I was very much on the fence about getting this route, after purchasing the Suffragette (Goblin) line I thought that would keep me entertained for ages, it still is! Fife Circle was a route I enjoyed a lot in TSC, it was a nice mix of stopping/commuter, semi-fast and express services, so to see it in TSW piqued my interest. Service played: 2G09 - 1745 Edinburgh-Glenrothes. The negatives: The timetable: It’s poor, very very poor. Not at all a true representation of what is a very busy line in reality, don’t get me wrong it’s no Brighton Mainline but it’s a busy line through the “Central belt” of Scotland. I know there are the Cowdenbeath services missing but there’s other gaps where you think, why?! I played 2G09 1745 Edinburgh to Glenrothes and encountered 4 other pieces of AI and a 385 at Haymarket, that’s not good! I understand about the 158 in future but the full timetable should have been included with the 158 subbing in. In reality you could have 158+158, 158+170 and 170+170 formations. I hope we get these eventually. The distant scenery: It’s not as bad as I saw from the streams but still leaves you wanting with the flat lifeless terrain in places, however as someone that prefers to drive from the cab at all times, you wouldn’t be looking for this anyway! I flew out for the purpose of this review and I wasn’t that disappointed, it’s not the worst we’ve seen by any means. The positives: The 170 and sounds: Really good, an accurate representation, physics seems accurate, although there is a strange noise effect when another 170 passes. The model itself, I can’t fault it at all. Automatic announcements are a lovely addition. Lineside scenery: I can’t fault this, it’s a beautiful route, the Forth Bridge is stunning, one of the best models we’ve seen in TSW, it’s a pleasant picturesque route and represented well. From the cab the immediate scenery is done really well. Overall: 6.5/10, I genuinely wanted to give it slightly higher but this a route held back by the timetable and it’s a real shame. This was a huge oversight in my opinion and it’s this rather than the critique of the scenery that lets it down. The route doesn’t deserve the criticism and unfortunately it’s one of those where unless you play it yourself you won’t know. I’m not here to convince anyone to buy it, as I was on the fence initially and I buy every UK route on release. I had my doubts and the DTG/Rivet stream did a genuine disservice to the route and anyone buying it in my opinion. We’ve seen a lot of hyperbole and negativity on this route in the last week and it really doesn’t justify a lot of it. It’s far from perfect but if we got an improved timetable, some distant scenery tweaks, and the Leven extension, and the 158 layered in, I’d be more than willing to revise my review. A few pictures anyway to back up my review No issues with Forth Bridge loading in (I’m on PC) The Forth Bridge Lochgelly area End of the line (or start of the line ) at Glenrothes
Again, most of the services in the present-day timetable are present on the route. The line is a lot quieter post-COVID.
Xbox Series X. Bridge not loading until almost upon it when heading north however seemed fine and loaded when heading south.
They’re not, they’re really not. Look on Realtime Trains and the Scotrail PDF timetable, that reveals the full story.
Putting efforts into something like escalators is just wasting devs and our hardware resources. DTG You won't improve game accessibility this way either
170s turbo sound heard anywhere in the whole map even if your like a mile away from the 170 YOU CAN STILL HEAR IT!!! Please fix this and I might actually consider getting it!
Found this station name on the wrong station not quite Queen Street the station is Burntinsalnd sorry if this has been posted before
To recap all the problems, if I understand correctly: - Missing level crossing bars. - Unfinished airport. - Horrible bare meadows and gaunt hills along the Circle. - Lack of fences in some places, along the tracks. - No traffic on some roads. - The Kinghorn Pedestrian Overpass has a corrupted floor texture. - Some stations are a bit empty (in my opinion). - Rocks with redundant texture (photocopied). - A sign in Burntinsland says Glasgow Queen Street. - Mild vegetation in some stations. - Service Preview (timetable mode) shows services throught Glenrothes on Dunfermline branch. - The service code doesn't appear on the GSMR. - Lochgelly has a bug that allows passengers on the other platform to cross the tracks and board your train. - At the entrance to the Inverkeithing tunnel, towards North Queensferry, the portal has cracks that reveal the void. - Dalmeny's announcement is heard on the Forth Bridge, 1 mile from the station, rather than the usual 0.6 miles. And of course the timetable. You encounter only 2/3 trains on the Circle (besides the 385 on the main line). All this said by a user who does NOT own the route (I've condensed all the problems known up to now here, PC version).
No they aren't. This is just straight up false. This is one page of the 2024 timetable, with just services on Fife Line.
