The DB Set



A new Train Set for TTDPatch

by Michael Blunck

June 2003

Version 0.5 - November 2003

What is the DB set?

Itīs the very first full regional train set for Transport Tycoon (de Luxe) working under TTDPatch. Itīs a set of vehicles for the temperate climate originating from the german DB (Federal Railways) rolling stock and including some older vehicles of the german "Reichsbahn" (DRG). The set starts in the year 1920.


Why a DB set?

Since the 19th century, Germany has always been the country with one of the largest railway systems in the world, both in terms of track length and in terms of number and variety of rolling stock. (For more information on german railways, especially on long-distance trains visit the comprehensive pages of Joost Wilbrink.)

Therefore it seemed to be very attractive to choose the DR and DB railways as a model for a new set of train vehicles for TTDPatch.

OTOH, itīs complexity in number of locomotives (some 200 different types), in coaches (some hundreds of different types) and in liveries cannot be mapped in a one-to-one fashion onto a set of only 37 locomotives and some 40 coaches.

Thatīs why Iīve been forced to simplify the whole thing, e.g. historically there have been three different red liveries alone (purple red, orient red and traffic red) in the DB age, but due to lack of red colours in ttdīs palette this couldnīt be achieved well, so in this set there are only 2 red liveries.

Same is true for the coaches. Thatīs why I made a rather simple scheme of just 5 different models for each local and remote traffic which have the same introductory years. Also each of these coaches got an accompanying mail van which is handy for the game but is far from reality.

Nevertheless, the rough scheme has been saved: there are the very early passenger coaches of the 20īs (the "thunder bolts"), the well-known "Silverfish" coaches, the cream-blue fast train coaches and a choice of InterCity coaches.

Additionally, all "train sets" got fitting coaches. Because most of these train sets, like VT-137 or VT-08, have been always pure passenger trains, I didnīt design special mail vans for those. Instead, as a compromise, mail vans on these train sets will look like the normal passenger coaches.


How to install the DB set?

Preliminaries

The DB set comes in a DOS and in a Windows version ("dbset.grf" resp. "dbsetw.grf"). Just copy the appropriate DB set grf file into the "newgrf" directory under your TTD main directory and add the entry "newgrf/dbset.grf" resp. "newgrf/dbsetw.grf" to your "newgrf.cfg" resp. "newgrfw.cfg" file.

In addition, now thereīs a subset of the DB set called "dbset[w]_s.grf" which lacks the train backlights. This would spare some 350 sprites if youīre short of sprites because you loaded too many other vehicle grfs and youīre thinking you wonīt need the train backlights (I wouldnīt ...). However, the full set is the default and will override the smaller subset if both have been added to the "newgrf[w].cfg" file - regardless of the arrangement in your cfg file. Both sets are fully compatible, i.e. you can change sets whenever you want.

Youīll need TTDPatch version 2.0 (or higher) to run the DB set.

The actual version of the DB Set is v0.5a (for the full set) resp. v0.5b (for the subset). Itīs from November 15, 2003. Grf-ID is 6D 62 04 00.


Configuring "newgrf[w].cfg"

Grf files of different train sets can only coexist if theyīre for a different climate. This is due to the internal mechanism how a grf file is loaded and activated by TTDPatch. E.g. TempSet and ArcticSet could be both included into "newgrf[w].cfg" but only one of them was activated during the loading stage, depending on the chosen climate.

Because the DB Set is for the temperate climate too, you could encounter difficulties with this mechanism. Remember, the DB Set is a full set, i.e. it uses all available vehicle IDs. In so far, you would get only the expected behaviour when having the line "newgrf/dbset[w].grf" after the line "newgrf/tempset[w].grf", but not vice versa!

In the latter case, the TempSet vehicles would overload corresponding DB set vehicles which would result into an (unwanted) mix of both sets.

