So on the recent stream showcasing the MML we got a good look at the new stock, the locations, the sounds and while impressive overall there's still one thing I'd like to see; the ability to open the door of the HST luggage van compartment. In the grand scheme of things, it's fairly trivial, I am aware of that, however I see it as a fun little extra not dissimilar to a cab desk or clipboard lamp, a heater & hotplate that glows or better still how you can open the cargo doors on the BDnrzf 463, rather than being kept locked for no particular reason (looking at you 72 stock). Of course with the cab car, there's the added bonus of getting to the cab more conveniently. During the stream I asked about this specifically and at about 1:11:30 it was mentioned that 'there's nothing to do in there' referring to the guards compartment and the engine room, followed with what I consider a couple of cop outs; 'there's no guards anymore and I can only imagine how long it would take to model the engine compartment'. Somewhat ironic given how the sign on the EMT van window says "This door is currently maintained and available". It's a cop out because the luggage compartment, not the engine room, IS modelled and has been modelled in game for a long time. Case in point, the GWR HST, as you can see through the windows. Plus this EMT version isn't a massive step away, you can still see into that space. And to further reinforce the point, the engine room is walled off from the luggage van as you see in the video (around 10:30 onwards) & diagram (yes, the diagram is of an older model pre guard being moved, couldn't find a new one), so further detail modelling & textures wouldn't be needed at all. I believe it to be a case of animating each door sliding on the existing centre runners, and modelling collision in the van which shouldn't be a stretch in theory (if that doesn't exist already). So in conclusion, while not particularly useful it can be an extra bonus detail to flesh out the interactive experience, also if you wanted to play the role of guard perhaps? Another possibility is to add a function involving taking the tow bar out of the cupboard down to the front coupler in a rescue or shunting situation to further that hands on experience, a bit like the lamps in certain units.
its one of those where its like you may as well add it the engine compartment should have been added as well but I suppose at the minute it doesn't make a difference to gameplay as this game seems like its one of those where its more about looking pretty than being a simulator personally I think everything should function as intended and be fully accessible because why bother calling it a simulator if you can't do everything you would in real life
This is something that baffled me even when the GWE HST came out. It could be said that the waiting rooms in EDG don't add anything to gameplay or the fan in the cabs, which are both true, but they are also things which add that bit extra immersion to a route. To be clear I don't expect the engine room but both the guards area and luggage space would be nice to have.
yeah you are completely right tbf I think not adding the engine room is a cop out too they make out like it would take months to make I'm sure it will take a while to make but the Acela and 103 have it modelled (albeit they are Elecrtic Locos) and they also aren't modelled
True, the immersion counts, it might be an idea to take the 'Sim' out of the title as the standards for detail vary somewhat, even the basic GSM-R function is a testament to that. Largely for cop reasons again, like they ran out of time, seldom going back to implement details they first intended, will we see that added to the ROG 37? Who knows. They probably do run out of time for a release window, which is sad, 'cause nobody wins then... except the shareholders *cough*. The engine room is a tricky one given the amount of nooks & crannies around a diesel engine, but they have done it before with the SD & GP units, probably one of the best things in game is cold starting one of those. I always wanted the engine room for the class 66 purely down to the convenience of switching cabs without leaving the unit, but even then they scrimped on the detail without the considering the engine, the corridors to that compartment's doors next to the radiator grates are missing on the no.2 cab side. Clearly it's easier with electrics as it's mostly boxes full of capacitors, circuits, tubes for fan ducts, wires here and there etc. I mean you can't embark the ICE1 or br182 without going through it, but yes I don't expect a full fleshed out engine space, it's just a shame we can't make use of the existing luggage space.
I agree the guards compartment would be a nice touch. but could DTG fix the numbers on the HSTs as currently they all seem to show 00000 and have done for a while?
I hope that now we have guard mode the guard compartments are made accessible. Thinking the one on the MML HST, GWE HST, but also the TM's office on the 390. Don't think though unfortunately that would fall under the scope of the remaster, but maybe one for the future.
This is long overdue on the HST as is a modelled buffet counter. This applies to both GWE and MML versions. I really hope DTG and Skyhook go back and tweak the current models soon.