Edinburgh - Cowdenbeath shuttles (I know they are getting added) but they are missing on release Edinburgh - Perth missing morning services (1L71/1L73) gap between 0958-1233 from Edinburgh also a gap in the afternoon Final Edinburgh to Perth service that runs via Dunfermline missing Dundee services which should be broadly hourly, huge gaps during the day. Final two services of a night don’t exist. Now these gaps might be reserved for the 158, but they are still missing unnecessarily
Seeing as you are on the Series S, can I just ask what the bridge is like for loading in? Is it as bad as shown by the screenshots as it is on the Series X?
The only missing services I see the Cowdenbeath shuttles and one of the Dundee services. Thanks, that's very helpful.
People saying the route is empty, but in just 4 minutes of gametime, i've raced a 385 to Haymarket and met an 801 heading back south from Haymarket.
- No services run on the left half of the loop as far as I can see. - Speeds in the HUB are based off the HST speeds which I assume would not apply to a DMU (I stand to be corrected) - Bag pipes in Glasgow are cool, just too loud. - Generally needs more traffic to feel alive.
The overlay isn't working, as I'm on a left half loop service at the moment (2G01), but the map is saying it goes right. Doing the above service, I've crossed paths with a 385, 801 and a good number of 170s and not even over the forth bridge yet, to me feels busy.
The class 170 does run at HST speed limits. the left half of the loop does have services it’s just the mini map doesn’t show the correct route. Look for any including Glenrothes with Thornton for these service's.
The bridge is very odd loading in.. it loads in just fine when approaching it from the Markinch side, however when approaching it from the Edinburgh Waverley side the first little part loads in then the main part loads just before you're about to get onto that bit of track....
Okay, so for reference here's the actual northbound timetable for the line with the services not included in the game marked in red. Note that the game often doesn't match reality with regard to which services are for Dundee and which are for Perth, and in a couple of instances the departure times from Edinburgh have been changed as well (e.g. in real life 1L25 departs at 17:52 for Dundee, in the game it departs at 17:58 for Perth).
I’m very curious if the scenery and stations between Haymarket and Linlithgow are modeled since the track is visible on the route map. Apparently the Class 385 services cannot be driven further than Haymarket which directly contradicts what Jasper said in the the preview stream. He also said the line between Linlithgow and Dalmeny (basically the Forth Bridge), which is also present on the route map, is modeled. If all of these areas really are fully modeled, it’s a huge shame to not have any playable services on there. Let’s hope they can enable players to take control of the 385 services all the way to Linlithgow, and can make some of the new freight services and rail tours use the Linlithgow-Dalmeny line.
. if you spawn in on foot at Haymarket. At 0740 the 801 will arrive at 0744 and you can ride as a passenger to Waverly.
Passenger models ARE updated, seen multiple bag wielding AI. Encountered far more than just 2 trains on the circle, about 4 or 5, heading around on the Dunfermline branch. But the route really didn't feel that empty to me.
I have to say I'm pleased with the route. There's a few flaws, but overall it's fun and if you look out there's lots of nice details. As expected, the 170 is modelled superbly. No low res textures. Great station modelling also, and I like the bagpipes at Edinburgh. Unfortunately, the feedback thread has a lot of false flags, probably due to general anti Rivet sentiments.
I was very much on the fence after seeing the disappointing showcase on stream the other day, but after biting a very large bullet (after watching Dad Rail's preview; so far im enjoying it! First up before i go into things, i want to reiterate what the voices in the community & previous posts have highlighted. Theres still a sub-par effort being delivered by Rivet across most of their addons. Luckily im a sucker for simulation, so I'll sit in my cab all day long, not flying about to pick out the poor scenery that's been done - so ive hardly noticed alot of the poor scenery that's been rightly highlighted by other folk! But lurking within the forums, seeing the community's responses - im surprised we've not had a more direct response about the specifics brought up by the community. I think that at least would give people the 'confidence' that their feedback is being taken onboard and actioned appropriately - something of which we need to see more of. Anyway... The Route: So far ive really enjoyed playing. I had a drive of 2G77 with the 170 and it was a load of fun. Lots of varied speeds and gradients to keep you thinking two steps ahead. Scenery was the big stopping point in getting this DLC given Rivets past track record. As ive mentioned, im very much a simulation player, so hardly use the freecam to examine the scenery with a fine toothcomb. Generally the standard is great from the cab and cant complain too much, but there are the issues that people have pointed out that exist. Side note, as i play on PC - i do have some visual mods & .ini tweaks to made it more visually appealing (possibly covering up Rivets poor job in some areas) We cant really avoid Edinburgh's (lack of) Airport or the easily noticeable repeated rock formations can we? Some areas are really done well (stations & the Forth Bridge), but some do feel less polished - especially some lineside details, which