Coming Soon: Stevens Pass 1929-56

[BoostedFridge]

With the numerous EB/WB trains, especially during WWII, how were these operations handled with just 8 - eight - Y-1 Electrics?

In addition to the 8 Y-1 locos, GN had 10 Z-1 class units, and much later 2 of the massive W-1.

[buzz456]

OK Thanks Tom. I was waiting for the announcement. Yes we are pleased and excited to be hosting this exciting new route for TS2018-19. Details will follow.

[ET44C4]

Excellent work! I love seeing more routes in that era becoming available for the simulator.

[Chacal]

You've never met a steam locomotive? You don't get out much huh.

I swear! I'm not even sure I could if I wanted. I think there's a working one in Ottawa, that's still a long way from home.
To be fair, trains have never become a cultural thing in Canada, like they did in the US.
Here in Quebec, they were considered more a nuisance and were removed when possible.
We only have a ghost of a rail service now.

[ozinoz]

Yes, Y-1s would tow entire trains over the pass. Here is a view of an eastbound passenger train heading up to the tunnel along the original alignment.

Martin Creek Bridge 2.jpg

And, for comparison...

Martin Creek Crossing 1.jpg

As for wartime traffic, GN would have used the new tunnel as the old one had been abandoned. Who knows, they could have had Y-1s waiting at Scenic and Berne strictly to tow trains the short distance through the tunnel.

Rick et al...

Excellent comparison shot and a magnificent looking project

[OldProf]

You've never met a steam locomotive? You don't get out much huh.

I swear! I'm not even sure I could if I wanted. I think there's a working one in Ottawa, that's still a long way from home.
To be fair, trains have never become a cultural thing in Canada, like they did in the US.
Here in Quebec, they were considered more a nuisance and were removed when possible.
We only have a ghost of a rail service now.

I'm really sorry to hear that. I've long wanted to ride the transcontinental route. Does that still exist?

[Chacal]

Yes, the Canadian goes from Toronto to Vancouver, so it's partly transcontinental.
https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-d ... eeper-plus

I believe you can get a ticket for less than 2 millions dollars.

[DrewG]

Yes, the Canadian goes from Toronto to Vancouver, so it's partly transcontinental.
https://www.viarail.ca/en/explore-our-d ... eeper-plus

I believe you can get a ticket for less than 2 millions dollars.

Less than 2 million and only half a week late.. what a bargain!


Anyway, back on topic.. I know Rick has released some steamers in the past, all of which I own I believe. Would any of them be correct to run on this route? In TS steam is a niche, but I'm a young guy who absolutely loves the steam era and I can't wait for this. Unlike chacal, I've got plenty of experience with steam, I worked on one for 3 years I've been in every spot I could fit on that engine. In the smokebox, firebox, ashpan, steam dome, inside the tenders water tank, wrapped around one of the axles trying to get to one really inconvenient grease nipple. I got to fire her and drive her. Steam is unlike any other machine out there, truly amazing.

[ErikGorbiHamilton]

On the topic of steam engines that would fit the closest thing you could try to imagineer into this backdate would be the SP&S 700.


On the topic of steam Drew have you ever seen my Great Grandfathers engine (5703) in St. Thomas? Marvelous work that locomotive did in regular service. My great grandfather reportedly recorded a 32 second mile, which would be 112.5 mph!

[GreatNortherner]

(...) I know Rick has released some steamers in the past, all of which I own I believe. Would any of them be correct to run on this route? (...)

Even though the SP&S was a NP and GN owned bridge line, I doubt their Northerns would have strayed off home rails often, if at all. They had their own passenger trains to pull between Portland and Spokane.

However, if you look at the screenshot Rick posted of Martin Creek trestle a few posts above, you can see a real GN steamer behind the leading Y-1. It's an S-class Northern which will be released as freeware when the route goes live.

Also, right here in the file library there are several repaints of steam egines in GN colors, including the B&LE 2-10-2 and various of Dick Cowen's steam engines (including 2-8-2 and others).

[Alpenfreight]

Cannot Wait!

[ricksan]

It should be pointed out that the S-2 Northern we will be offering is in fact a rework of the G-TraX SP&S E-1. Both locomotives have similar dimensions and specifications but as you can see there are some obvious differences. Historically, the S-2 Northern, with its 80" drivers, was used primarily in high-speed passenger service, though mainly in other, less mountainous parts of the GN. Nevertheless, with a little imagination...

GN_S-2_web.jpg

[RudiJaeger]

Rick, a couple of Q's on the S-2, please:

1. Any plans for a Vanderbilt tender?

2. Are the smoke-box mounted compressors child-objects which could be attached to existing models such as the Challenger and Big Boy?

Thanks!

[ozinoz]

As steam locomotive liveries go, that one is a real shocker

That said, lovely work and am looking forward to getting a run over the Pass...

[PNWR1854]

Would someone pass the foam bucket?