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[Obsolete] The 'Rhino' Cargo Locomotive renovated (240/160km/h 2000+t)

The old "Rhino" has been completely renovated. The only element left of the old version is the frame. The new features include:
- adding third engine
- new cabin: shorter but more spaciousthanks to new blocks (again, many thanks to Xaerthus for the diagonal/triangular window panes). Also, it offers much better visibility of the surroundings.
- more compact operator's rotating chair
- the multi-grid suspension has been replaced by rope-mount of bogies by Xaerthus, which significantly reduced the number of subgrids
The current version is a dedicated cargo hauler best suitable for trains of 200-1000t (although it can haul over 2000t) and operating at speeds up to 160km/h. Its lighter version: https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2004815170 capable of reaching a sustained speed of 325km/h can be used for passenger express trains.

Present performance profile:

empty: 240 (160) km/h (see the disclaimer below - IMPORTANT)
cargo weight - average speed (max speed)
200t - 145km/h (150km/h)
500t - 75km/h (80km/h)
1000t - 45km/h (50km/h)
2000t - 23km/h (30km/h)
taken on the track of grade +/-5%

Disclaimer: This is very powerful cargo locomotive designed to haul medium size trains with considerable speed. It is optimized for operating at speeds of about 100-120km/h and should not be operated at speeds exceeding 160km/h. Unleashing the full power of the engines while not pulling the train will quickly lead to the descruction of the drive system. Therefore when hauling light trains or during transfer trip it is advised to check the throttle. When not pulling the train it is best to keep only one engine on - it will allow to reach the speed of up to 175km/h. With two engines the locomotive can reach speed of up to 240km/h, however this will likely damage the drive system. With three engines at full throttle the locomotive will tear its drive system apart after reaching 250km/h.

Operation tips:
- the drive wheels can (and should) be checked for damage via rectangular ports just above the frame,
- the roof access ladders can be grabbed from inside of the cabin (through diagonal planks),
- in case of problems with using the cabin access ladders one should try to grab them from the crouch position.

Enjoy!!
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This is a complete overhaul of the old 'Rhino' medium cargo locomotive https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1692828277 made possible thanks to train-focused mods by Xaerthus and Johnbeere. Originally I planned to simply replace that blueprint, however decided against it due to this version requiring many more mods.
I am especially grateful to Xaerthus for many rail components, among them the custom 'modern' buffer plate made by request to fit my 'modern' rail constructions.

With the arrival of rail guides, huge steam engines and the rail components (wheels, couplers, headlights, etc.) our old constructions could no longer compete with superior engines of X-RAI or Grand Terminus. Thus, while our R&D is working on the new generation of locomotives and self-propelled units we decided to perform a major overhauld of our existing constructions. This includes in particular one of our flag products -- the 'Rhino' medium cargo locomotive. With practically all it's internal systems upgraded it became more pwerful, more stable, and much more comfortable to operate. Now it can go as fast as 210km/h and pull a 1000 (metric) ton cargo train. The changes include:
- replacement of the system of four large steam engines with two huge (advanced) ones, which quadruples the power available and reduces the tedium of connecting the controls,
- change from the 'central bogie' configuration to the classic system of two bogie suspensions, the suspension has been beefed-up following Xaerthus design,
- increase of the number of axles, while decreasing the wheel diameter (using dedicated train wheels mod by Xaerthus), which significanlty increased the tractive effort at the cost of slight decrease of the maximal speed when not pulling the train (anyway irrelevant for a cargo locomotive)
- rotating operator's seat allowing for operating switch controllers right from the cabin,
- replacement of crude stairs with access ladders,
- proper couplers and buffers mounted on the locomotive's frame to fit the new system of 4-axle train cars,

Enjoy!

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Other our locomotives can be found here: https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1692456187.
Our train cars can be found here: https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1691687874.
If you like tinkering with trains, cars, ships, airplanes and other crazy contraptions in ME, consider visiting the "Medieval Industrialists" discord: https://discord.gg/VUMmkQe.
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Operating tips:
- In order to enter the cabin from the ground first crouch then use the access ladder. Crouching is not needed when entering the locomotive from the platform.
- The engines can be turned on/off from the sides (see the screenshots) and from the roof (access ladder in the middle).
- Before leaving the seat turn it towards the rear of the cabin.
- In case of imminent crash do not leave your chair. It can withstand more than the game engine.
- It is strongly recommended to pass the diamond crossings on idle, especially when hauling heavy trains.
- For pulling heavier trains the locomotive needs to be weighted down. The ballast barrels for that purpose are located in the rear of each operator's cabin.
- Wheelslip is costly in both simspeed and the maintenance, so please throttle up consciously and add the ballast accordingly to the weight of the train and the track conditions.
- The wheels should be systematically inspected for damage (and repaired if needed). They can be accessed by the triangular ports (see the screenshots).
- In order to change the state of switch controllers from the operator's seat one needs to change the binding of the 'leave chair' key so it is different than 'use'.

Many thanks to the modding community, especially to Equinox, Peaceman, Wolfgar7474, C3ntron, Stori3d, Xaerthus and Johnbeere. Without their hard work this construct would have never been born.

---- Update 10.10.2019 ----
Power upgrade
Switched to advanced steam engines (with doubled power). Current performance profile:
Cargo (ballast) Velocity
1000t (45t) 30km/h
500t (45t) 50km/h
200t (35t) 90km/h

---- Update 21.10.2019 ----
Engine update following drive shaft weight change + overhaul of the drive bogies.

---- Update 27.10.2019 ----
Technical update:
- Heavier drive frame (now about 40t) decreasing the amount of ballast needed
- Windshield and glass windows.
Special thanks to Xaerthus for the train windows mod, especially the diagonal (and traingle) glass made by request so I can make this windshield.

---- Update 5.11.2019 ----
Transmission improvement. No more clanging noise at 50+km/h.