High Iron Simulations TS20 Realistic Routes and Packs for Train Simulator Owner’s Manual

High Iron Simulations TS20 Realistic Routes and Packs for Train Simulator

ABOUT HIGH IRON SIMULATIONS

As a Train Simulator Partner Programme member, we collaborate with Dovetail Games to produce a variety of realistic content for Train Simulator. Our products include highly authentic Train Simulator routes, retro packs, and more than 30 Train Simulator scenario packs, all of which is available at the Steam Store and Dovetail Games Store.

THE B&O MOUNTAIN SUBDIVISION: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY

In the long and renowned life of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, its steel route stretching deep into the Allegheny Mountains was called “The West End.” In the Chessie System era – and today as part of CSX – it is the Mountain Subdivision. By any name, it is one of the most historic, demanding, and awe- inspiring railroad main lines in America.
The Mountain Subdivision extends from Cumberland, Maryland to Grafton, West Virginia, a distance of 101 route miles. It was the great Baltimore & Ohio’s original main line crossing of the Allegheny Mountains, opened in 1852 and hence, for more than 160 years, it has seen the endless passage of heavy tonnage. The Mountain Subdivision is home to and evokes names that to railroaders and enthusiasts alike are the stuff of legends …. Seventeen Mile Grade,Grafton and Cumberland, Cranberry Grade, Altamont and Terra Alta, Cheat River Grade, and Keyser.
The historic Baltimore & Ohio – America’s first common carrier railroad chartered in 1827 – was, as its name suggests, conceived to link Baltimore, Maryland to the Ohio River. To do so meant crossing the Allegheny Mountains. The B&O began abuilding in 1828 and by 1842 it had reached Cumberland, Maryland, the “Queen City,” set below the eastern slope of the Alleghenies along the North Branch of the Potomac River at an elevation of 627 feet.

The Baltimore & Ohio’s crossing of the Alleghanies, begun in 1850, was one of the railroading marvels of the age. To stretch from Cumberland to Grafton, West Virginia, the line would first follow the banks of the North Branch of the Potomac River, then, just west of Keyser, West Virginia, begin the Allegheny climb and crossing. That journey would require no less than four torturous grades (two westbound, two eastbound). The first – to become known as fabled Seventeen Mile Grade – carried the line up the east slope of the mountain range to Altamont, West Virginia on grades of 2.2 percent and more. Altamont, at an elevation of 2,628 feet above sea level, was the highest point on the line, but the challenge was far from over.
West from Altamont, the B&O first crossed a high plateau to Terra Alta, West Virginia, then descended Cranberry Grade with its gradients of up to 2.67% to Rowlesburg, West Virginia and a crossing of the Cheat River. And still, there was more. From Rowlesburg to Blaser and Tunnelton, West Virginia and the nearby 4,137-foot Kingwood Tunnel
(which when built was the longest railroad tunnel in America), the railroad first climbed the 2 percent gradients of the Cheat River Grade, then descended the equally steep Newburg Grade to Hardman, after which followed a relatively level run to the railroad town of Grafton, West Virginia. B&O opened the West End route to Grafton in 1852 and reached its namesake goal – the banks of the Ohio River – at Wheeling, West Virginia in 1853.

What followed has been, continuing to this day, a titanic battle between mountain grades and tonnage, locomotives, and railroaders.

THE TRAIN SIMULATOR B&O MOUNTAIN SUBDIVISION ROUTE

The B&O Mountain Subdivision route for Train Simulator, developed by High Iron Simulations and for which this retro pack is ideally suited, features 140 route miles of main line, four locomotive models in multiple liveries, more than 20 types of freight equipment, thirteen career scenarios., and is Quick- drive (QD) enabled.
The Mountain Subdivision route extends from Cumberland, Maryland to Grafton, West Virginia, a distance of 101 route miles. Also included in this Train Simulator edition are more than 30 route miles of the Western Maryland Railway’s Thomas Subdivision, B&O’s sprawling Cumberland Terminal, and portions of several other B&O subdivisions.
Anchored by two of America’s timeless and classic railroad towns – Cumberland, Maryland and Grafton, West Virginia – the route features four grueling Allegheny Mountain B&O grades – 17-Mile Grade, Cranberry Grade, Cheat River Grade, and Newburg Grade – each with daunting and twisting gradients of more than 2 percent. And the B&O Moun-tain Subdivision route is also be host to extensive yards and terminal facilities, plus large lineside shippers including coal mines and cement, paper, steel, and manufacturing plants.
The B&O Mountain Subdivision is a large and extensively detailed route and use of the 64-bit version of Train Simulator is recommended for best results.

