 2023 - minor physics upgrades)

This download includes consists, using the above stock, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "~CTN Test - PRR - H6a Consolidation" in OR.

Austrian kkStB 97

The following test locomotive and cars is configured to primarily demonstrate the Hardy Straight (non-automatic) vacuum brake.

Original model(s) by Vittorio Dell'Aquila and Darwin Smith, Some repaints by Brian Bere-Streeter, Sounds by Roger van Duijnhoven (Version 1 - updated Feb 2021)

This download includes consists, using the above stock. The locomotive will appear as "~CTN - kkStB Class 97" in OR.

For a description of how the two different brake valves work see Hardy brake - Single Ejector and Hardy brake - Twin Ejector.

Baldwin Steam Tram

The following test locomotive and cars is configured to primarily demonstrate the Eames Straight (non-automatic) vacuum brake.

Original model by Neville Brooke, Cabview by Wolf Grond, Sounds by Roger van Duijnhoven (Version 1 - updated Feb 2021)

This download includes consists, using the above stock. The locomotive will appear as "~CTN - Baldwin Steam Tram - No. 58 (Eames Braking System)" in OR.

For a description of how the two different brake valves work see Eames brake.

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Test locomotives - Type = Simple, Superheated

These locomotives are classified as superheated steam, simple type of steam locomotives.

Superheated locomotives used steam that was heated well above the normal (saturated) temperature of steam. Typically this could be as much as an additional 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit. The main benefit of this increased temperature was that the steam was more "efficient" when it was injected into the cylinder. Because of the extra heat in superheated steam condensation in the cylinder was less likely to occur, this resulted in a reduced steam consumption and subsequently reduced coal consumption. Despite the fact that the other performance parameters were very similar to the saturated locomotive, the steam and coal reduction significantly improved the efficiency of the steam locomotive.

BR "Merchant Navy" - Original and Rebuilt Versions

The first Merchant Navy locomotive was introduced in 1941, and incorporated a number of new developements in steam locomotive technology. Opearional experience demonstrated that some of the features incorcorated were not suitable for locomotive operations, and as a consequence the locomotives were rebuilt during the late 1950s. They remained in revenue service up until July 1967.

The original design was often prone to wheel slips when starting heavy trains from rest, but once moving they were noted for their free running. The original locomotive had a Factor of Adhesion (FoA) equal to 3.76, whilst the rebuilt version had a FoA of 4.3. Typically the rule of thumb was that any FoA less then 4 made the locomotive more prone to wheel slip.

The two different version locomotives are configured with the parameters as described in the two BR test reports ' British Railways - Performance and Efficiency Tests - Bulletin 10 - Merchant Navy Class Locomotive (Original)' and ' British Railways - Performance and Efficiency Tests - Bulletin 20 - Merchant Navy Class Locomotive (Rebuilt)'. These reports describe a number of tests undertaken on each version of the Merchant Navy locomotive, and can be found on the test reports page.

A summarised extract of this report is available in this document - Mod_MN_test_extract_25_01_2014.

The locomotive is available from the links below and two test consists are included for testing purposes.

Original model by Danny Gilbert (Version 5 - updated Mar 2022 - Updated physics, and now contains both the original and rebuilt versions.)

This download includes consists, using the above Mk1 passenger stock, and a light engine consist. The locomotives will appear as "~CTN - Merchant Navy (Original) - 21C15" or "~CTN - Merchant Navy (Rebuilt) - 35009" in OR.

BR "B1" Class Locomotive

The LNER B1 was the LNER's equivalent to the highly successful GWR Hall Class and the LMS Stanier Black Five, two-cylinder mixed traffic 4-6-0s. However, it had the additional requirement of having to be cheap because, due to wartime and post-war economies, the LNER, never the richest railway company, had to make savings.

With the change in the policies of British Railways, the B1s were withdrawn long before their projected economic working life. Excepting No. 61057, which was destroyed in an accident in 1950, the first normal withdrawal was No. 61085 in November 1961. The remaining locomotives were withdrawn between 1962 and 1967.

