So I don't normally drive Steam trains but decided I want to try driving them more. The thing is I want to try and find something that has good sound/physics but is not super complicated to drive. I don't mind if it takes a little work manage but is still easy to stop and get going. Also, I would like to find something that is relatively fast as I would prob run them on modern routes like the WCML as heritage services. So do you have any recommendations for what the best steam train for what I am looking for is? https://19216811.cam/
I appreciate it's not WCML but the Riviera in the Fifties route is pretty good for beginners (and you have areas where you can get quite some speed up). It has a wide range of locomotives, each have a "legacy" or "realistic" driving mode, and the game will sort-of teach you how to drive a steam loco (you can turn that bit on/off). Really it just leaves it to you to drive it but it will assist you if you need to do something in particular.
Riviera in the '50s is a good recommendation (a good stretch of main line and some nice kettles which you can of course run on other routes). If you have Settle-Carlisle there's a Settle-Carlisle specials pack of steam loco's- older models but nice looking, easy to drive and quite cheap especially when there's a sale on so could be a good introduction.
I agree that Riveria Line in the 1950s is a fantastic DLC and good for helping beginners with steam traction. Settle to Carlislr Steam Specials comes with King Edward II, Kinlet Hall, Tornado and Green Arrow - great value and great locomotives to drive - especially Green Arrow and Tornado. If you want something fast and easy to drive I find the A4s and Bulleid Light Pacifics are easy enough to drive and at a decent speed.
Also Western Lines of Scotland includes a nice LMS Black 5 which is nice to drive, although it's much more basic than the standalone BMG Black 5 which came much later.
BMG are my favourite 3rd party developer at the moment. The Black Five is such an incredible experience. I've had to learn to drive without the HUD for Clan Line, it's that good. If you ever get your head round steam traction, I'd definitely go for BMG products.
I forgot that the S&C already includes a Stanier Jubilee (any scenarios for it? I don't recall) and Fowler(?) 4F like the one in the Academy. Again older basic models but they'll get you started and hungry for more- or put you off steam for life.
Another source for quality steam locos is CaledoniaWorks. Looking at their roadmap there's a lot of goodies in the pipeline. https://caledoniaworks.com/home/
Ooh- sale in Steam! If you're going to get something now's a good time. I thought I vaguely remembered one for the Jubilee and it would be odd (but not unprecedented) to include a loco with no scenarios. Wasn't going to state it for a fact without checking though and on the iPad so can't look things up readily.
I suggest that BMG's and to a lesser extend Caledonia Work's products do not meet that request. Weaseleyron, I suggest you start with the DTG LNER Peppercorn Class A2 'Blue Peter', currently £3.59 on Steam. It's fast, got standard controls and good sounds. It also come with some modern rail tour type scenarios for the ECML South.
Some of the Just Trains offerings are also worth a look - many come with very good guides on how to operate them.
Totally agree with Ironbladder cracking starter for 10. Like yourself I didn't have a clue how to drive a kettle, but believe me they are not as hard to get your head around as first seems. Within just a couple of weeks I have gone from not being able to get one moving, and then when I did, run out of boiler pressure in less than a mile and grind to a halt, to taking a Steam Sounds Supreme Stanier Mogul on a shunt around Goodrinton and then all the way to Exeter without stopping. (admittedly there are still some controls I am a bit unsure of when & how to use but managed it). I personally learned on the BMG Rebuilt Royal Scot which is a well advanced piece of machinery to master but comes with optional Auto Fireman and 5 levels of assistance that you can start off with all turned on, then slowly reduce until you are in complete control. You can even turn the assistance on or off mid game if you find you are struggling. https://store.steampowered.com/app/896718/Train_Simulator_LMS_Rebuilt_Royal_Scot_Steam_Loco_AddOn/ (Suggest you read the manual first) Believe me the pleasure and feeling of self satisfaction when completing your first run in a Steamer is worth all of the frustration and head scratching you start off with. Practice makes perfect as they say. Hope some of this helps. P.S. Once you have started to master the basics would also recommend having a look at:- Steam Sounds Supreme https://www.steamsoundssupreme.com/ Stanier Mogul - https://www.steamsoundssupreme.com/free-steam-loco-rolling-stock-packs.html Digital Traction http://digitaltraction.co.uk/mainsite/
