Wcml Preston To Crewe Discussion

Discussion in 'TSW General Discussion' started by MrSouthernDriver, Aug 26, 2025.

  1. joffonon

    joffonon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2023
    Messages:
    913
    Likes Received:
    1,937
    That someone was me, earlier in this thread. I don't know why you're disbelieving what Steam themselves say in the source link I gave, it's quite clear (my emphasis in bold): "Steam Keys are a free service we provide to developers as a convenient tool to help you sell your game on other stores and at retail, or provide for free for beta testers or press/influencers."

    If you read further down the link, you'll see there are 'fair use' limits and the like, to prevent the sort of thing you're describing. The idea is that Steam keys supplement a game's presence on Steam itself, not replace it.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  2. Trainiac

    Trainiac Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2019
    Messages:
    2,307
    Likes Received:
    4,658
    Even though I'm enjoying the route I do have to admit the performance has been pretty poor, particularly around Warrington and Crewe. I wasn't expecting great fps due to the high level of detail but I'm unfortunately getting pretty long pauses.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2026 at 8:48 PM
    • Like Like x 4
  3. Phil47569

    Phil47569 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2024
    Messages:
    582
    Likes Received:
    1,170
    TSTV has done a "showcase" run from Crewe to Preston on the 86 with Tom giving out more info along the way.


    Just another 2 hours for Steam :)
     
    • Like Like x 1
  4. MrSouthernDriver

    MrSouthernDriver Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Messages:
    1,157
    Likes Received:
    5,606
    Despite all the issues currently on release, I do definitely enjoy driving this route.

    IMG_5060.jpeg

    I like how Just Trains here have created a wide range of branches along the route, it really makes it feel more like a freight network route than just a straight line.

    it feels like WCML OS but more densely packed and urban.

    the scenery and timetable this route has is very impressive.
     
    • Like Like x 10
  5. ACELA101

    ACELA101 Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2026
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    26
    I really enjoy the coal services and feel like they are the highlight of this route. Performance around Warrington was a bit rough though.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  6. DTG Harry

    DTG Harry Community Manager Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2024
    Messages:
    718
    Likes Received:
    4,764
    Folks experiencing lower FPS, does this continue after a couple runs across the route?
     
    • Like Like x 1
  7. MrSouthernDriver

    MrSouthernDriver Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Messages:
    1,157
    Likes Received:
    5,606

    From my experience, yes, I am getting significant frame drops around the Warrington and Crewe areas.

    I don’t have all layers too.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  8. raptorgb#8593

    raptorgb#8593 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2022
    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    633
    Well so far all i can say is JT did it again, one small personal gripe is they got the ticket office wrong at leyland, i was there in the mid 80s for work experience, and there was only a small window and hatch at the ticket office, and it was painted in pullman brown and cream (brown wood frame and cream panels) apart from that loving it so far.
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  9. Emmy_MAN

    Emmy_MAN Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2022
    Messages:
    605
    Likes Received:
    1,458
    @Phil47569
    It’s now available on Steam.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  10. Disintegration7

    Disintegration7 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2018
    Messages:
    2,813
    Likes Received:
    6,990
    Dowloading now! Woohoo!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  11. Jez

    Jez Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2019
    Messages:
    574
    Likes Received:
    691
    Looking through my Platform 5s, the 75 mph limit seemed to have occured from 1988. From memory, it was related to the brake blocks fitted when sectorisation came into play. They weren't geared any differently and frequently worked passenger services in summer. I've had some fast runs behind 47/3s well in excess of 75 mph.

    Pic of 47336 data panel taken in 1986. Can just about make out the 95.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jun 18, 2026 at 5:29 PM
    • Like Like x 2
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  12. Trainiac

    Trainiac Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2019
    Messages:
    2,307
    Likes Received:
    4,658
    Yeah, there's also long stutters/freezes
     
    • Like Like x 2
  13. OldVern

    OldVern Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2020
    Messages:
    23,466
    Likes Received:
    49,713
    So reading all the reports so far, seems JT have created a great route but seems to be a performance nightmare?! Well I did say earlier I had concerns about all that hi poly super detailed vegetation everywhere.

    Anyhow I’m still going to go ahead and get it shortly but will be buying on Steam not direct from JT as at least I have the option to refund if drastic measures are required.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  14. JT Benedict

    JT Benedict Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2023
    Messages:
    184
    Likes Received:
    985
    The vegetation is the exact same as is used on all other DTG routes, we have no bespoke vegetation and they LOD pretty quickly too.
     