The B1 was classified as BR Class 5MT. Tractive Effort at 85% Boiler Pressure - 26,878 lbf.

In 1951 BR undertook "Performance and Efficiency Tests" on the B1 locomotive. These tests included a series of stationary plant tests at the BR Swindon Locomotive Testing Plant, and a number of controlled road tests on the Appelby to Dent section of Settle and Carlisle line of the BR. The test locomotive available on this page has been configured based upon the information provided in the BR test report titled 'Performance and Efficiency Tests with Exhaust Steam Injector - Eastern and Northern Regions - "B1" Class 2 Cyl 4-6-0 Mixed Traffic Locomotive - 1951'. This report describes a number of tests undertaken on the B1 class locomotive.

The test locomotive has been configured with the following OR features:

The locomotive is available from the links below and test consists are included for testing purposes.

Original model by Dave Robinson (Version 4 - updated Sept 2024 - Added sounds to install pack.)

Extras for this locomotive if desired - B1 Class Cabview.

Two test configurations have been built for this locomotive to demonstrate the alternate means of configuring the locomotive. BASIC features contains information about the locomotive that is readily obtainable from INTERNET sources. ADVANCED features have been included in the ENG file to replicate the known parameters of the locomotive in the real world as far as is possible, based upon information available from the test report. In particular the Boiler Evaporation rate was reduced to the reported 25,000lb/hr steam rate and the burn rate from the report was added. The ADVANCED version produces results close to the reported values from the report. The loco achieves 70.4mph with a trailing load of 342 tons (uk). This is exactly in line with the prediction from the balance point on the calculated graph of Drawbar TE at 25,000lb/hr steam rate against Trailing Load Resistance.

A full description of the various ADVANCED parameters adjusted to achieve the desired performance against the 1951 Test Report are detailed in a document included in the test locomotive pack.

This download includes consists using the Mk1 passenger cars above, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "~CTN B1 XXXXXXX Report Based Resistance" in OR, where XXXXXX is either BASIC or ADVANCED.

BR "Duke of Gloucester" (71000) Class Locomotive

The following test locomotive is configured with the same parameters as described in the BR test report titled 'Performance and Efficiency Tests - British Railways Standard Class 8 - 3 Cyl 4-6-2 Express Passenger Steam Locomotive No 71000 - 1957'. This report describes a number of tests undertaken on the DoG class locomotive.

The locomotive is available from the links below and test consists are included for testing purposes.

Original model by Dave Robinson (Version 2 - updated Feb 2024 - updated physics)

This download includes consists using the Mk1 passenger cars above, and a light engine consist. Note: This build uses a different stock folder so it is recommended that the old version be removed.

BR "V2" Class Locomotive

The V2 2-6-2 locomotive was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley in 1935, the LNER V2 went on to become a highly successful design, working both freight and passenger services throughout the region until withdrawal in 1960. 184 in total were built, the first, Green Arrow, was presented to the National Railway Museum and has, until recently, run on the main line. Coming nearly ten years after the first A3s, the V2s had the same three cylinders and conjugated valve gear layout of the Pacifics and similar lines.

The V2's swansong came on the Edinburgh - Aberdeen run, working alongside the last LNER A2s and A4s. The entire class was withdrawn from service between 1962 and 1966.

The V2 was classified as BR Class 6MT and later as 7P6F. Tractive Effort at 85% Boiler Pressure - 33730 lb.

In 1953 BR undertook "Performance and Efficiency Tests" on the V2 locomotive. These tests included a series of stationary plant tests at the BR Swindon Locomotive Testing Plant, and a number of controlled road tests on the Reading to Filton section of line in the Western Region of the BR. The test locomotive available on this page has been configured based upon the information provided in the BR test report titled 'Performance and Efficiency Tests with Exhaust Steam Injector - Eastern and Northern Regions - "V2" Class 3 Cyl 2-6-2 Mixed Traffic Locomotive - 1953'.

