US Brighter Headlights

I only encountered the infinite loading screen when I had the file above everything else, this is why it has a "z" in front of the name. This mod isn't possible without replacing the in-game files. I've had a few thoughts on how to fix it but again, the infinite loading screen isn't an issue I can solve as I already solved it on my end. Thank you for the advice though!

The most recent update fixes all these issues.

Yep, thanks for fixing!

I don't have this issue on any services, can you please elaborate on what is going on? Also just to check, none of your files have been renamed correct? Any further information would be very helpful!

When loading into a timetable with either the F125 or the cab car, the headlights don't cast anything on the ground, if you get out and look at the unit they are turned on, just not illuminating anything. I have made sure the files were not renamed, and I will post a screenshot down below as I can not attach it to my comment.

Do the headlights show up on dimmer settings? This mod works by dynamically adjusting the headlight brightness of engines, I currently have another version being uploaded which might fix the issue. Another important question, do you have GodMode installed?

I found out what the issue is and I'll look into a fix. For now, you'll need to add "r.LightMaxDrawDistanceScale=10.0" to your Engine.ini file under "[SystemSettings]" to make this mod work.

This solved it for me! Thanks it looks great in game!

Glad to hear that fixed it. The next update will not only fix this bug but also apply these changes to every other US locomotive. Thank you for the bug report and enjoy the mod!

This was fixed in the most recent update.

The mod loader's job is to find if one of my mods is installed in your DLC folder and if it is, load it onto any map it's compatible with. In this case, the mod loader finds that this mod is installed and then loads it in game. ATM it's redundant as the mod loader technically could be baked into this mod, but my thought is that in the future I will only ever need to update the mod loader to apply changes to future routes, rather than needing to update my backlog of content.

Excellent work, we definitely needed brighter headlights on the US locomotives! Is there a way to make this without the Mod Loader?

This mod will stay linked to the mod loader as it's required to load it.

Ok thanks for the reply. Do you know if there is a way to change the color of the headlights on the US locomotives to something more realistic than the ugly white color?

It's technically possible but not something I am looking to adjust for the time being.

The mod no longer needs you to set that engine.ini like that. Glad to hear you like the mod though!

Okay thank you for the info, I will remove it.

Also, there is an error in the TSW3 install path above, it shows TSW4

I didn't even notice, thank you for pointing that out.

You are welcome, things happen :)

Which locomotives and on which routes? I don't have enough information to look into this. Testing the ES44C4 for example provides brighter headlights on Cajon Pass.

I noticed on Sand Patch Grade

The SD40-2 from CSX

They work on Sherman Hill and Cajon but don't work on Sand Patch Grade or Clinchfield Railroad.

I'll see what I can do.

Thanks for looking into it

the most recent patch should help your issue, looking into it though, I'm not sure I can fix the headlights for older routes the same way I can on TODv4 routes.

I also noted that Sand Patch Grade ether had extremely bright headlights or extremely dim lights so I've elected to include the brighter option, if you could I'd appreciate feedback on the brightness of lights on SPG!

The light brightness on Sand Patch Grade is still not bright enough but on Clinchfield Railroad the lights are bright enough there. Just letting you know that Sand Patch Grade needs improvement

I mean if running trains on Sand Patch Grade the lights are still too dim

I can not make anymore adjustments to those routes. TODV3 is very different from TODV4 as it does not use real world brightness values. I can not adjust any locomotives past what I already have done without completely ruining the driving experence. While I have done a lot to try and increase the brightness of those lights, this mod is mainly for TODV4 and includes all NA stock for if they get subed onto a TODV4 route. If any future improvements are made it will be noted in the update notes. (also if you don't see much difference on SPG, please make sure you have updated both this mod and the mod loader as initial versions of both were not functional on SPG causing the lights to not be changed)

I downloaded the mod loader and on SPG it works now so I’m happy the light range works now

To be clear, you have not renamed this mod and you have the mod loader installed, correct?

Yes, I installed both into my DLC folder as is. I have tested on Peninsula corridor, sand patch, New York Trenton, and Cajon Pass

God mode did say that the mod did load as well under modders log

Results will vary depending on route, any TODV4 route should work with no issues though. Is it possible that TSW3 isn't working right anymore? Make sure everything is 100% up to date.

I haven't bought TSW4 as none of the routes interest me so I cant tell. I tried on TOD3 routes like Cajon and Sherman and I didn't get any results so I think something might not be working.

Sherman and Cajon are TODv4 not v3.

Ah, well it isn’t working for me at all then, at night some of the bulbs themselves might be a bit brighter but none of the castings are brighter/have more range

With TSW there is an upper extent to headlight distance, I have upped the distance by a large margin but not all locomotives will be noticeable. This is simply a core issue that I don't have full control over. I have tested the BNSF ES44AC and UP SD70ACe and they both are noticeably brighter in TSW3 but that was on an older version of the mod. You might be expecting a bigger difference which is making you think it's not working? I would take a few screenshots before and after and see if it's actually not working on your end. As I can't recreate the issue I can't fix this.

Top is with the mod bottom is without

Clearly, the mod isn't working for you, you're right. I'll look into TSW3 support a bit more but I might also just simply remove it from this mod. While everything should be the same between versions not having it currently installed doesn't help for compatibility.

I have now reinstalled TSW3 and can confirm it doesn't function on my end. I'll look into it but no promises on a fix.

After looking into this I can't get the mod to work on TSW3 anymore. It seems to be an issue with differences between how TSW3/4 loads mods meaning I would need to fully remake the mod to regain compatibility. Unless otherwise noted I will be making an update to the mod page to drop support for TSW3.

Alright

NS ES44AC on HSC was disabled for now as it caused blinding headlights. The engine is still included if on another route.

I can look into changing headlight colors for sure.

This is purely due to how much fog DTG decided to add. My best advice is to dim your headlights in foggy situations or use Godmode to turn down fog manually. Simply put it's a side effect of increasing the brightness of lights, it's not something I can fix sadly.

I have fully moved to TSW4 and have no intention of backporting my newer mods. I tried getting it to work a bit ago but it seems an update broke support for TSW3.

Should be fixed in the latest update.