DE2 Shunter
The DE2 Shunter is a 2-axle diesel-electric locomotive. A license to use it is earned upon Tutorial completion (or automatically provided if Tutorial is skipped) and it's the only locomotive available for use in the early game until other licenses are unlocked at the career manager. It is compatible with the remote controller and can be connected with other locomotives using an MU cable once the Multiple Unit license has been bought.
Operation
DE2 uses a diesel engine to run a generator which sends electrical power to two traction motors (TMs) located between the wheels. Amount of electrical power generated depends on the throttle setting. The direction of movement is determined by the reverser.
Because of counter-electromotive force (CEMF), the higher TM RPM gets, the lower the amperage, which translates to less torque and less TM heat. When the TMs have low RPM, there is little counter-EMF, so both current and torque are high, so the TMs heat up more quickly. In summary, the lower the speed, the higher the amperage for a given throttle setting, and the more heat is generated.
The TMs will always slowly dissipate heat all on their own, down to the ambient air temperature (which in current version of the game is permanently set to 25°C). In addition, the TMs are passively wind-cooled. As you move, the air cools them down and the faster you're moving the greater the cooling effect. The cooling is reduced when driving backwards but is not affected by other rolling stock in "front" of the locomotive.
Despite the various colored warning bars on the ammeter/temperature gauges the relationship between amperes and torque/temperature is linear all the way up to 1000A at which point the TMs will start heating up twice as fast (but at that point you're about to trip the TM breaker anyway). Similarly, there is no additional danger in the TMs being in the gauge's yellow zone-- you only have to worry about not going over 105°C, which will damage and possibly even destroy the electrical powertrain.
The locomotive is equipped with two brake circuits: the independent brake and the train brake. The independent brake applies braking force only to the wheels on the locomotive. The train brake applies braking force on the locomotive and all the wagons connected with brake pipes. The brakes use pressured air, and the train brake uses significantly more of it than the independent brake.
Gameplay
The main problem with the DE2 is its passive traction motor cooling - the faster you go, the more cooling you get. Conversely, slowing down on a climb can lead to a "heat death spiral" - the slower you go the hotter TM gets, which forces you to slow down more, which makes the TM even hotter. Because of this you should always try to gain as much speed as possible early. In case of difficult stations such as the Food Factory & Town it may even be necessary to back up as much as you can on the yard to get a "running start" up a hill.
The TMs will usually achieve temperature equilibrium (heat from amperage/cooling from air) around 500A.
The easiest way to "cook" the traction motors is to try accelerate against the direction of travel, this will lead to the traction motors rapidly heating up followed by a small electrical "explosion" signaling the tripping of the TM breaker which must be manually reactivated in order to continue.
The DE2 Is compatible with the DE6 Slug.
Trivia
The DE2 is based on the ČD Czech Railways Class 708[1], later reclassified ŽS series 621. Some major details are different, however, and the engine bay is notably shorter compared to its real life basis.
- The load rating was listed in-game as 400t before the simulator update.
History
- Revamped diesel-electric simulation (also applied to DE6)
- TMs can now break apart from overheating
- Improved governor simulation (locomotive is better at taking care of itself, limiting its own power)
- TM wear now occurs in relation to heat, in addition to raw mileage
- Power increased to its former 400t glory
- Reduced powertrain wear
- Updated gauges
- Added Multiple-Unit Control
- DE2 and DE6 locos now come equipped with an MU cable
- When connected, locomotives will share all controls
- Compatible with Loco Remote
- Requires a new MU license to use
- Randomized timing of engine shut-off due to overheating
- Loosened the ignition rotary switch
- Reworked to have interactive doors
- Maintains the same UV layout so the existing skin mods still work
- Now generates air pressure only while the engine is running
- Somewhat reduced top speed
- Added independent brake to locomotives (more responsive than train brake)
- Temporarily removed locomotive headlights until they’re finished
- Added notches to throttle lever
- Locomotives now despawn after 2 hours of no use
Gallery
DE2 front left 3/4
DE2 rear right 3/4
The DE2 cab as of build 95 (the shadows are also turned off)
ŽS class 621. Image from Wikipedia, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
Re-enacted photo of the ŽS 621.
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