The test locomotive has been configured with the following OR features:

Two test configurations have been built for this locomotive to demonstrate the alternate means of configuring the locomotive. BASIC features contains information about the locomotive that is readily obtainable from INTERNET sources. ADVANCED features have been included in the ENG file to replicate the known parameters of the locomotive in the real world as far as is possible, based upon information available from the test report. In particular the Boiler Evaporation rate was reduced to the reported 31000lb/hr steam rate and the burn rate from the report was added. The ADVANCED version produces results close to the reported values from the report. The loco achieves 61.7mph with a trailing load of 790tons (uk). This is exactly in line with the prediction from the balance point on the calculated graph of Drawbar TE at 31000lb/hr steam rate against Trailing Load Resistance.

A full description of the various ADVANCED parameters adjusted to achieve the desired performance against the 1953 Test Report are detailed in a document included in the test locomotive pack.

Original model by Dave Robinson, Sounds by Chris Jephcott & Dave Robinson, Cabview by Hans Nooyen (Version 3 - updated January 2020 - Adjustments for Vacuum Brakes)
Physics by Mick Clarke

This download includes consists using the Mk1 passenger cars above, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "~CTN V2 XXXXXXX Report Based Resistance" in OR, where XXXXXX is either BASIC or ADVANCED.

BR "Modified Hall" Class Locomotive

The GWR Hall Class were a 2-cylinder mixed traffic locomotive that were used on all classes of traffic from Express Passenger to unfitted mineral trains. The Hall class was first introduced in 1924, and the Modified Hall class was an 'updated' version of the original introduced in 1941. The locomotive used in the BR tests was one of the Modified Hall Class.

The following test locomotive is configured with the same parameters as described in the BR test report titled 'Performance and Efficiency Tests with Exhaust Steam Injector - Western Region - "Hall" Class 2 Cyl 4-6-0 Mixed Traffic Locomotive - 1951'. This report describes a number of tests undertaken on the Hall class locomotive.

The locomotive is available from the links below and test consists are included for testing purposes.

Original model by Frank Sandwell, Cabview by Lewis Price, and Sounds by Stuart Williamson
(Version 3.0 - updated Jan 2020 - Updated vacuum brake features)
BR reskin and Physics by Darwin Smith

ADVANCED features have been introduced as seen in the ENG file to replicate the known parameters of the locomotive in the real world as far as is possible. These allow the model to achieve comparable tractive effort, horse power, steam consumption and coal consumption to those recorded in the report.

Tests were carried out with two types of coal in the report. Bidworth Coal is a hard Nottinghamshire coal of the type commonly used by railways throughout the United Kingdom. Markham coal is a soft Welsh steam coal of the type commonly used by the GWR before World War 2.

This download includes consists using the Mk1 passenger cars above, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "~CTN Modified-Hall-XXXXXXX" in OR, where XXXXXX is either BASIC or ADVANCED.

BR "4MT" (80002T) Tank Class Locomotive

The locomotive is available from the links below and test consists are included for testing purposes.

Original model by Dave Robinson (Version 3.0 - updated Sept 2024 - Sounds upgraded.)

This download includes consists using the Mk1 passenger cars above, and a light engine consist. Note: This build uses a different stock folder so it is recommended that the old version be removed.

NYC Niagara 4-8-4 Locomotive (Class S1b)

The Niagaras were perhaps the most powerful single expansion locomotive ever produced, excelling in speed, reliability and power, with a maximum Indicated HP of 6550 at 84 mph, and maximum Drawbar HP of 5050 at 62 mph. Sadly despite this fact they had a very short working life.

The following test locomotive is configured with the same parameters as described in the series of articles describing the design and testing of NYC Niagara Locomotive. These articles can be found on the 'NYCS Research Resources' site. For test descriptions refer to the document 'Road Testing NYC Niagaras'.

The locomotive is available from the links below and test consists (test consists are in tons uk) are included for testing purposes.

