WP 2-6-6-2 External Sound Problem

[MSTS lifer]

Hi gang.I'm having a external sound issue with a WP 4-6-6-2 which I got off Elvis Tower's download page. (WP2662s.zip) There was also a sound fix for it as well. (WP2662soundfix.zip)

I have no external with and without the fix and I beleive it's the engine files for all the steamers in the pack. None have external sound, and I've tried other sound files with negative results.

And in OR, there's no sound at all internal or external.

The engines files appear to be OK, but I'm thinking it could be a case of an extra space added to the line, or a space deleated. (Some quirky crap like that). And the .SMS lines within the engine files read the same as what's in the sound folder.

The sound is self contained. No files for the Common sound folder.

I'm at a loss as to why there's no external sound. Sorry, but I'm unable to provide copies of the engine files with the thread. Says I'm trying to upload a invalid file format.

Thanks

[mipman25]

I'd suggest contacting Derek (midneguy) about this issue. As for the ENG files, send them to a ZIP folder and attach that. Are you sure you switched to the back engine using MSTS Bin?

[MSTS lifer]

Are you sure you switched to the back engine using MSTS Bin?

OK, this is a bit confusing to me..... The engine is in two parts (front & rear). I have never had to "switch" to the back engine on a steamer with two parts. (This sounds like transferring from one cab to another??) Is this model different any way???

And is case anyone is wondering, I have the most current version of MSTS Bin on my sim.

Enclosed are front and rear engine files for the model. The only thing I did to the file was change out the cabview to the one from the WP 2-8-8-2. (I liked that one better)

[hiball 3985]

You will have no external sound if you are running from the front engine. As soon as the activity loads you must switch to the rear engine. It's clearly spelled out in the documentation. I run the WP articulates all the time with no problem.

[midneguy]

It looks like Dustin and Hiball both beat me to the punch here... but they are right, that these engines are intended to be operated from the "rear" half of the engine cab wise. So, as soon as you get into the sim, you have to do a cab switch to the second engine in the consist. Once you do that, the sounds will work work like they should.

The reason for this is because I just couldn't tolerate having the cab view sway back and forth relative to the boiler as the engine went through switches and curves with the "front", articulated engine lol. When you operate the engine from the "rear" cab the cabview stays fixed relative to the boiler and you can watch the front engine swing around under the boiler in front of you like you would have seen in reality. So, since the engine is intended to be operated from the second unit, the sounds are tied to it as well as the smoke and steam FX - this keeps them properly aligned with the boiler regardless of how the front engine is pivoting as well.

If you try out the 2-8-8-2 articulated engines I did, they're the same way requiring a cab switch to the second engine in the consist too.

If only MSTS had the ability to accept an engine that didn't have a cabview in the lead unit, and just default back until it found a unit that did this wouldn't be necessary... but that's just part of the fun I guess right? lol

Derek

[MSTS lifer]

OK guys, JUST SHOOT ME PLEASE!!!! Idiot train operator read the README which he in all his wisdom choose to IGNORE when he first installed the file!!!!

I now have external sound.

This is the first steam engine that has two parts I've come across that you have to switch cabs. The WP 2-8-8-2 does not require this, and my UP Challengers and Big Boys don't operate like that. Ditto for my Great Northern 2-6-6-2's & 2-8-8-2's.

Of course if I had read the readme, I would have known this instead of spending half of last night and on quarter today trying to figure out my problem.

Good example of why one SHOULD read the readme EVEN if you have been "around the block" and THINK you know all the in and outs of MSTS. Normally I do read the instructions enclosed with a file(s). This time I didn't. BOOM!!! Fade to black.

[MSTS lifer]

If you try out the 2-8-8-2 articulated engines I did, they're the same way requiring a cab switch to the second engine in the consist too.


Derek

Well, on my WP 2-8-8-2 I downloaded, I didn't have to switch cabs to get external sound. However, there is indeed a noticeable difference in the overall sound if you do the cab switch.

[midneguy]

Hey no problem... we all have our moments

As for the 2-8-8-2's, they will have sound because the front engine does have sounds assigned to it - basically the same sound scheme I assign to "helper" steam engines I've done in the past. But like you noted they'll sound quite a bit different if operated from the rear cab like intended... and a good difference I hope

Anyway, just glad the 2-6-6-2's are up and running like they should be for you now

Derek

[Noisemaker]

Was going to say when I started reading this 'If Derek has made a mistake in his pack - I'll eat my hat!' I know you're pretty thorough with testing and QC Derek. So I'm glad my haberdashery is still safe.