can stand out amongst the good bits! My biggest gripe however has to be the Timetable; I personally wont take an excuse of it being a Covid TT, especially when the Gobin line has such a far more diverse & layer enhanced one with far more services. It really is crying out for more services (and i mean a decent amount) for a route with quite a few trains & destinations across it. Yes, Jasper mentioned the "30-40" more in a patch (should of been there from the start *shrug*) but still i recon that's not good enough, especially for Edinburgh; which is constantly seeing trains in/out. Its all about immersion & simulation for me at the end of the day, the last thing i want is a ghost town *cough Haymarket T&RSMD *cough*. Oh wait, did someone mention Haymarket?! Theres always something in there, isn't there... guys? Sadly it seems a key landmark of this route is pretty dead, possibly given the fact of the non-existent ECS moves in the timetable and the fact you cant access it too (apparently)! A really big missed opportunity. We do have the SR Class 158 on the horizon by Skyhook, something which may add more services into the mix. But it shouldn't take that to enhance the route. I really hope Rivet take note in this department! Also want to mention the bagpipes at Edinburgh; its great, but when the music is louder in my cab than when being stood on the platform, theres something wrong! Some real poor audio occlusion. Signal ET 774 Repeater's AWS ramp seems to be triggering in the opposite direction too! And a constant stuck on Position Light on Signal EH513 at Haymarket? The Class 170: As ever, Rivet (despite the lack in effort in other areas) always does a grand job in the modelling department for units/locos! I've found the 170 to look and work quite well despite Rivet bringing us a lovely modelled but grim handling class 150 in WCL. Some great texturing & modelling from all sides of the 170 - cant really complain. The sounds also are great and do the job - its no AP standard but again, no real complaints. However some of the levels could be improved; the safety systems could do with being a touch louder! The window open at 30% also sounds like its wide open! No real balance on that front. The only issues ive had is when taking power, Notch 6 - Notch 7 only kick in (audibly too) when your doing around 17mph. Dont believe this is prototypical. GSM-R not functioning as intended is still a issue we're seeing on here and throughout all stock. I've enjoyed the Auto Announcer. Its a nice feature but never been a real feature ive desired - would definitely like a toggle on/off though! To conclude, ive had a blast so far; great unit and so far a good foundation of a route. But its not all praise, as the community have rightly voiced and Rivet need take accountability that they're committed to bringing the best product possible. That also relies on DTG too. Id probably say hang fire, and see what 'plan' Rivet have to tackle the feedback before going forward.
Ok so I'm not sure if someone else has already posted this I haven't read every post on this thread but on the 170 on PC getting stuck standing up in the ceiling can see the physics a spinning gear with a pole in the top front also where are the buttons to open the right door there are buttons but they are not usable and black in color ??
Read the manual (page 10). You have to put the reverser into neutral after physically coupling, then push the "Couple" button in the cab to electronically couple them so they can talk to each other.
Fife Circle Line Feedback Overall probably one of Rivet Games worst releases to date, I've summarised a list of issues / missing features which means this DLC falls short of expectation in my own eyes. For £29.99/€35.99/$39.99 I would say there's an expectation of at least two locos, given the diesel limitations of the Class 800 then the most logical next locomotive would have been the ScotRail HSTs that run between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. General lack of playable services, no freight??? like we literally got the Engineering Express Pack about 2 months ago and none of these locos run around the Fife Circle Line. What about Diesel or Steam Railtours they run over the Forth Bridge??? All sidings and yards feel very disused, there must be locos or wagons stabled at these in real life, and if they're disused then make them feel like they are, just don't paste bushes all over the line like at the disused Rosyth branch at Inverkeithing. General lack of care when it comes to scenery, when driving on the northern stretch of the Fife Circle apparently Scotland doesn't have fences and walls further than lineside, on the southern side the assets feel very heavily copy pasta. There's also a lot of scenery issues on the run out to Linlithgow with floating bushes and grass which doesn't actually exist on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route so I'm unsure how this has happened as this isn't new scenery just copy pasta. There seems to be different maps in the game, the in-game map and the menu map are different, which feels like this route has been rushed throughout the process. Oh and you can't spawn at stations towards Linlithgow which is really annoying. To give some credit to the team, the Class 170 is modelled extremely well, and have thoroughly enjoyed the guard panel that comes included. The sounds are a solid 8/10 with the usual UE4 sound engine issues persistent at higher speeds on the route. Note: Just remember that £29.99/€35.99/$39.99 is the same price for a game like Helldivers 2, so Rivet Games really needs to work on polish and not trying to meet deadlines, instead focus on quality over quantity.