    • Like Like x 10
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  15. maccagee#4924

    maccagee#4924 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2024
    Messages:
    941
    Likes Received:
    1,420
    Waiting for your comments on coach interiors!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  16. OldVern

    OldVern Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2020
    Messages:
    23,466
    Likes Received:
    49,713
    I stand corrected! Anyhow Steam just loading up now and debit card at the ready, so let's see how it rocks.

    And yes, at some juncture I will be exploring the coach interiors!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  17. Jeannot41

    Jeannot41 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2018
    Messages:
    594
    Likes Received:
    692
    Runs perfectly on PC.
    A steady 60 FPS.
    Already completed two runs with no issues. Thanks, JT.
     
    • Like Like x 9
  18. OldVern

    OldVern Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2020
    Messages:
    23,466
    Likes Received:
    49,713
    50 seconds of install remaining...
     
    • Like Like x 3
  19. pessitheghost

    pessitheghost Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Messages:
    2,348
    Likes Received:
    3,701
    Blurry texture hell on ps5, route looks detailed but again poor optimisation on dtgs side….
     
    • Like Like x 1
  20. OldVern

    OldVern Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2020
    Messages:
    23,466
    Likes Received:
    49,713
    I don't know it's necessarily DTG's fault. JT do seem to have gone to town on placing as much vegetation as they can which is bound to have an effect on performance. Part of a route builder's skill is knowing what to include and what to leave out, particularly on sections where you will not be running through slowly or looking to the side.
     
    • Like Like x 4
  21. squerble

    squerble Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2020
    Messages:
    395
    Likes Received:
    602
    Currently sat loading an MGR train at 1mph. Absolutely loving the sounds of the 20s constantly adjusting to hold 1mph. This route is fantastic.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  22. owenroser19

    owenroser19 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Messages:
    770
    Likes Received:
    1,654
    (PS5) lovely looking route with lots to do but awful frame rate at some stations, and pretty bad stuttering - worse than Preston - Carlisle sadly.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  23. Disintegration7

    Disintegration7 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2018
    Messages:
    2,813
    Likes Received:
    6,990
    Great route and scenery so far.

    Ran a Class 86 passenger service from Preston-Crewe stopping at Wigan and Warrington. Good fun!

    Gonna try some freight next

    Couple things i noticed:

    the onboard announcements are pretty much inaudible in the Class 86.

    Frame rate was bad at some points but I'm hoping that's mostly shader caching.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  24. SierraOscar95

    SierraOscar95 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2024
    Messages:
    1,513
    Likes Received:
    6,159
    I really get the feeling it isn't JT at fault here... Something in the core seems to have been tipped over edge over the 6 months. JTs previous releases are no more or no less detailed or sophisticated, so why blurring is a problem is confusing at the moment.

    I don't buy into the vegetation or scenery theory myself as they are reasonably modest in these areas. But there is definitely something wrong on DTGs area and the core that has exacerbated the blurring issue ten fold...

    Something at DTGs end needs to be sorted with the up most urgency, as no DLC seems to be exempt or safe from blurring at this point, regardless of who the developers are. And I am surprised with the blurring being reported on a JT route of all things. It used to be particular routes that were affected, but now it doesn't seem to discriminate.

    I've downloaded the route but haven't played Preston to Crewe just yet, but will leave a PS5 review when I have.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2026 at 7:41 PM
    • Like Like x 7
  25. operator#7940

    operator#7940 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2024
    Messages:
    3,250
    Likes Received:
    2,976
    People seemed to have relatively few issue with Trent Valley. Many praised it as the "smoothest" in a long time.
    *shrugs*
     
    • Like Like x 3
  26. Jpantera

    Jpantera Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    1,643
    Likes Received:
    3,631
    So far best TSW route by a mile....
     
    • Like Like x 2
  27. Redbus

    Redbus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2016
    Messages:
    1,589
    Likes Received:
    3,428
    Wonderful route, fortunate to have a fairly beefy PC and I have not noticed any performance issues here so far.
     
    • Like Like x 6
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  28. SierraOscar95

    SierraOscar95 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2024
    Messages:
    1,513
    Likes Received:
    6,159
    My own experience with Trent Valley is that 390 runs are silky smooth with no real issues... But the 350/4 was nearly consistently blurry mess throughout any use I have had with it (usually South of Stafford).

    JTs stuff is usually blur free, so for it to play up on a JT route, really shows there is something on DTGs end that was the straw that broke the camels back. Most peculiar.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  29. JT Benedict

    JT Benedict Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2023
    Messages:
    184
    Likes Received:
    985
    The scenery style hasn't changed from the style we've done since Blackpool.
     
    • Like Like x 6
  30. davejc64

    davejc64 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2017
    Messages:
    396
    Likes Received:
    654
    All that's needed now is a class 56.
     
