BE2 Electric Microshunter (2024)

The BE2 Microshunter is a 2-axle battery-electric locomotive added in Build 98.

To unlock the BE2, Bob's Garage Key is needed. It costs $30,000 to purchase and is available in the shop at Food Factory and Town.

The BE2 is typically used for light shunting and because its slow speed and its low torque it isn't good at transporting goods. It is not multi-unit compatible. It is also used as a rear end helper on an S060's train, or a lead engine on a DE2's train. The Horn is also really hard to play with on a remote because it's a single note horn so the pitch doesn't go down when you push the horn inward like the DE2 or DH4.

Operation[]

BE2 has a battery which sends electrical power to two traction motors (TMs). The amount of electrical power sent depends on the throttle setting. The direction of movement is determined by the reverser.

Because of counter-electromotive force (CEMF), the higher TM RPM gets, the lower the amperage, which translates to less torque and less TM heat. When the TMs have low RPM, there is little counter-EMF, so both current and torque are high, so the TMs heat up more quickly. In summary, the lower the speed, the higher the amperage for a given throttle setting, and the more heat is generated.

The TMs will always slowly dissipate heat all on their own, down to the ambient air temperature (which in current version of the game is permanently set to 25°C). In addition, the TMs are passively wind-cooled. As you move, the air cools them down and the faster you're moving the greater the cooling effect. The cooling is reduced when driving backwards but is not affected by other rolling stock in "front" of the locomotive.

The locomotive is equipped with only one brake circuit: the train brake. The train brake applies braking force on the locomotive and all the wagons connected with brake pipes. The brakes use pressured air, which is generated with a compressor.

Gameplay[]

The BE2 is due to it's small size good for small-load shunting (300-400 tons is the cap for a decent operating effectivity), towing dead locomotives around the turntable (Empty boiler steamers from the coal tower to the shed for example), or possiby as a last resort to assist when a locomotive is struggling into a steep incline, because the BE2 can be spawned on the spot using the Comms radio. However, due to it's low haulpower and maximum speed, it is not reccomended to do anything with BE2 that includes moving between two stations. It is STRICTLY UNADVISED to tow the BE2, whether turned on or off, because a speed higher then 30 KMs could severely damage the drivetrain, and a exceeding a speed higher then 45 KMs will quicky end with a fatal damage to the drivetrain on the spot due to the high gear ratio of the TMs, causing it to be inoperable until a hefty priced repair. It is also not reccomended to be purchased early game, as the relatively high price tag and the fact that a DE2 can do it's duties quicker and even heavier duties then the BE2 itself, suggests that an investment into another loco would be in place, for example the stronger DM3, whose license cost is identical to the BE2, or the bit more pricey DH4.

Trivia[]

The BE2 is based on the EL-16 ASF. The battery-powered tow vehicles (ASF) of the EL 16 series are small, rail-mounted, battery-electric tow vehicles for internal shunting and shifting services.

History[]

Build 98:

Added the BE2