BALTIMORE & OHIO RETRO PACK 01

Baltimore & Ohio Retro Pack 01 was developed to provide enthusiasts an opportunity to re-create much of the character and operations of the famed Mountain Subdivision during the period prior to B&O’s 1972 integration into the Chessie System and, in particular, the captivating era of the 1960s. Accordingly, this pack includes four types of B&O locomotives and a variety of rolling stock appropriate to the era, plus a selection of ten career scenarios for the B&O Mountain Subdivision route which are closely based upon B&O operations and train symbols of the period.

LOCOMOTIVES
Four notable Baltimore & Ohio locomotive types are included in Baltimore & Ohio Retro Pack 01. The Electro-Motive F7 (cab and booster); the Electro- Motive GP7 and GP9 road-switcher; and the Baldwin RF16 “Sharknose“ freight loco-motive. The EMD F7 is included in multiple liveries and the EMD GP7 and GP9 are included in both multiple liveries and passenger and freight service variants (see pages 9-10)
Note: Each locomotive type in this pack features authentic and advanced braking features. For full details on the oper-ations of these types of brakes, refer to page 8 of this manual and to the B&O Mountain Subdivision route manual.

ELECTRO-MOTIVE F7
Electro-Motive’s famed “F-units” were at the forefront as American railroads dieselized in the 1940 and 1950s, and Baltimore & Ohio was among the F7’s multitude of buyers. Between 1949 and 1953, the Baltimore & Ohio purchased a total of 244 F7 cab and booster units which served system-wide as the backbone of B&O’s main line freight ser-vices and continued to serve throughout the 1960s.

LOCOMOTIVE CONTROLS — EMD F7
The locomotives in this add-on primarily use the standard keyboard controls of Train Simulator. Please refer to the User Manual of Train Simulator or the Academy scenarios for general information about how to drive a locomotive in this game. Information on specific locomotive control and operating features follow here.

ELECTRO-MOTIVE GP7 AND GP9

Along with the omnipresent EMD F-units, the classic EMD “Geep” helped dieselize many American railroads includ-ing the B&O. After modestly sampling the GP7 (buying 33 units in 1953), the B&O purchased nearly 200 GP9s be-tween 1955 and 1958. B&O purchased variants of each type designated and equipped for passenger and freight services and the venerable Geeps served into the Chessie era.

LOCOMOTIVE CONTROLS — GP7/GP9

1. Reverser
2. Throttle
3. Independent Brake (Locomotive Brake)*
4. Train Brake*
5. Horn
6. Sander
7. Bell
8. &
9. Brake Gauges
10. Dynamic Brake (when applicable)
11. Front Headlight, Classification, Number board Light Switches
12. Rear Headlight, Classification, Number board Light Switches
13. Gauge and Cab Light Switches
14. Speed Recorder
15. Cab Windows (openable on both sides)

BALDWIN RF16 ‘SHARKNOSE”
Surely one of the most distinctive and stylish diesel locomotives ever produced in America was Baldwin Locomotive Works’ renowned “Sharknose” diesel freight locomotive. Built in DR4-4-1500 and later RF16 variants, the “Shark” was known for its rugged ability to haul heavy tonnage. B&O rostered a total of 32 cab and booster RF16s which were regularly used in coal territory and remained on the roster into the mid-1960s.

LOCOMOTIVE CONTROLS — BALDWIN RF16

LOCOMOTIVE BRAKE SYSTEMS

The diesel locomotives included in this retro pack feature realistic air brake systems. The diesels utilize the following types of air brakes:

• EMD F7 and Baldwin RF16: 24-RL
• EMD GP7 and GP9: Type 24L

Each of the above types of air brakes utilize functions and are controlled in slightly different manners and understanding their realistic use will enhance your immersion and enjoyment of the route.
For a good overview of braking methodology of this era and specifics for the GP7/GP9, we recommend:
Train Simulator 2021, Mountain Subdivision by High Iron Simulations, EMD GP9 Brakes Tutorial

Additional Notes:
EMD F7:
The F7 is equipped with 24-RL air brakes (consisting of a DSE-24-H automatic brake valve and an S-40-F independent brake valve). It also has the K-2-A Rotair valve which is modelled in the cab but is non-functional. The brakes are set up for 90 psi freight operation. The dynamic brake warning light is functional, illuminating when the current in dynamic braking exceeds 600 Amps. The PCS warning light is also functional, illuminating while the PCS is open (which hap-pens when there is an emergency brake application as a result of either an automatic safety system application when a break-in-two is detected or when the engineer puts the automatic train brake handle in Emergency).