Original model by Michael Laxer (Version 1.1 - updated Oct 2021)
Minor adjustment to physics

The above locomotive is configured either as a BASIC model with no ADVANCED parameters set, or as an ADVANCED version with steaming settings configured to replicate the test results from the document Road Testing the Niagara. Acceleration (see pg 20 of Test Document) and climbing tests (pg 7 of Test Document - last paragraph) were chosen as a means of checking the locomotive performance in OR against the actual road tests undertaken. To achieve a close performance to the test results a number of advanced settings need to be adjusted as demonstrated in the ADVANCED eng file included in the above model.

This download includes consists using either the H21a or the NYC Heavy weight cars from above, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "~CTN NIAGARA XXXXXXX FC" in OR, where XXXXXX is either BASIC or ADVANCED.

PRR "Decapod" (I1s)

The following test locomotive currently only has a BASIC configuration.

The full report for this locomotive is from here - Bulletin No. 31 - Tests of a I1S Locomotive.

The locomotive is available from the link for testing purposes.

Original model by Ron Pertuit (Version 1 - updated Jun 2019)

PRR "Duplex" (T1)

PRR developed the Duplex (had a rigid frame with two separate steam engines mounted on it) T1 steam locomotive to haul some of its prestige name trains, such as the "Broadway Limited". The T1 was designed to haul a load of 880 tons (us) on a level grade at 100mph, however anecdotal information suggests that the train could go even faster. It also allowed the repelacement of double headed K4 locomotives. One of the prototype locomotives (#6111) was fitted with a steam Booster engine.

The full test report for this locomotive is available from here - PRR tests of a T1 Locomotive.

The locomotive is available from the link for testing purposes. The install pack has the locomotive and a set of PRR Passenger cars modelled by Thomas Pearce of Broadway Limited Locomotive Works.

Original model by Nicholas Schou (Version 4 - updated May 2024). See the readme for the full list of credits.V4 - changes to physics and sounds.

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Geared Locomotives

Geared steam locomotives were developed for use on light industrial type railways that might typically have sharp curves or steep grades. For a fuller description see here.

The majority of geared steam locomotives had fixed gearing, and these included all the Shay classes and the Climax classes except for the A class which had two gears that could be changed whilst in operation. Open Rails has been set up to allow for both the Fixed and Selectable gear type steam locomotive.

The gearing on these locomotive typically increased their tractive effort by a factor of 2-3 times.

Type = Simple, Saturated, Fixed
Fixed geared locomotive - Heisler 80 ton

The Heisler 80 ton represents a typical fixed geared locomotive.

Original model by Okrasa Ghia (Version 2 - updated Apr 2015)

This download includes consists, using the above stock, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "AU CTN Test Heisler" in OR.

NB:This locomotive uses the Consolidation cabview, so if not installed, no cabview will be available. This shouldn't impact Steam Model performance testing.

Type = Simple, Saturated, Fixed
Fixed geared locomotive - Shay Class 70-3

The Shay 70-3 represents a typical fixed geared locomotive.

Original model by Jeff (Shay 5) (Version 2 - updated Apr 2015)

This download includes consists, using the above stock, and a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "AU CTN Test COC Shay - No. 2" in OR.

The following general specification for the various models of Shay have been compiled, if you can add to it, please advise me through the contact page.

Shay specifications
Type = Simple, Saturated, Select
Selectable geared locomotive - Climax Class A

The Climax A class represents a typical selectable gear locomotive.

Route by Peter Newell, Models by Darwin Smith,
Sounds by Roger van Duijnhoven (Version 3 - updated Nov 2020)

This download includes a test route, activities and consists using the above stock.

The test route is based upon the Langley Vale Timber Tramway. This route was built as a cheap timber haulage railway, and had very steep gradients. The steepest gradient on the line was approximately 14.4% ( 1 in 7 ).

The route can be used for the following purpose:

The activities demonstrate:

Logging locomotives were often wood fired, as the fuel was much cheaper and often plentiful as the offcuts of harvested timber. It has been suggested, "One of the differences between coal and wood fired steam locomotives was the horsepower ratings and locomotive efficiency. Coal fired locomotives had the advantage of developing maximum power from high BTU coal while wood fired locomotives were lucky to achieve 75% efficiency due to the inconsistency of the quality of their wood supplies at fuelling stations.