    • Like Like x 6
  31. maccagee#4924

    maccagee#4924 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2024
    Messages:
    941
    Likes Received:
    1,420
    In real life you wouldn't hear them in the cab anyway.
     
    • Like Like x 9
  32. operator#7940

    operator#7940 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2024
    Messages:
    3,250
    Likes Received:
    2,976
    What's why I wonder if there's some sort of layering issue like Harry hinted at. If TSW or the route was simply "always blurry" or whatever it'd be one thing... but if it's only "sometimes" then that brings more than just scenery and quality control into it. Then it could be combinations of factors like what layers you have loaded in, what you're using, what programs you have running in the background, if you use a rail driver, hardware and software conflicts, etc.

    Be another 3 hours before I can take a crack at it.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  33. JLD95

    JLD95 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2017
    Messages:
    85
    Likes Received:
    37
    Hi, Did someone create the temporary file for Foob_GodMode ?
     
  34. samfjsmith

    samfjsmith Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2021
    Messages:
    168
    Likes Received:
    203
    The version that was posted last week following the release of Crewe MK works on this route for me
     
    • Like Like x 2
  35. Disintegration7

    Disintegration7 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2018
    Messages:
    2,813
    Likes Received:
    6,990
    Right but since we're piping them in anyway, i'd like to be able to hear them properly. From what i could hear, they're a bit more detailed than the generic DTG ones.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  36. Tigert1966

    Tigert1966 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2020
    Messages:
    2,420
    Likes Received:
    4,263
    You don't need it anymore, it's been updated so that it automatically detects new routes.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  37. 85Leaf

    85Leaf Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2018
    Messages:
    202
    Likes Received:
    296
    So far I'm enjoying the timetable passenger runs, and the scenery seems well done (not from the area so what do I know). It's almost as smooth on my potato PC as the recent WCML release. Looking forward to doing freight runs this evening. Well done to Just Trains.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  38. lcyrrjp

    lcyrrjp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2019
    Messages:
    1,246
    Likes Received:
    2,746
    RailDriver doesn't work correctly with the AC electrics unfortunately. When you move the lever to the 'Run Up' position it drops back to 'Notch Up' after a second, so the only way to get from 0 to full power is to go backwards and forwards between 'Hold' and 'Notch Up' 38 times!

    In reality, of course, 'Run Up' was spring loaded, but the Driver would simply hold the handle in position for the required amount of time.

    Roman72's mod below corrects this on a couple of the 87s, but not for the 86s unfortunately.

    https://www.trainsimcommunity.com/m...-button-remapping-of-uk-locomotives-for-tsw-5
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Helpful Helpful x 1
  39. Caravatt

    Caravatt Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2023
    Messages:
    766
    Likes Received:
    2,080
    Lovely run so far :D One of my top 5 routes already :love: PC based and haven't encountered any notable issues yet!
    Side notes: those yards and sidings are properly stuffed. Even all that grown grass, which gives it that "neglected" feeling. Finally :D Huge job here, JT! 9.5/10 for this remarkable pice of art!
    IMG_2026.06.18-20.54.23.jpg

    IMG_2026.06.18-21.02.35.jpg

    IMG_2026.06.18-21.05.15.jpg

    IMG_2026.06.18-21.09.15.jpg
    My very first ride with the "new" 47/3, local Warrington MGR!
     
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2026 at 4:59 AM
    • Like Like x 7
  40. jesper2805

    jesper2805 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2025
    Messages:
    1,296
    Likes Received:
    1,600
    • Like Like x 1
  41. FifeFlyer75

    FifeFlyer75 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2024
    Messages:
    171
    Likes Received:
    328
    Almost glad it was a really busy day at work today so didn't get round to buying it this morning, going by some of the comments on the Feedback thread (Series X user).

    Think I'll hold off until some kind of fixes are released. Bummer.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  42. owenroser19

    owenroser19 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Messages:
    770
    Likes Received:
    1,654
    Medway Valley also runs like a dream. It’s got to be something to do with how the routes are being built.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  43. lcyrrjp

    lcyrrjp Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2019
    Messages:
    1,246
    Likes Received:
    2,746
    Well, I’ve reverted to the Class 87 now (shame about the 86, but never mind - the 87 is as great as ever!) and the route is running fine for me, and looks fantastic. I’m on a reasonably high-end PC though.

    Aside from the RailDriver disappointment the only hiccup I’ve come across so far is 1P02 London Euston to Carlisle (1221 from Crewe) has no scheduled arrival time at Preston.

    Edit: Wow - Crewe-Preston has TSRs which AREN’T 40MPH!!! Whoever heard of such a thing?! Nice one, JT.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2026 at 9:18 PM
    • Like Like x 5
  44. owenroser19

    owenroser19 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Messages:
    770
    Likes Received:
    1,654
    Yep, it seems blurry textures have now come to JT routes…

    What a mess this game is in right now.
     