Baldwin RF16:
The RF16 also has 24-RL brakes and is equipped with dynamic brakes. In the case of the RF16, the throttle handle is not actually notched but is allowed to move freely and smoothly. The reverser has four positions – Reverser Neu- tral, Forward and Dynamic Braking (you can see their names appear above the reverser slider in the F4 HUD). When the reverser is in Dynamic Braking, the throttle handle controls the amount of dynamic braking instead of engine throttling. The dynamic brake warning light, to the left of the air brake gauges, is functional and illuminates when the current exceeds 845 Amps. Regarding the F4 HUD, either the throttle slider or the dynamic brake slider is enabled, with the other being returned to zero, depending on the reverser setting.

EQUIPMENT AND ROLLING STOCK

Included in Baltimore & Ohio Retro Pack 01 is a diverse and authentic selection of locomotives and freight equip-ment, frequently provided in multiple liveries and variants. Equipment included in the B&O Mountain Subdivision route is, subject to the specific era being replicated in a scenario, also appropriate for use with the retro pack’s equipment.

EMD F7 CAB AND BOOSTER:
The classic B&O EMD F7 cab and booster is featured in four liveries: (1) “As delivered” blue, gray, and black; (2) Simplified blue and black of circa 1961; (3) the distinctive “Sunburst” livery of circa 1963; and (4) B&O’s “Capitol” blue scheme of circa 1966. During the 1960s, locomotives in these schemes regularly were intermixed.

Baldwin RF16:
The Baldwin RF16 “Sharknose” is included in the blue and black livery worn by the units from the early 1960s through their retirement in 1966.

EQUIPMENT AND ROLLING STOCK

EMD GP7:
The B&O GP7 is included in passenger and freight service variations in multiple liveries. Passenger units were equipped with steam generators. The passenger units, which originally wore B&O’s magnificent gray, black, and blue livery, eventually migrated to freight duties. Because the B&O GP7s lacked dynamic brakes, they were often used for local duties or as yard switchers.

EMD GP9:
The B&O GP9 is included in passenger and freight service variations and in four liveries. As with the GP7, passenger GP9s were equipped with steam generators and lacked dynamic brakes while freight units were dynamic-brake equipped.

EQUIPMENT AND ROLLING STOCK
B &O Class I-5 Class
Baltimore & Ohio’s venerable Class I-5 caboose is included in seven variations of liveries and details, including origi-nal wood and plywood side versions. These cabooses, which dated to the 1930s, remarkably served into the 1970s. Many of these classic wooden cabooses have been preserved and restored.

Freight Rolling Stock
A selection of freight rolling stock is included to complement the existing stock of the B&O Mountain Subdivision route. Equipment includes, in multiple liveries, wooden boxcars and refrigerator cars, tanks cars, and coal hoppers. While wooden equipment was becoming increasingly rare, such cars served into the 1960s.

CAREER SCENARIOS

Ten career scenarios are included in Baltimore & Ohio Retro Pack 01 which re- create B&O freight operations from the early through late-1960s. These scenarios require the B&O Mountain Subdivision route (route available separately). This pack also enables the B&O Mountain Subdivision route for B&O-era QD operations.
The career scenarios included are:
[BO 1.01] B&O’s Advance Manhattan, Pt. 1
Baltimore & Ohio’s Mountain Subdivision – the legendary “West End” – was host to endless coal tonnage as well as manifest freight moving between the lower Midwest and East Coast. You are the engineer of B&O’s Advance Manhat-tan, a priority manifest, and with a set of B&O EMD F7s on the point, you are preparing to head east from Grafton. A duo of GP9s, having been serviced at Grafton, will be your helpers as far east as Terra Alta. This is the first of a four-part scenario.

Duration: ~ 60 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive F7.
[BO 1.02] B&O’s Advance Manhattan, Pt. 2
You are the engineer of one of Baltimore & Ohio’s priority manifests, the Advance Manhattan. In the first part of this scenario, you traveled from Grafton to M&K Junction, and now you are ready to continue east, climbing legendary Cranberry Grade en route to Altamont. Your power is set of B&O EMD F7s with a duo of GP9s as rear helpers. This is the second of a four-part scenario.