The other big issue is firebox design. For woodburners, a long narrow firebox was necessary while a shorter, wider firebox was better for coal burners. This had to do with the required amount of heating space needed for the locomotive to operate most efficiently and the physical limitations of firing a locomotive using the two major fuel types."

The following specifications are from a Climax catalogue (unknown date). The specifications were often changed from version to version of the catalogue. The hauling capacity is based upon the maximum tractive effort @ 75% boiler pressure, a stock rolling resistance of 8lbs/ ton (us). This capacity was exclusive of the locomotive resistance. As the maximum tractive force only occurs at starting, it would be safe to assume that actual loads maybe less than the figures quoted in the following table as the speed of the locomotive increases.

If you can add to the above specifications, please advise me through the contact page.

Climax specifications

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Compound Locomotives - Type = Compound, Saturated

Compound locomotives were developed to increase the efficiency of steam usage. A wide variety of compound locomotives were developed in the 1800s, but became less popular in the early 1900s. They were generally found to be more difficult to maintain, and they were generally replaced by superheated locomotives. The current OR model is based upon a Woolfe type engine without a receiver between the HP and LP steam cylinders.

A full copy of this report is available for viewing here - PRR test report ATSF #535

A summarised extract of this report, including DHP and drawbar pull information is available - ATSF #535 Summarised test report

Original model by Ron Pertuit (Version 2 - updated Aug 2015)

This download includes consists, using a light engine consist. The locomotive will appear as "AU CTN Test - Atlantic - Compound - #535" in OR.

NB: The livery of the locomotive does not align with the PRR. This locomotive uses the Consolidation cabview (from above), so if not installed, no cabview will be available. This shouldn't impact Steam Model performance testing.

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Rainhill Test - small locomotive

In the late 1820s, a new railway was being built between Liverpool and Manchester in the UK. The directors of the railway line were uncertain as to whether to use stationary steam engines spaced at equal distances along the line or a steam locomotive. They decided to hold a competition with a £500 prize to decide. The competition was held on a flat section of the railway at Rainhill, thus the Rainhill Trials took place, and firmly established the place of the locomotive on the railways.

Competition rules were established, and one of the key requirements were for the boiler pressure not to exceed 50 psi.

Five locomotives were entered into the competition, and after the trial was complete, George Stephenson's Rocket locomotive was announced as the winner. The Rocket, with a boiler pressure of 50 psi, and cylinders of 8 in x 17 in was extremely small by modern standards, and only produced a maximum tractive effort in the order of 820 lbf.

The Rocket represented an important milestone in the development of the modern steam locomotive, and established the design directions for the modern steam locomotive.

Thus the Rocket with its low tractive effort is a good test for the OR Steam Model and has been used to check the OR performance. It can be downloaded from the link below and trialled.

Original models by Joseph Spinella and Darwin Smith (Version 1a - Jul 2021)

This download includes a test track based upon the section of track around Rainhill, activities, and consists, using stock included in the install. There are two locomotives in the pack, one representing the Rocket during the Rainhill Trial, and one representing an improved version based upon modifications carried out by Stephenson. The locomotive(s) will appear as "AU CTN Test - Stephenson's Rocket - test" in OR.

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Oil Fired Locomotive

This model is to test the use of oil as an alternate fuel in a steam locomotive. The locomotive will perform as described in the various Southern Pacific test reports. These test reports describe the GS-1, which sadly doesn't currently have a visual model that will load in OR, hence the GS-4 witha GS-1 configuration has been used in this instance.

Oil produces more heat then coal and is fired differently to coal

Original models by Justin Cornell, Chris Bonelli, Mark Toland (Version 1 - Jul 2024)

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Wood Fired Locomotive

This model is to test the use of wood as an alternate fuel in a steam locomotive. Wood doesn't burn as hot as the same weight of coal, and therefore approximately 2.5 x lbs of wood is required to produce the same amount of heat as coal. Hence the amount of steam produced is often less then a coal fired locomotive with a similar size firebox. A reduced steam production rate will mean that the locomotive may not be able to produce the full power implied by the size of the steam cylinders.