To prevent this, especially with additional train sets for the temperate climate to come, a special mechanism has been built into TTDPatch. This mechanism prevents a vehicle set from being loaded if another vehicle set for the same climate has been loaded before.

Because of the way this feature is implemented itīs only possible to skip loading of further sets for the same climate, i.e. always the first set of the same climate will get activated. If there is more than one set for the same climate in your "newgrf[w].cfg" you have to take care of order of entries in "newgrf[w].cfg" yourself.

Supplying parameters to the DB set

By default, the DB set replaces the old-styled armoured van by a better fitting wagon for transporting valuables. In addition, the DB set replaces the original railway crossings by railway gates. However, you can pass parameters to the DB set to disable these features.

1 - armoured van handling

By default, this wagon is exchanged with a new wagon for valuables which looks exactly like the appropriate mail van for a specific locomotive and a specific livery. However, you could tell the DB set to use the original armoured van by applying a parameter of "1" to the normal DB set entry: The original armoured van is used then except for those trainsets and passenger train locomotives which are marked in the vehicles table by 2.

2 - gates

The new railway gates of the DB set replace the original crossings. There are two types of gates:

  • rural - these are so called "half-gates" outside city centers including traffic cross signs.
  • city - these are full gates in city centers including the usual warning lights.

Depending on the chosen road traffic side, gates will be right- or left-handed, i.e. in the case of half-gates they will be closing on the correct side of the road.

Examples

  • "newgrf/dbset[w].grf" - enables the new valuables van and the new railway gates by default,
  • "newgrf/dbset[w].grf 1" - disables the new valuables van handling,
  • "newgrf/dbset[w].grf 2" - disables railway gates,
  • "newgrf/dbset[w].grf 3" - disables valuables van handling and railway gates

Variables to set in ttdpatch.cfg

You need to set following variables in your "ttdpatch.cfg" file:

You should also enable the "realistic kinematic model" of train acceleration to get full benefit from the different engines in the set. I.e. you should include: into your "ttpatch.cfg" file. (Only the settings for trains and monorail/electrics are shown, the last two digits are for maglevs and road vehicles and should also be set to a value of [0 ... 3])

Specialities with the locos

Some of the original electric locomotives are articulated engines, these are implemented internally as double-headed engines (even if youīll notice it only in curves), therefore you should have the switch "multihead 0" (and not the default value "multihead 35"!) to keep power and speed according to the original specifications of those engines.

There are two of these articulated locomotives, which you shouldnīt separate its parts but keep them together at the front of the train (usually the first part unit looking forward and the second part unit looking backwards, use <ctrl>+click when moving them around inside the depot window):

And these are the "normal" dual-headed engines. When used in train sets there will be one head in front (looking forward) and the other on the rear end of the train (looking backward). Again you should use <ctrl>+click to drag them around inside the depot window:

Other options

In Germany, signals - including semaphores - are on the right side of track (the "arm" pointing outward). To get "german" semaphores (they look different than the british) you have to choose "drive on right side of road" in TTDīs options menu.

The road side to drive on can be changed until the first road vehicle has been bought. In case youīve forgotten to choose the right side to drive on, change the side before buying a road vehicle and save the game. After reload, the side should be corrected.

DB set and the AI

The DB set is most useful for those of you who like to play without the crappy AI. Because there are no "player colours" on the engines it wouldnīt be that easy to differentiate between all those AI players (OK, we got the fences if youīre unable to tell if itīs an AI track or yours ...)

However, in case you intend to let participate the AI in building up your world, following information may be helpful to you. Due to the unability of the AI to handle the "special" multi-headed (articulated) engines (BR194 and BR195) and steam locomotives with tenders, those engines have been disabled for use with the AI.

Check the vehicles table what engines the AI may use (the AI always uses the engine with the highest rank at a specific date and if itīll be affordable).

DB set and "vehicle.dat"

Because the "vehicle.dat" file will be loaded by TTD after the names in the dbset[w].grf file have been processed, those custom names will overwrite the DB setīs engine names. Therefore you should remove or rename an old "vehicle.dat" file in TTDīs directory or switch "vehicle names" to "default" in Game Options.


