Front CouplerFix

[SHEPLEY1935]

Wasn't there a fix developed so that the front coupler can be used rather than the need to turn the locomotive?

Don Shepley-Chicago

[Stooopid_person]

Yes

[CajunRon]

Don, to expand just a little on the excellent reply from Stooopid_person (his name says it all, doesn't it ;-) ), the one and only official patch that has come out from Microsoft for MSTS includes this fix. Its still not perfect however. It is less forgiving in how hard you couple up than when coupling with the rear(I'm usually successful at 2MPH), you have to very, very gingerly back away when you uncouple and I believe some non-default locomotives won't work with front coupling. But the shortcomings are "livable" and sure makes for more realistic switching activities. In uncoupling, I set the locomotive brake, give the locomotive one or two notches of throttle and then slowly release the brake. Sometimes it will still recouple at which point I just uncouple again (while still moving at very slow speed) and that almost always works.

I believe there is a link to the MSTS patch on the home page of this forum. If not, you can probably go the the Microsoft web site and download a copy.

[SHEPLEY1935]

Ron,
Thank you for your response, it is appreciated! I am hesitant to D/L anything from Microsoft and based on your description and the problems you have encountered I am even more hesitant!!! I do not run on any of the default routes or use any of the default locomotives. The routes that I do run on are steam operations and I was hoping the "Fix" would permit me to avoid having to turn my loco on a "Y"! I'm going to be brave and try it.
Thanks.......
Don Shepley-Chicago

[baldwin]

Hello Don

The MS patch for trainsim works very well for steamers when using the front coupler. You apply just enough reverser and throttle to start the engine moving and it drifts away without recoupling. The fix allows you to run tender first without using excess power.

I will add however that some have had problems with it, and others haven't.

Mervyn

[lnghairedwizard]

hmmmm.....I get the exact same results you described without ever having installed the "official" microsoft patch.....

I would recommend that anyone considering installing the patch, do some research on the forums first as I've heard enough negative responces to warrant caution.

Longhairedwizard

[SHEPLEY1935]

Gentlemen,
Thank you all for taking the time to respond...your thoughts and/or suggestions are most appreciated! Hope You and Yours have a great week-end!
Don Shepley-Chicago