This locomotive is based upon the American (4-4-0) locomotive which was the main stay of US railways from approximately 1840 to 1900. Many early US steam locomotives were wood fired because vast quantities of wood existed whereas coal in some locations was a rarity. Most locomotives converted to coal firing in the late 1800s as the demand for faster and more powerful locomotives drove the need to use the more energy efficient coal. Wood fired locomotive could still be found on logging railways in the 1900s. This locomotive is based upon the famous "General", which was stolen by Union forces in 1862.

Most locomotives of this era were limited to around 20 mph due to their various company operating rules, and typically had a range of approximately 40 miles before the needed to refule with wood. Certainly by modern standards they were very slow, but when first built 20 mph was an impressive speed compared to other forms of transport.

Original models by Jon Davis (Version 1 - Jul 2024)

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Diesel electric locomotive

British Railways Class D16/2 (#10203)

This model can be used to test a diesel electric locomotive in Open Rails. It is based upon a British Rails Class D16/2 #10203 prototype locomotive. A series of performance tests were untaken by British Rails with a detailed test report being produced.

The model includes consists using the Mk1 passenger carriages available above.

Original model by Danny Gilbert (Version 2.1 - updated Jan 2022 - Minor physics changes)

British Railways Class 55 Deltic

This is based upon a British Rails Class 55 "Deltic" locomotive. A series of performance tests were untaken by British Rails with a detailed test report being produced and available on the test resources page indicated (see Bulletin 19). This model was somewhat unique as it had two prime mover diesel engines to drive the generator set.

The model includes consists using the Mk1 passenger carriages available above.

Original model by Mark Shipman & Jon Bilton (Version 1.1 - updated Jan 2022 - Minor physics changes)

British Railways Class 20

This is based upon a British Rails Class Class 20" locomotive. A series of performance tests were untaken by British Rails with a detailed test report being produced and available on the test resources page indicated (see Bulletin 11).

Original model by Paul Mitchell, Cabview by Kenji Kimura & Sounds by KieGill (Version 1.0 - May 2020 - Initial Release)

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Diesel mechanical locomotive

Hunslet locomotive

This model is demonstrate the operation of a diesel mechanical locomotive. The model below is actually of a class 305 diesel hydraulic shunter manufactured by Henschel Krauss-Maffei in 1954 for RENFE, which bore a similarity to the Hunslet 500hp diesel mechanical locomotive shunter manufactured by the Hunslet engine company in 1951 for the Paita/Piura Railway of Peru.

Page 63 of Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Railway Locomotives by P. Ransome-Wallis has a good description of a diesel mechanical transmission.

Original model by Jose Jimenez and Javier Fernandez. Sound set by Stuart Williamson. (Version 1.0 - Feb 2022 - Initial Release)

The consists in this pack have been built with the Manual Braking stock available above.

British Railways undertook testing of this locomotive, and a copy of the test report can be found on the Test Reports and Information page.

BR Class 101 DMU

This model is demonstrate the operation of a diesel mechanical DMU set and is based upon the British Rail Class 101 DMU.

Original model by Paul Mitchell. Cabview by Clive Heard. Sound set by Benedict Todd. (Version 1.0 - Sept 2022 - Initial Release)

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Control Car

Some multiple unit trains had one powered car and an unpowered control trailer or car. The following cars represent these types of units.

Diesel Multpile Unit (DMU)

Original model by Brian Bere-Streeter, Cabview by Rick Franzosa" (Version 2.0 - Sept 2021 - Updated Cab and Physics)

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Special Test Stock

This train set below has been set up to enable performance testing to be undertaken against a test scenario that Norfolk Southern described in their test report titled, "Locomotive Tractive Effort Tests on Norfolk Southern Railway".