What vehicles make up the DB set?

The DB Set is a "full set", i.e. it uses all 35 available original vehicle IDs for train, monorail and maglev engines. In addition there are more than 40 passenger coaches and mail/baggage vans, mostly generated by special features of TTDPatch like "wagon override" (when adding a passenger or mail carriage to some of the locomotives the graphics of the carriages is changed automatically to fit the train set type) and "variational sprites" (the graphics of engines and carriages are changing, mostly when reaching a special date, e.g. to reflect a change in livery).

The DB Set doesnīt contain any cargo wagons - those are subject of the CargoSet. Please bear in mind that there are no cargo wagons available when starting early (default of ThePatch is 1930 and starting year for the DB Set is already in 1921) and youīre not using the CargoSet. This is due to the fact that original cargo wagons become available later in the game.

However, by using the CargoSet there will be no problems in starting early.

Locomotives
Veh-ID Name Traction Type1 Year Power [hp] Speed
[km/h]
Reliability5 AI rank
00 BR92 (T13) Steam U 1921 800 60 9 1
01 BR38 (pr P8) Steam U 1922 1180 100 6 0
02 BR18 Steam P2 1925 1715 115 12 0
03 BR01 Steam U 1930 2240 130 10 0
04 BR05 Steam P2 1935 2360 165 16 0
05 BR45 Steam F 1936 2855 90 16 0
06 VT-137 Diesel DMU2 1933 2 * 5103 150 11 4
07 V-140 Diesel U 1936 1400 100 25 5
08 VT-08 Diesel DMU2 1952 2* 1000 120 15 6
09 VT-95 Diesel P 1952 3004 90 6 0
0A BR221(V200) Diesel U2 1954 2700 140 11 11
0B VT-11 Diesel DMU2 1957 2* 1100 140 11 12
0C BR212 (V100) Diesel U 1962 1348 100 5 8
0D BR218 (V160) Diesel U2 1968 2500 140 6 15
0E BR232 Diesel F 1973 4000 120 5 16
0F BR605 (ICE-TD) Diesel DMU2 1998 2 * 2300 200 17 24
10 BR612 "RegioSwinger" Diesel DMU2 1998 2 * 1520 160 17 22
11 BR175 (E75) Electric U 1928 2175 70 16 2
12 BR195 (E95) Electric F 1928 3777 70 15 0
13 BR144 (E44) Electric U 1935 2530 90 8 3
14 BR194 (E94) Electric F 1940 4400 90 5 0
15 ET-30 Electric EMU² 1956 2 * 1245 120 12 7
16 BR140 Electric U 1956 4920 110 7 10
17 BR150 Electric F 1957 6000 100 7 11
18 BR110 (E10) Electric 1962 4670 140 7 13
19 BR103 Electric 1969 8090 200 8 20
1A BR155/250 Electric F 1974 7350 125 8 18
36 BR181 Electric 1974 4400 160 15 19
37 BR120 Electric 1979 7620 200 13 25
38 BR112 Electric 1990 5650 160 8 23
54 BR401 (ICE-1) Electric EMU² 1990 2 * 4624 280 9 26
55 BR101 Electric 1996 8700 220 13 27
56 BR403 (ICE-3) Electric EMU² 1999 10880 330 13 29
57 BR182 Electric 2001 9520 230 11 28
58 Transrapid 09 MagLev EMU² 2010 18000 500 25 30
6A DE-AC33C "Blue Tiger" Diesel F 1997 3300 160 12 21
1 U = universal, P = passenger, F = freight locomotive, DMU = Diesel train set, EMU = Electric train set,
2 = unconditional override for the armoured van.
3 = real power is 2 * 410 hp, 4 real power is 150 hp. See known bugs
5Reliability decay: 5 (98% - best) to 25 (45% - poor)

In general, all DMUs and EMUs are carrying cargo and are refittable to mail or passengers.
However, the VT-95, ICE-3 and the TransRapid are carrying passengers only and are not refittable.
Furthermore, the ICE-1 doesnīt carry any cargo.