    • Like Like x 4
  45. 85hertz

    85hertz Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2021
    Messages:
    736
    Likes Received:
    1,113
    Have to say I am a little surprised with my performance, which has been tolerable. It has been above 20FPS even around Crewe and a few other areas on an RX570 and 3440 x 1440 res display (albeit on medium). I've only done short runs (i.e. Crewe shunts to and from depot, freight shunts), will give it a proper run on the weekend.

    Honestly I much prefer this route to Shap. It's a bit shorter so I don't have to spend an hour on the average service to complete it, yet there is still a lot of variety.
     
    • Like Like x 5
  46. phil#160

    phil#160 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2024
    Messages:
    216
    Likes Received:
    262
    i am going to stick my head above the parapet here and get shot down. but im on pc and did get blurred textures, then turned motion blur off and all routes have been sharp as anything since, just saying its worth a try if you haven't already.
     
    • Like Like x 10
  47. SierraOscar95

    SierraOscar95 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2024
    Messages:
    1,513
    Likes Received:
    6,159
    I've just done a MGR run and can confirm blurry textures on PS5...

    Whilst it is frustrating I don't think there is physically much JT can do on there end... There definitely needs to be a focus at DTG for the core of this. Regardless of reducing stock or adding stock, or modifying the scenery, I don't think it would make a blind bit of difference here and I don't think this is the issue. This is a relatively modest route, with detailed, but modest scenery. I think needs to be a difficult conversation with DTG end of things here, and things they can do at the core...Yes this is a far more urban environment, but also take into consideration this is nearly half the length of Preston to Carlisle (which doesn't blur at all) that should counter balance that.

    Other JT routes and formulas work absolutely fine and this should be no different. I'm not holding JT accountable for this. But I do think DTG have a lot to answer for here. I'm not saying work isn't going on behind the scenes to stop blurring, and not am I doubting how hard staff behind the scenes are working, but if blurring is going to occur because of a core issue that affects routes indiscriminately I have to question why wouldn't you hold a product back until a time it can be resolved or atleast dramatically cut back? Is it pressure that the community would kick up a stink if it wasn't released so release it regardless? Or is it simply a cash avenue they can't afford to miss? Maybe a mixture of both. I don't know.

    But at this stage I don't think you can keep continuing cutting things (static stock, services, cutback timetables) for Gen9 as the easy and default position that's a plaster fix. The PS5 atleast is perfectly capable piece of equipment contrary of what other people might say. Optimisation and the core are the issue here. Gen9 can run these timetables, but the implementation of how the game is produced at the core needs some severe overhauling.

    If this continues, we are only a month away from a the announcement of the new edition of the game, I can say with some certainty us console users can't keep doing this to ourselves... So I personally won't be bothering with it if this is what I can expect. Its all well a good having releases, and having exciting announcements but they are absolutely no use to me if this is going to continue. I really hope DTG really knuckle down on blurring without diluting the quality for console users.

    I also think they need to establish a rough time line and be more transparent with us about blurring and memory issues and what progress has been made more regularly. We hear in roadmaps the progress blurry issues is making, but there's not much in terms of regular updates on the forum (or discord for that matter) on the progress of this work. We usually only find out in patch notes. I want to be able to make informed decisions on whether I should purchase DLC based on regular (at minimum every 14 day updates).

    This is getting a bit silly now, and we need to start seeing vast amounts of progress from DTG or atleast being informed.

    This route looks pretty bloody superb and I don't want to take that magic away from JT as I can see it is superb. And on a positive note, I'd advise people who like a bit of clag to listen to the new updated 47 sounds... They are pretty darn good!
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2026 at 9:40 PM
    • Like Like x 12
  48. turbostar#4215

    turbostar#4215 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2021
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    312
    Experiencing a lot of lagging near the Warrington Bank Quay area. Three instances where the game froze for a second or two... playing on PS5 with some layers disabled.
     
    • Like Like x 5
  49. Jpantera

    Jpantera Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Messages:
    1,643
    Likes Received:
    3,631
    Still enjoying the route, many places under 30fps though. Maybe my 3080 met it's match...
     
    • Like Like x 5
  50. Phil47569

    Phil47569 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2024
    Messages:
    582
    Likes Received:
    1,170
    I'm itching to get this going, just bought it and started the download. I had to go out and vote, then my (soon to be ex) wife dragged me into a pub to celebrate democracy then insisted on a curry so here I am 5 hours later than planned... Good job I've got 8 more days off work...
     
    • Like Like x 6

Share This Page