The Norfolk Southern (NS) testing is to setup a baseline tonnage consist based on the "expected" ability of a particular unit. A helper locomotive gives the train a little nudge at the bottom of the grade and helps get the train to 10mph. Once that is done, the helper runs at idle and lets the lead locomotives pull. The purpose of the test is to see how long the units can maintain speed, how much wheel slip is present and how well they recover after crossing flange lubricators, negotiate tight curves, etc. The idea is to find the highest tonnage a unit can pull without a lot of fluctuation of speed, which determines their continuous tractive effort. These tests are conducted on both wet and dry rail. Wet rail is simulated using water jets in front of the leading truck to saturate the rail head thus creating a more slippery rail surface. The latest units from both GE and EMD have new "Rail Cleaner" systems that actually deploy varying volumes of air onto the rail, just before the sander, to clean off debris and actually dry the rail head to increase traction. Attached photo shows a wet rail test up close. A similar test to that described in the document is shown in this "video.

In simple terms, this document gives us a tonnage rating, speed, and gradient that the locomotive is tested on. Hence we should be able to duplicate these tests, and if OR is configured correctly we should get the same or similar results (within an acceptable degree of accuracy) as published in the document.

When reading the document the following "invisible information" is relevant:
Locomotive Group E1-E8 appear to be the following, respectively: C39-8, SD70, D9-40CW, SD70M, ES40DC, SD60, D8-40C, SD70M-2 (? on that last one)
Locomotive Group F1-F6 appear to be the following, respectively: 45AC (not sure exactly what this is in NS lingo), ES44AC, SD70ACe, AC4400CW, 90MAC, 80MAC

For this test scenario, the SD70ACe (F3) was chosen.

A test gradient equivalent to 1.4% has been added to the CTN test route, and it will be deemed a successful test if the train consist(s) described in the document can maintain a balancing speed up the gradient as suggested in the test report. Note: over-speeding is considered just as big an issue as under-speed. The balancing speed will be reached once the "train resistive force = locomotive tractive force".

For reference a manufacturers specification datasheet can be found here

Norfolk Southern Test Train - Original models and textures by Danny Beck and JY Moon, Cabview by Borislav Miletic, Sounds by Eric Cantu (Version 2 - updated Dec 2023 - Minor physics changes)

This model also supports a working EoT (End of Train) devices, a document describing how to use the EoT device is included in the pack.

For those interested in testing other locomotive types, the following table provides the tonnage ratings for a similar section of track as covered in the Norfolk Southern test documentation above. The information was taken from the 2008 and 1992 Virginian (VA Div) Employee Timetables covering this area of operation for Norfolk Southern.

Ruling Grade

Diesel Unit Rating (tons US)

Part Group 1992
(U23B)

Group 1 - 2008
(B-23-7, GP-38, GP38-2, GP-38-AC, GP-40)

Group 2 - 2008
(B-30-7A, B-36-7, B-40-2, D8-32-B, GP-40X, GP-49, GP-50, GP-59, GP-60)

Group 3 - 2008
(C-30-7, SD-40, SD-40-2)

Group 4 - 2008
(C-36-7), SD-50)

Group 5 - 2008
(C-39-8, D-8-40-C, D9-40-C, D9-40-CW, SD-60, SD-70)

Group 6 - 2008
(C-44-AC, C-60-AC, C-90-AC, SD-70-MAC, SD-80, SD-80-MAC, SD-90-MAC)

1 in 70 (1.4%)

1,350

1,450

1,900

2,300

2,880

3,200

3,780 #

# Note: It appears that the test report was produced after the publication of the 2008 timetable, hence the comment in the report in regard to the need to reduce the tonnage rating for Group 6 (F) locomotives slightly should be noted. Also the fact that the SD-70-ACe was probably added to the timetable after 2008. Thus this group probably had a tonnage rating of around 3,650 tons.

Animated Couplers

The following rolling stock demonstrates animated coupler, including air hoses. This pack should be installed once the above Norfolk Southern Set has been installed.

Animated Couplers - Norfolk Western Test Train - Original models, textures and cabview by Erick Cantu (Version 2 - updated Dec 2023 - Rebuild of pack)

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