Bulletin: 2-10-0 Decapod

Manufacturer: ESU, Item number: S0784, Version: V4-R4

The 2-10-0 represents the wheel arrangement of two leading wheels on one axle, ten powered and coupled driving wheels on five axles, and no trailing wheels. This arrangement was often named Decapod, especially in the United States.

These locomotives were popular in Europe, particularly in Germany and Russia; British use of the type was confined to the period during and after World War II. In the United States, the 2-10-0 was not widely popular but was a favorite of a small number of railroads which operated mostly in mountainous terrain. Among these was the Erie Railroad, a major Chicago to New York trunk line railroad.

The 2-10-0's main advantage was that five out of six of its axles were powered, meaning almost all the weight was available for traction rather than being distributed over pilot and trailing wheels. The long rigid wheelbase caused problems on tightly curved track, so blind drivers were the norm, either on the central axle, and/or on the second and/or fourth axles. Often lateral motion devices were attached to the leading drive axle.

The wheel arrangement's disadvantages included the firebox size restriction caused by the lack of trailing wheel. This meant the firebox was fitted in between the wheels (common on earlier locomotives) and was long and narrow, or if mounted above the driving wheels, was wide and long but shallow. Many locomotives chose the latter option. A firebox mounted over the drivers also restricted the diameter of the driving wheels, which in turn limited speed. As with the Consolidation (2-8-0), "chopping" at speed ensured a rough ride for the crew due to instability caused by the wheel arrangement. In fact, backing any locomotive without a trailing axle was restricted to under twenty miles per hour or less. Most 2-10-0s were not operated at speeds greater than 50 mph (80 km/h).

The type operated as freight engine, although locomotives in Germany and the United Kingdom proved capable of hauling passenger trains.

Whistles:
CV163=0 UP 844 "Steamboat"
CV163=1 PRR Banshee
CV163=2 Steam Whistle 1 - Default
CV163=3 SP 4449 Daylight
CV163=4 DRG&W 5 Chime
CV163=5 SOO Line 1003
CV163=6 DL&W 5 Chime
CV163=7 WM 6 Chime

Bells:
CV164=0 Pnuematic Bell 1
CV164=1 Steam Loco Rope Pull Bell
CV164=2 SOO Line 1003 Bell - Default
CV164=3 UP 844 Air Ringer Bell
CV164=4 SP 4449 Bell
CV164=5 DRG&W K27 Bell

Dynamos:
CV165=0 Soo Line 1003 Dynamo
CV165=1 K27 463 Dynamo
CV165=2 SPTriple Dynamo
CV165=3 UP Dual Dynamo
CV165=4 Z27 Dynamo
CV165=5 T16.1 Dynamo

Air Pumps
CV166=0 Cross Compound #1 Soo Line 1003
CV166=1 Cross Compound #2 K27 463
CV166=2 Cross Compound #3 SP 4449
CV166=3 Cross Compound #4UP 844
CV166=4 Single Stage #1 Z27
CV166=5 Single Stage #2 T16.1

The ESU Full Throttle Steam files now include a few new logic features for added operational realism while still leaving you in control of HOW YOU wish to run your locomotive.

Heavy Load: F9 by default.
Similar to the “Drive Hold” button on the Full Throttle Diesel files “Heavy Load” allows you to adjust the “Steam Cut Off Valve” at any speed allowing for a fierce full chuff or drifting with snifters and rod clanks. Heavy load can also act as an offset allowing speed adjustments when engaged if desired.

Coast: F4 by default.
Opposite of “Heavy Load” Coast allows for a negative offset allow drifting sounds of Rods and snifter valves at any speed. You again have the option to hold the speed to adjust the speed with this offset active. Even allowing for an increase of speed with no chuffs as if drifting downhill.

Independent brake: F10 by default
Identical to the Full Throttle Diesel files. This allows for the locomotive to stop more quickly than its regular momentum would normally carry it. This one is pretty self-explanatory – just press the brake and come to a stop! For additional options there are 3 Braking rates that can be set up for user preference.

Articulation: Sound Slot 2
By adding Sound Slot 2 to the F8 Function Mapping and enabling the "Secondary Trigger" (CV250) you can add a second set of drivers making any ESU Steam File articulated.

Function Mappable Air Horn: F21 by default
Sound Slot 21.
Many Steam locomotives had a single chime airhorn equipped. Those modelling SP, MILW, and others can now have this feature and put it where they would like in the function mapping in addition to the whistle.

S0784 - Release Notes
===================================================

V-2 R-2:
===================================================
- updated independent brake
- updated boiler hiss

V-3 R-3:
===================================================
- updated steam chuff sound slot

V-4 R-4:
===================================================
- changed whistle sound slot 3 maximum sound slot speed to 128

KeyFunctionsSound slotsVolume CVsVolume values
F0Directional Headlights163797
F1Bell428350
F2Whistle3275225
F3Coupler sounds831550
F4Coast Mode
F5(Aux3) Mars Light163797
F6(Aux2) Cab Light163797
F7Switching Mode
F8Drive Sounds1, 2, 28, 32259, 267, 475, 507192, 192, 60, 4
F9Heavy Load Mode
F10Independent Brake2242710
F11Coal Shoveling529145
F12Dimmer
F13(Aux4) Class Lights163797
F14Air Pump Variable Speed629935
F15Air Pump slow2746735
F16Injector2041125
F17Automatic Brake Set/Release Off
F18Ash Dump1436332
F19Blowdown2444327
F20Safety Valve1234764
F21Air Horn21419225
F22Grade Crossing sequence23435225
F23Oil Headlight (no dynamo/generator)
F24Stoker2645920
F25Oil Burner Blower730737
F26Water Refil1839535
F27Dumping1940335
F28Sanding Valve1133925
F30Disable Brake Squeal Sound
F31Sound Fader

Make sure that index CV31 is set to 16 and index CV32 is set to 1 before changing a volume CV.