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(0.7) 4-8-4 'Thunderbolt II' Express Locomotive (205 km/h, 250 t)

Update 2019-04-23:
New stabilisation technology implemented, added new mod.

The cars seen on the pictures can be found here:
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1691687874

Other locomotives from us can be found here:
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1692456187

Please join our discord dedicated to engineering discussions in ME:
https://discord.gg/VUMmkQe

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The 4-8-4 'Thunderbolt' Class Heavy Express Steam Locomotive

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Technical data:

- max width: 12 blocks (3 m)
- max height: 15 blocks (3.75 m)
- max lenght: 105 blocks (26.25 m)
- number of engines: 5x large (500 HP)
- driving wheel size: 8.1 (large)
- number of driving wheels: 8
- number of weighting chests: 3
- suspension: X-RAI spring suspension mk I with perm-bogie stabilization
- max speed with no load: 205 km/h (127 mph)*
- average speed with no load: 165 km/h (102 mph)*
- max speed with 4 coaches: 135 km/h (83 mph)*
- average speed with 4 coaches: 115 km/h (71 mph)*
- max cargo load: 250 t @ 5° (59 full stone stockpiles)
- max weighting needed: 7.5 t

* Measured during several laps on track meeting high speed standards.
Max slope on that track: +/- 5°
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Description and warning:

With the dawn of the 0.7 update so much more has been made possible. X-RAI (Xaerthus's Rail & Air Industries) proudly present the first engine developed and build fully in 0.7. This is a heavy express engine capable of going faster than anything yet! And, contrary to earlier express designs, it is also capable of hauling some serious cargo.

This is the second iteration of Thunderbolt with even better performance. Rumors say it might be updated even further soon.

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Setup instructions:

Place blueprint on straight piece of track and you are ready to go!

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Operating hints:

- The engines can be reached for switching/grabbing throttle by climbing on the front of the engine and walking on the sideskirts.
- The engines can be refueled by clicking on the down-rear part of the side of the engine from over the sideskirts. It is a bit tricky at the beginning but once you know where to click, its easy to use.
- If the wheels slip throttle down a bit until they 'catch' again. Slipping wheels have almost no grip, so you will be going slower. Good throttle balance is especially important when getting up too speed.
- If the wheels slip and the engine wont move, place weights the weighting barrels between the wheels (crouch down and look under the sideskirts to access them).
- Clanging and crackling noises are normal and should not be worried about.
- The engine has no breaks. To slow down, just decrease the throttle. If more stopping power is needed, throttling up in reverse works great.
- Do not stand freely in your cab while going fast. Bad things may happen otherwise. For better visibility use spectator cam. For slow and delicate manouvres you can also just stand outside.

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