SP Rotary Snow Plows

By 3D Train Stuff

Operating Instructions

 

Clearing the tracks around the clockFirst, you should understand that the prototype snow plows were not drivable – the wheels were not powered at all. As is still the case today, they had to be pushed by a locomotive. The large snow-plow blades were originally powered by an on-board steam engine, so the rotaries were paired with a tender to supply water and fuel oil. Beginning in the early 1960s, SP electrified their rotaries. Traction motors were installed to turn the plow blades and the tenders were replaced by EMD B units. The B units’ own traction motors were disconnected and the generators were re-wired to supply electrical power to the rotary’s motors.

 

3D Train Stuff’s implementation of SP’s rotary snow plows is a little different than you might expect. The snow plow is an MSTS “steam engine.” That’s how we get the snow-blowing effect, which is really the steam engine’s “smoke.” And it’s the plow unit that actually does the driving. However, when you hit the ( 1 ) key to see the cab view, it puts you inside a cab-forward Mallet as if the Mallet was in control. In fact, you can still use the animated controls in the cab view to run the train.

 

If you want to see the view from within the snow plow’s cab, hit the ( 5 ) key. This is really a “passenger view” and the plow controls are not functional.

 

We kept the snow plow controls simple. Using the keyboard, the locomotive brake is either on ( ] ) or off ( [ ). (The train brake is not implemented.) Likewise, the throttle is either 100% ( D ) or 0% ( A ), and the reverser is either full forward ( W ) or full reverse ( S ). Use the key controls in combination to keep the speed of your snow plow to the prototypical 6-8 miles per hour. In some cases, particularly on slippery or sloping track, you may need to work the controls from within the cab view using your pointing device for finer tuning.

 

We’ve included several variations of these unique pieces of MOW equipment. Since Donner Pass 1 is a transition-era route, the rotaries that are depicted in most of the activities are the steam type and they’re intended to be pushed by cab-forward steam engines.

 

But we’ve also provided you with the more modern electric rotaries. To use the drivable versions, you’ll have to do some work. It’s not really hard, but some understanding of the function and content of certain MSTS files is required. If you feel up to it, you’ll want read the article Customizing Your Rotaries.

 

Also included are out-of service rotaries in both summer and winter versions of the different power variations. These units are non-drivable MSTS “wagons” and they’re designed to be transported from place to place just like any other piece of rolling stock.

  

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