Coaches and Mail vans
Veh-ID Name Type Livery Year Capacity Remarks
1B DRG Coach "Thunder bolt" local dark green 1920 40 pass.
1C DRG Mail van local dark green 1920 25 bags
2A DRG "Rheingold" Coach long-distance violet/cream 1928 56 pass. BR18 only
2B DRG "Rheingold" Mail van long-distance violet/cream 1928 36 bags
1B DRG Coach local dark green 1930 40 pass.
1C DRG Mail van local dark green 1930 25 bags
2A DRG Coach long-distance light green 1930 56 pass.
2B DRG Mail van long-distance light green 1930 36 bags
2A DRG VT-137 Coach long-distance violet/cream 1933 56 pass.
2B DRG VT-137 Mail van long-distance violet/cream 1933 36 bags same as coach
2A DB Coach long-distance dark blue 1950 56 pass.
2B DB Mail van long-distance dark blue 1950 36 bags
2A DB VT-08 Coach long-distance purple red 1952 56 pass.
2B DB VT-08 Mail van long-distance purple red 1952 36 bags same as coach
1B DB VT-95 Coach local purple red 1952 40 pass.
1C DB VT-95 Mail van local purple red 1952 25 bags same as coach
2A DB TEE Coach long-distance cream/red 1955 56 pass.
2B DB TEE Mail van long-distance cream/red 1955 36 bags
2A DB ET-30 Coach long-distance purple red 1956 56 pass.
2B DB ET-30 Mail van long-distance purple red 1956 36 bags same as coach
2A DB TEE Coach long-distance cream/red 1957 56 pass. VT-11 only
2B DB TEE Mail van long-distance cream/red 1957 36 bags
1B DB Coach "Silverfish" local silver 1960 40 pass.
1C DB Mail van "Silverfish" local silver 1960 25 bags
2A DB Intercity Coach long-distance cream/blue 1968 56 pass.
2B DB Intercity Mail van long-distance cream/blue 1968 36 bags
2A DB Intercity Coach long-distance cream/red 1968 56 pass.
2B DB Intercity Mail van long-distance cream/red 1968 36 bags
2A DB Coach long-distance cream/blue 1974 56 pass.
2B DB Mail van long-distance cream/blue 1974 36 bags
2A DB InterRegio Coach long-distance white/blue 1987 56 pass.
2B DB InterRegio Mail van long-distance white/blue 1987 36 bags
2A DB Intercity Coach long-distance white/red 1987 56 pass.
2B DB Intercity Mail van long-distance white/red 1987 36 bags
1B DB Coach local white/green 1987 40 pass.
1C DB Mail van local white/green 1987 25 bags
2A DB Intercity Coach (ICE-1) long-distance white/red 1990 56 pass.
2B DB Intercity Mail van (ICE-1) long-distance white/red 1990 36 bags
1B DB Coach local red/white 1997 40 pass.
1C DB Mail van local red/white 1997 25 bags
2A DB Intercity Coach long-distance white/red 1997 56 pass.
2B DB Intercity Mail van long-distance white/red 1997 36 bags
2A DB Intercity Coach (ICE-TD) long-distance white/red 1998 56 pass.
2B DB Intercity Mail van (ICE-TD) long-distance white/red 1998 36 bags
1B DB RegioSwinger Coach local red/white 1998 40 pass.
1C DB RegioSwinger Mail van local red/white 1998 25 bags same as coach
2A DB Intercity Coach (ICE-3) long-distance white/red 1999 56 pass. same as ICE-TD
2B DB Intercity Mail van (ICE-3) long-distance white/red 1999 36 bags same as ICE-TD
59 DB Transrapid 09 Coach long-distance white/red 2010 126 pass.
5A DB Transrapid 09 Mail van long-distance white/red 2010 50 bags
5E DB Transrapid 09 Goods van long-distance white/red 2010 32 crates
63 DB Transrapid 09 Valuables van long-distance white/red 2010 27 bags

You can find a graphical carriage allocation scheme on the Patagonia TTD page and thereīs also additional information (including images) about each of the original locomotives on this web page.


