Alco S-4

[CD705]

Here is my first KRS project, it's an Alco S-4. Still in the early stages but it's coming along!

I will try and keep this thread updated as I make progress.



I think the nose needs to curve around, I have found it difficult to get top down pictures of this locomotive and there seems to be an almost infinite array of variations depending on age, railroad etc

I will also try an S-3 and an RS-1 once I have the S-4 set up and working, I never exported anything in to KRS and I have a feeling getting in the sim and working correctly will be harder than making the model itself!

Regards, Jack

[Bananarama]

Outstanding work, Jack! I look forward to seeing further progress on the model.

[kcjones]

Looks good Jack.

Once I got the hang of xml editing it was relativly easy. I use the Dev tools for the initial exports and then work it manually from there. The xml files have a logic to them which once you see the pattern are quite easy to follow. If you use an existing engine's main bin file, convert it to xml and then put in your own engine's shape name and work from there.

Dick

[CD705]

Cheers for the compliments guys! Thanks for the tip Dick, I shall keep that in mind.

This evening I'm doing the handrails, next will come the grab irons, horns etc, then on to the trucks, AAR Type As!

Regards, Jack

[bs rr co]

Think about doing blount trucks also for s1 variations

[CD705]

I'm sure I'll get round to making the S1s and S2s, the AAR trucks are the most important to get done though, as the type A trucks are used on just about every switcher (I would like to model the SW1000 & SW1001 also) and I can extend the A trucks, move and add an extra tank etc and I'll have the AAR type B as well! The type Bs being used on locomotives from almost every manufacturer, so I'll have trucks I can use for many other projects.

Regards, Jack

[CD705]

I have added some handrails, I think I may thin them down a bit as they look a little big. I have also begun on the underframe equipment and have added the battery boxes. It must be a bit drafty in the cab as the back door is missing!!



The real challenge with this is going to be the knuckle couplers! They're a real awkward shape!

Regards, Jack

[kcjones]

Jack, Don't bother with the couplers. When you come to putting it into RS you can alias the default ones to your loco and they work. You can also put the RS US driver in the cab too. I suppose there is no reason why you can't put the UK and German crews in there also. I have not investigated that yet though.

Which modelling programme are you using?

Dick

[CD705]

Cheers, I didn't realise you could do that with the crew and couplers!

I'm using 3D Canvas Pro, and the images above are renderings using POVRay.

Regards, Jack

[CD705]

Trucks! Here is the AAR Type A truck, it only took an hour, much less than I expected!



It still needs cleaning up but it's getting there, I have tried to get as much detail in as possible without an extreme number of polys.

Regards, Jack

[rgarber]

Gorgeous work there Jack! Stunning!

Rich G

[CD705]

Cheers mate!

Here they are under the S4,



Just need some wheel sets now!

Regards, Jack

[kin__3]

Wow. We had some of those way back when at my place of employment.

[CD705]

Where was that kin_3?

Here are a couple more shots, now with wheels!





Regards, Jack

[Denis Johnston]

Great progress. Here's a shot I found with a nice paint scheme. We need more U.S engines in this sim, also a nice industrial route. Looking good. I see defitnite advancement in KRS within the last few months.
Thanks again