I decided to try out TSW2 again after not playing it since launch, and so I am asking for some advice on routes and locos, no preferences, I like trains, that's my only prefrence, so which route and locos would you recommend for me, I own all the preserved routes plus base TSW2 ofc ? A more specific question: Is the 1938 tube stock worth buying, I read somewhere that the AI will use the lights incorrectly, is this true, and are there any bugs present that would put me of ?
I'd suggest getting Southeastern High Speed and the Class 465, therefore,as it adds extra traffic to Victoria station, also it does have scenery issues but it's a rather fun timetable - in the current Steam Sale you can get both for less than £10, which you can't really argue with. Cathcart Circle is a nice little commuter route, or if you're just after the train, the similar Class 313 is also a nice train. I do like Arosa, but I wouldn't recommend it for full price. The BR 101 is a very nice locomotive to drive, as is the G6. The recently released Tharandter Rampe is very nice, too. For all the flack it gets for having the wrong coaches (which is completely valid, it does look a bit odd), Hamburg-Lubeck is a nice route, but perhaps wait for a little discount on it (can't hurt ). I think the 1938 stock has an issue with the couplings that makes it derail sometimes. Can't comment on American things.
You don't really say what your preferences are. For the UK, can recommend Northern Trans Pennine and Tees Valley, especially if you supplement with the Class 20 and Class 31 packs. West Somerset gives you a heritage line to trundle across at 25 MPH. All of the German routes are good apart from Rapid Transit, but for longer less urban runs Main Spessart Bahn, Ruhr Sieg Nord and the new Tharandter Ramp are recommended. For the US, Sandpatch still worth a look. Sherman Hill is a stutter fest due to poor optimisation but may still be worth a look. SF Corridor nice if you also buy the MP15 and Baby Bullet add ons, better than Boston Sprinter IMHO. Just be prepared to spend 50% of your driving in a dead quiet cab car. Cane Creek is different, superb scenery but achingly slow to get anywhere unless you ignore the speed limits.
I also state that I own all the preserved routes, I also own all preserved locos except for the DB BR 182 and the BR Class 20
I'd recommend the Class 20, it's a nice loco to drive. If you like Rapid Transit, then the 182 is a good one, too.
If you like either heavy freight, vintage, or mountains, Clinchfield is a can't miss at the current discount. IMO one of TSW's very best routes, and the F7 is a great drive.
It's hard to give you a helpful answer if you have nothing more to say that than you like trains. Looks it doesn't matter to you. Sort the DLC from cheapest to most expensive and buy what you can afford. Just keep an eye upon dependencies.
Of course something matters, just not what country it's set in, I think all countries have their beauty and charm, my interest in locomotives spans widely, playing TS I have found that I enjoy British, American and German locomotives equally. One thing I might favour over others are the swiss SBB, but they are not present in TSW2. So what I am looking for is a route that looks nice and performs nice, in locos.. as few bugs as possible.
My personal recommendation is Sherman Hill! If you enjoy the challenge of heavy American freight trains, then Sherman Hill will probably be one of the most exciting. The route is quite different from most other routes, running through the plains of Wyoming. Driving a train is kind of a test of patience, where brakes have to release for at least 10 minutes at service start, the uphill runs will be a huge struggle, and most excitingly, the downhill runs really rely on you maintaining control of your train, where the heaviest trains may require you to go half the speed limit just so that the dynamic brakes can actually work. It's quite a challenge, but if you do in fact love freight trains, then you'll love pulling these trains that can have up to 100 cars on them. It feels really rewarding to drive these trains well. The SD70ACe is a beauty as well, one of the best American locomotives in the game. Overall, it's Sherman Hill and it's great.
