DE6
The DE6 is a 6-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive. It is the most powerful as well as the most expensive locomotive to use, with a $200,000 license. It supports Multi-Unit operation but is not compatible with the Locomotive remote.
Operation
The basic operation of the DE6 is very similar to that of the DE2, only upscaled. A V12 diesel engine drives a generator which sends power to six traction motors (TMs) mounted on the wheel axles. Due to the counter-electromotive force, the TMs' torque and amperage will decrease as motor RPM increases. Put simply, the faster you go, the higher the throttle setting required to continue accelerating.
The DE6 uses active fan cooling like the DH4. Unlike the DH4, the DE6's cooling fans are always active. This is in addition to the universal slow cooling down to ambient temperature (25°C). Once above 600A (the yellow range on the ammeter), the TMs will heat up 25% faster. The TM temperature's effect remains linear until red range (above 105°C).
In addition, the DE6 comes with a rheostatic dynamic brake which turns the TMs into generators - the generated electricity is then sent to resistors and turned into heat which is then dissipated by the cooling fans. Dynamic braking is useful for controlling downhill speed, because it negates overheating of the brake shoes.
When the dynamic brake is applied, the TMs' temperature will increase over time. This can become a problem with extended use of the dynamic brake. Be careful to balance between friction braking and dynamic braking to ensure neither system overheats.
Gameplay
Although very similar to the DE2 in principle, the DE6 handles vastly different due to its size. For instance, the DE6 has motor transition, meaning that, when pulling throttle from idle, there will be a noticeable several-second delay before power is actually applied to the traction motors.
The DE6's status as one of the valley's two dedicated road locomotives means its shunting ability is severely lacking. Rear visibility is poor due to the locomotive's length, and smoothly lining up for coupling proves a challenge, due to the difficulty in judging distance and speed from the cab.
Although the DE6 is not technically compatible with the remote, it can be remote-controlled by connecting it to a remote-controllable locomotive, such as the DE2 or DH4, with a MU cable. The "antenna locomotive" need not have its engine running, but its electrics breaker must be on in order to connect the Locomotive remote. If you do choose to have the antenna locomotive run, then remember to stay cautious of throttle fidelity and power distribution problems.
The DE6 is compatible with the DE6 Slug, which effectively doubles its load rating when used.
Trivia
- Altfuture have stated on the Derail Valley discord that the DE6 is based on cut-nosed variants of the EMD G16. These were originally operated by Yugoslav Railways, and subsequently by its successors - the ingame model seems to take cues from both the 661-1xx and 661-4xx subseries. There are, however, several major differences between the real life G16s and the in-game version, most notably the suspension setup, only having one control panel (as opposed to the real life two, one on each side of the cab for operating in either direction) and the walkway across the long hood end, absent on real-life cut-nose G16s.
- The short hood of a large diesel locomotive, located directly in front of the cab, usually contains auxiliary equipment and a small restroom. While a door to this space is modeled, there are no plans to make it accessible.
- The load rating was listed in-game as 1400t before the simulator update.
- out of the 3 pre-simulator locomotives, the DE6 received very little treatment with only minor changes (most notable being the engine temp being replaced with TM temp, handbrake wheels on the side, a cab fan and the new DE simulation)
History
- Revamped diesel-electric simulation (also applied to DE2)
- TMs can now break apart from overheating
- Properly simulated parallel and series circuitry with proper transitions
- 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
- Rheostatic dynamic brake now hits peak power at 35 km/h
- Changed engine sounds
- Reduced powertrain wear
- Updated gauges
- Swapped large DE6 breaker switch for electrics with a smaller one for TM
- 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
- Fixed DE6 loco having a duplicated audio script
- Temporarily fixed DE6 often derailing the first car behind
- Loosened the ignition rotary switch
- Minor optimization to diesel locomotive rendering
- Added Diesel locomotive
Gallery
DE6, front left 3/4
DE6, rear right 3/4
DE6 cab controls as of Build 98. Note: the shadows are switched off.
Cut-nosed EMD G16, former Yugoslav Railways 661-1xx subseries, operated by Serbian Railways (ŽS).
Ex-JŽ 661-4xx subseries locomotive, operated by Macedonian Railways.
Developers discussing their choice of locomotive on the Discord server.
