PAYWARE TGR M and MA CLASS STEAM LOCOMOTIVE MODELS FOR USE WITH TRAINZ RAILROAD SIMULATOR 2004

M Class loco for use in Aurans TRS2004 - Note: Fireman not provided and must be downloaded from Auran

MA Class loco for use in Aurans TRS2004 - Note: Fireman not provided and must be downloaded from Auran

INTRODUCTION

 The M Class and MA class are available as two separate models.

Each model includes the following features :

•         Two versions –1) True to scale narrow gauge – 3’6” gauge

                                             2) A fictitious modification of the narrow gauge version to enable                                                              use on standard gauge 4’8 ½” track

•         Four level-of-detail meshes for the exterior models, with bump mapping and                             specular highlights on the first, most detailed mesh.
•         A custom cab, which uses in many instances textures taken from the actual loco                        cab. The M and MA cabs are basically identical with only differing sanding levers
•         The cab is designed to use the Auran animated fireman to shovel coal – the                              fireman is NOT  PROVIDED but can be downloaded free from Auran.
•         Custom sound file using recorded M Class piston, running and whistle sounds
•         Custom engine file

The exterior and cab interior models were built using GMAX, using the maker’s construction drawings.  These were originally housed at the TGR railway workshops at Inveresk, Launceston but upon redevelopment of the Inveresk site, the drawings were donated to the National Archive in Hobart, where they are stored and have been copied to micro-film.  The exterior models are reasonably high in polygons comprising approximately 32,000 polygons, so despite using level-of -detail meshes, may not be suitable for low end computers.

Narrow Gauge MA locomotive body in GMAX

CAB INTERIOR

The models include a custom cab, with the standard TRS2004 controls being fully functional in cab-control mode.  Numerous other controls move but do not perform a function in the simulator. Some controls don’t have the full range of movement found on the real loco e.g. the cut-off. The windows, cab door and roof vent also open and close. Those controls that are functional are shown in red on the figure below.

Cab controls in the M Class cab showing functional controls in red and those that are animated but are not functional in black. MA Class cab is identical except for location of the sanding lever.

FIREMAN

These models are designed to use the animated Auran fireman, as found on the PB15 locomotive, supplied with TRS2004. If that fireman is installed in the interior models and the firebox door of the  is opened and the space bar is pressed, he will shovel coal, as he does for the PB15.  To get the fireman to appear when the exterior of the model is viewed the fireman must also be installed in the exterior models.

As the PB15 fireman is a creation of Auran I cannot provide the files for him with this package.  However, Auran have kindly made their fireman free for everyone to download from their website as part of the PB15 interior files package (about a 9mb zip file).  Instructions on how to install him in the M or MA Class are provided with the model but to accomplish this task you must be familiar with copying and pasting files from one folder to another. 

Below: Cab interior with Auran Fireman shovelling coal - Auran fireman is not provided but can be installed after downloading from Aurans website

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The models are based primarily on the beautifully restored M4 and MA2 locos of the Don River Railway in Devonport, which I have been able to photograph in detail.  I must thank the many friendly volunteers of the Don River Railway, who have patiently explained many of the finer points of the locos to me.

The piston and cruising sounds on the models are taken from the film “Centenary….The Emu Bay railway celebrates 100 years (1998)” produced by Tas Steam Alive Video Productions of Wynyard, Tasmania.  Brian “Danny” Nielsen of Tas Steam Alive has kindly allowed me to use the sound of MA2 from this film.  Danny has many interesting videos and DVD’s of Railway activities in Tasmania, available for purchase from his website, which can be found at www.tassteamalive.com

I must also thank the members of the TRAINZ community who have helped me with problems on this and past projects, through postings on the forum.  In particular Ian Manion (vulcan) and Gary McArthur (thegeneral) who have provided valuable encouragement and advice. I am also grateful to Bruce Kennewell (3801) who beta tested the locos. Thanks also to Lance Jago of Auran who provided valuable assistance concerning copyright and the use of the Auran fireman and to Wulf_9 for his script which has been included to prevent the tender dumping coal at power stations.

[Home] [Chalkdale] [M Class Steam Loco] [Model] [Screenshots] [Download] [Emu Bay Railway] [Links]