Announcing: Neckartalbahn: Heidelberg - Neckarelz from TSG We couldn't be more excited to talk about this next German route reveal coming from our partners at TSG, because for the first time since the release of TSW4, this route will be bringing a brand-new Steam locomotive into TSW6 - the BR 23! TSG: "The Neckartalbahn is a scenic, double-track, fully electrified mainline that winds through the picturesque Neckar valley in southwestern Germany" "Known for its smooth curves, tunneled sections, and striking riverside views, the line blends efficient rail traffic with one of Germany’s most beautiful natural landscapes." This route features 53km of track from Heidelberg to Neckarelz, decorated with 15 stations for you to explore, setting the year back to 1974. Whether you're a fan of steam locomotion, or looking for a electric traction - the Neckartalbahn has you covered, supporting mutliple ways to experience traffic as you journey across the line. What does this mean for steam simulation improvements? Alongside the work for this add-on, the TSG team have been working on a series of improvements to the steam simulation physics to support the release, and are actively developing these for Neckartalbahn. These updates should also act as a generalised core improvement to steam physics that can support potential future steam content that our teams or third party developers may wish to create. Any existing steam content won't be impacted by these changes, however, we'll listen closely to your feedback as the work continues and keep you informed on progress. We don’t have any details to share about what these improvements to the steam physics will entail whilst the team continue development, but we will confirm them in roadmap articles when we learn more. Now - Let's head back to the UK for our two remaining new announcements!
Just to add in as well, the improvements TSG are planning to work on will aim to bring fixes to allow other third parties, if they wish, to create other Steam content (German or not). There's nothing more to share on that front, but hopefully this is good news for fans of steam traction as a whole, and potentially a chance for more steam engines, with improved simulations, in the future
I knew deep down that eventually you’d bring steam back, especially if we kept on nagging haha thank you!!!!!
Yeah... this was pretty much what I expected. A third party would figure out how to do a steam "add on" to the core engine and go from there. Good work TSG! Now the big question is....going back to the "conspiracy" threads about what the letters in the fields meant on previous TSG routes.... who had this location for the "steam engine reveal?" Who had BR 23 and the Neckar Valley? =-) Seriously though a 1970s route! Now THAT is something truly remarkable in TSW.
The implications of this possibly makes this even more exciting than the new JT route! I'd love to see more steam content to run on the West Somerset or even populate the two UK steam routes which are very empty. I'm not normally interested in German routes but may purchase this to support further steam development.
I do enjoy riverside runs in twisting and turning hills. What would the electric traction be on this route from 1974? Some of the 100s? 112/111, etc?
I'm glad it's been TSG who have worked on this because it needed a good 3P to get it done properly. I have faith that TSG can and will do a good job with this one!
The 140, definitely. 194 on heavy freight. 110 (in blue) if express F-trains used this route (they may not have). Too early for the 111. The existing 265 shunter, although it really would need a reskin into dark red. The 294 > 290 would be nice, but really would have to be backdated which would be a bigger job than just paint.
Well, it was an absolute nightmare for the construction buero, let me tell you that. It has undergone so many changes during construction of all 105 engines. From different cab ventilation to different types of regulators (the first ones had a regulator on the superheated steam end, which were later changed to regulators on the saturated end), different exhaust and intake piping, where to put the whistle on the boiler and where to put the DB logo (yes, really) among other small details. Also some had bells, some didn't, but that's one of the few minor differences other engines had undergone like the BR 50, it wasn't needed on all routes after all. Friedrich Witte, the father of the Neubau 23 as well as the pre WWII prototypes, was feared by the Krupp designers, especially on mondays when he had a whole weekend to come up with new changes yet again. Wouldn't have wanted to work for Krupp in the 1950's really.
But what US 3rd party dev would do it justice? Would be a fitting addition to Sherman Hill though even though I personally prefer Challengers (don't hit me with rotten produce).
With all that's missing for Germany... ICE 2-4, BR 151, a myriad of freight cars are now developing these black dumps. Oh well, I'm happy for those who love steam. I just can't stomach it. And neither can the "too" old-fashioned routes.
I can't disagree. The Big Boy is one of those technological objects which has gotten way overhyped. Biggest, yes. But the Challengers did more work, the Alleghenys had more horsepower, the Y6s had more raw grunt.
So did Lukas in the GamesCom interview and in the TSC discord a few weeks ago. So steam itself is not a big surprise, but the class and the route are. To me anyway.
So hyped for steam to finally make a return! I'm sure TSG will make a solid effort in improving the steam physics. The 23 is such a great steam locomotive, I had the pleasure to join (and especially hear) both 23 071 and 23 076 doing mainline running on one of the christmas express trips between Arnhem Centraal and Nijmegen last Saturday . Day one for me at least.
I think with the state steam was left in it would be very hard for TSG to make it worse, Especially the state of the FS and 4F. I'm more intrigued than anything for a first foray into German content. Will have to do some reading up on the route but I think it was wise to have it set transition with both electric and steam as it'll appeal to multiple playerbase.
I never had an issue with the "state of steam" as done by DTG. *shrugs* They could have made more just like the Jubilee or Scotsman and I'd have loved them. So to me it doesn't matter. My concern is that if TSG doesn't REALLY go into fine detail on this one the same people will label it a "disaster" or "unplayable" over minor issues and we start the whole cycle again. At the very least, I expect every single person who said they want steam in the game to BUY this to show support. After you've shown support, then suggest tweaks in a positive way to "improve" it, not dismiss it out of hand. You've been given a second chance, don't muck it up =-)
Looks like a big win to me. I don't do German content, but for what I've read TSG are in the same tier as JT, regards quality, attention to detail and end product. I really hope TSG take their time with it and don't rush. If they can improve on the steam content to a point in which it sets a much better standard, then I can see a huge possibility for future UK 3Ps. I'd love to see Loco packs over the next few years.... Hall Pack, Manor pack, Castle pack, add to the FS pack and add its siblings, then they must add the Mallard, Sir Nigel, Union etc. One step at a time, but for me this is the pick of the bunch from this season of reveals, the big suprise.
If this truly opens the door for 3rd parties to be able to develop steam without too many constraints then the possibilities are going to be endless and maybe I’ll start being less jealous when I see new stuff coming out for TSC even to this day.
I guess they are being serious when they say “Expect the unexpected”. Steam isn’t my cup of tea but glad to see a new route being made for steam train lovers on here. .
This is my feeling too. I don't normally buy the US or German routes, but as a steam enthusiast (albeit I don't have much knowledge of non UK locos), I'm prepared to spend the money if it means more steam content in general (LNER A4 would be the dream for me).