Duration: ~ 65 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive F7.
[BO 1.03] B&O’s Advance Manhattan, Pt. 3
You are the engineer of one of Baltimore & Ohio’s priority manifests, the Advance Manhattan. In the second part of this scenario, you traveled from M&K Junction to Altamont, and now you are ready to continue east, descending famed and daunting 17-Mile Grade en route to Keyser. Your power is set of B&O EMD F7s with a duo of GP9s on the rear to assist with braking. This is the third of a four-part scenario.
Duration: ~ 50 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive F7.
[BO 1.04] B&O’s Advance Manhattan, Pt. 4
You are the engineer of one of Baltimore & Ohio’s priority manifests, the Advance Manhattan. In the third part of this four-part scenario, you traveled from Altamont to Keyser, and now, after a pick up at Keyser Yard, you will make the final leg of your journey to sprawling Cumberland Terminal. Your power is set of B&O EMD F7s.

Duration: ~ 55 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive F7.
[BO 1.05] Austen Coal Pick Up
Located along the Newburg Grade, the Austen Spur and its coal tipple provided the B&O Mountain Subdivision with bituminous coal tonnage. You have been dispatched with a set of Baldwin RF16s and a caboose from Grafton and have arrived on the Austen Spur. You’ll be picking up loads at the tipple, then heading east to Rowlesburg and M&K Junction yard.

Duration: ~ 55 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Baldwin RF16.

CAREER SCENARIOS

[BO 1.06] Local to Keyser

Lineside industries between Cumberland and Keyser generated considerable traffic for the B&O, and you are the engi-neer of a local working west from Cumberland. As the scenario begins, you have completed a pick up at Cumberland’s Williams Street Yard and you are ready to proceed to Keyser with pick up and set out work en route. Your power is a veteran pair of B&O EMD GP7s.

Duration: ~ 75 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive GP7.
[BO 1.07] West Virginia Northern Interchange
Standing near the summits of the Newburg and Cheat River Grades, Tunnelton, West Virginia was noted as the inter-change point between the B&O and memorable West Virginia Northern short line. You are the engineer of a B&O extra job preparing to depart M&K Junction and climb Cheat River Grade with empty hoppers bound for the WVN. At Tunnel-ton, you’ll then gather coal loads ready to move east. Your power is a set of B&O Baldwin RF16 “Sharknose” diesels.

Duration: ~ 45 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Baldwin RF16.
[BO 1.08] One Fancy Switch Engine
In the early 1950s, the B&O purchased a group of steam-generator-equipped EMD GP7s for secondary passenger ser-vices and dressed the diesels in its magnificent blue, gray, and black livery. As the need for such units in passenger ser-vice declined, and given the Geeps lacked dynamic brakes, the GP7s tended to migrate to yard and local duties. And such is the case on a wintry day as you climb aboard a stylish GP7 for switching duty around Cumberland.

Duration: ~ 45 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive GP7.
[BO 1.09] Covered Wagons Westbound
You are the engineer of a westbound train of empty hoppers bound back to the mines of West Virginia. As the scenario begins, you are at McKenzie, waiting for a priority Trailer Jet to clear the Patterson Cutoff, then you will be following the piggyback west. As power for your train, you have a set of classic Electro-Motive F7 “covered wagons.”

Duration: ~ 75 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive F7.
[BO 1.10] King Coal
Baltimore & Ohio’s “West End” was famous for generating huge amounts of coal tonnage and no single location was more synonymous with B&O coal tonnage than Grafton, West Virginia. You are the engineer of an eastbound coal drag coming off the Fairmount Subdivision and Grafton is humming with traffic this morning, so after a wait for several trains to clear, you’ll be heading east with a set of EMD GP9s on the point of your heavy coal train.

Duration: ~ 45 minutes.
Featured locomotive: Baltimore & Ohio Electro-Motive GP9.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS

Contributors
Michael Stephan: Baltimore & Ohio EMD GP7 and GP9; Freight Rolling Stock, Equipment Modifications, and Liveries.
Cesar Pach (DTM): Baltimore & Ohio Baldwin RF16; B&O EMD F7 Liveries.
Gary Dolzall: Scenario Design; Testing, and Project Research.
Mike Rennie (Smokebox): Locomotive Air and Dynamic Brakes. Refinements to Locomotive and Rolling Stock Performance; Technical Assistance and Troubleshooting.
Dovetail Games: Use of the DTG Electro-Motive F7A, F7B, and GP9 cab view.
Special thanks go to Dovetail Games’ Simon Sauntson, David Walker, Aimee Preston, Steve Dark, Mike Richardson, and QA staff for their support and assistance.
And renewed thanks go to the team members who created and/or contributed to the B&O Mountain Subdivision route: Michael Stephan, Cesar Pach, Wayne Campbell, Paul Dolzall, Rick Grout, Ricardo Rivera, and Gary Dolzall.

© 2021 High Iron Simulations.

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