What about the DB set liveries?

The DB used many different liveries. In the 50īs all diesels were in purple red (RAL 3004) and electrics in "bottle green" (RAL 6007).

In the late 50īs, electrics were painted in "chrome green" (RAL 6020) if their max speed was less than 120 km/h and blue if it was higher (or equal) than 120 km/h. At times there were two different blue colours: "steel blue" (RAL 5011) and later "cobalt blue" (RAL 5013).

In 1974 a new general colour scheme was introduced. Engines and carriages were changed to a "cream/oceanblue" combination (RAL 1001/RAL 5020).

In 1987 the colour scheme was changed again, this time to a full "orient red" (RAL 3031) livery.

After German Reunification, the colour scheme was changed to "traffic red" (RAL 3020) in 1997.

Additionally, there have been always special liveries (as can be seen in this set), e.g. for local traffic, for TEE (Trans Europe Express) train sets, for "InterCity" long-distance trains and various commuter trains ...

There is a special page on DB liveries on Patagonia/ttd.

Depending on launch year and lifetime, the DB setīs engines will have different and changing liveries. When an engine is first introduced it will come in the actual livery of this time. If youīre buying an engine at a later date when livery has changed the new bought engine will be in this new livery. Of course your old engines will stay in their old liveries (and thus will be easy detectable as "old" engines ...)

Again, for an overview about possible liveries for all the engines of the set, check the carriage allocation scheme.


Known Bugs

The railway gates are made by simple sprite replacement of the original tiles, i.e. both old and new ones are "flat" tiles which lack height information. Consequently, in some rare circumstances there will be clipping errors, e.g. caused by high buildings on a neighbouring tile, or when a vehicle passes in front of an open gate. These effects cannot be avoided by using flat tiles and therefore are normal.

Due to a bug in the motion model, speeds are calculated wrong for weak-powered engines. To compensate this effect, power for the VT-137 and the VT-95 have been adapted in such a way that these engines are capable to reach their max. speed.

Until 2.0.1alpha 7 thereīs a bug in ThePatchīs refitting mechanism for train vehicles which allows a refittable engine to be refitted to everything, not only to passengers or mail as intended.


History - Bug fixes

V0.5 (nov 15th):

v0.4 (sept 16th):

v.0.3 (august 16th):


Copyright Notice

DB Set - © 2003 Michael Blunck - All Rights Reserved.

Permission to use, copy and distribute this software (consisting of the graphics and its implementation code) and its documentation for non-commercial purposes, without fee and without a signed licensing agreement, is hereby granted, provided that the above copyright notice, this paragraph and the following four paragraphs appear in all copies and distributions. Contact the above Copyright holder for commercial licensing opportunities.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES, LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE AND ITS DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

THE SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION, IF ANY, PROVIDED HEREUNDER IS PROVIDED "AS IS". THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER HAS NO OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, UPDATES, ENHANCEMENTS, OR MODIFICATIONS.

ALL COMMERCIAL USE OF THIS SOFTWARE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

ALL REDISTRIBUTION OF THIS SOFTWARE TO OTHER PARTIES FOR COMMERCIAL USE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.


Acknowledgements

The availability of new vehicles was only made possible by the outstanding work of Josef Drexler and Marcin Grzegorczyk on TTDPatch. In particular Iīd like to express my gratitude to Josef for the fruitful collaboration during further developing the TTDPatch.

Iīd like to thank Georg Ringler for help with the DB coachesī colour scheme and the reliability numbers for the engines.


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