Thank you for providing your insightful and detailed feedback. Having gone from being very excited for this route pre-stream Thursday, I have now spent hours reviewing ambassador streams and forum feedback and I completely agree with your review. I think I will take your advice and hang fire at least until Skyhook's ScotRail 158 comes and see how Fife Circle is looking then.
Look, I never bought stuff from Rivet Games before. This high probably is because I'm a relatively new TSW player. I was interested in Arosa Line but due to the videos I've seen of it, it simply didn't convinced me enough to buy it. Is there effort put into details at some aspects? Yes, of course. However, the overall gameplay experience refrained me from buying it for the price it has attached. Still I'm not a costumer of theirs and not active in the Rivet Forums (they indeed can be happy of this from what I've heard and seen of them so far). So see, I have absolutely no back history with them as a mistreated costumer and be as unprejudiced as it could be. Not only judging by the preview video (what was a mistake to show the wrong build), the videos of the ambassadors as well as the pictures already provided by users showed clearly that there is a lack of attention to the detail, at least for the aspect of the scenery and the timetable. Did they do well doing the announcements, modelling the train, modelling the Forth bridge, modelling the stations? Yes! But other parts of the DLC are simply so half-hearted made that it does not equalize the faults for me personally, so that purchasing the route will be not a thing for me for the full list price, and I'm even struggling with thinking if I would buy it for a 50% off discount on sale in the next months. I also think that the overall critic in some threads is utterly exaggerating, but there are some undeniable things, which just are unacceptable and kind of a crime to sell a DLC of that price for. As I said in another thread, it's simply unfair to other developer listing their DLCs for the same (or even inferior) price who do care about the quality aspects which are hardly missing in this DLC and work for it for weeks if not months. If there are false flags - as you claim it - please address them directly instead of raising the concern whether some absolutely reasonable issues have their justification being in here or not.
It's a very pretty road, I like it a lot, it's missing a little bit of finishing like the waves on the sea or the boats but otherwise except for the missing airport (yes, it's not finished eh!!) the road is superb, I love it. I rode with a steam locomotive, it was magnificent!! I'm keeping it, I'll ride it for sure, personally I like it a lot, just lack of traffic THE - There are some landscape problems on the road to Linlithgow with floating bushes and grass for a good mile!!!!! This is clearly not good Clearly lacking Ai trains on the road and in depots. Lack of freight and passenger services. Missing a railtour. Thanks rivet, but update the Ai services and trains please and fill the deposits for pity!!!!!!.
Would like to mention the Fife Circle Route introduction. Upon departing Edinburgh you have Bagpipes playing, it then automatically switches to an external view and it's various noises and the lady giving the route description all at the same time, it then heads into the tunnel with the loud echoing and she's still talking and the Bag Pipes are still playing. It's a cacophony of noise.
I would also like to mention a thing regarding the bagpipes. In the preview video, they seemed to be very loud while being in the cabin. Matt closed the right door at minute 18:14 in the video. The left door of the cabin already were closed. The door from the cabin towards the passengers, he kept opened (probably to hear the sound of the bagpipes of the entrance close next to it). However, I personally perceive the sound of the bagpipes being too loud for that situation with the closed right and left door in the cabin, facing the fact there still is another door in between the entrance and the passenger section, which is closed. Therefore the sound shouldn't be that loud in the cabin. (Unfortunately can't timestamp it, but if yo go to the section in the video and look at all the doors you can understand what I mean).
Good morning everyone, thank you all for your feedback so far, I'm currently adding your reports to our internal document. Can I ask that you keep posts in this thread to feedback and bug reports only please, this makes the entire process much easier. You are of course free to discuss the Add-On in more detail in any of the other threads on this topic, and we do read your opinions and take those in as well, but streamlining this thread makes this a lot easier. Again, thank you all for your feedback so far, and please keep it coming. All the best, Jan
Maybe it would be better if you specifically note that directly in the OP (edit it in), because many people just reply to the main post and don't see your comment justifying it being only for game experience issues.
But that’s ok, apart from all that people are enjoying it apparently. It will never get fixed. There I said it. It will get one minor patch. Ive laid the gauntlet down Rivet, take the challenge.
On Edinburgh to Glasgow they would play 100% of time. On Fife I noticed they seem to play at different times of the day on timetable mode. The station could use slight ambient tram bell noises though, this is something you hear very often in Edinburgh.
I have to say that I am quite liking this route; the gradient challenges and the stopping patterns are interesting and the 170 is a fun train to drive. Yes, it does have numerous issues; no hill start on the 170 for PS5 by the looks of it (once again Rivet forget that not everyone is a PC owner!), the distant scenery is very simplistic and underwhelming, the rockfaces look a bit like plasticine if you come across them too quickly (approaching at a low speed gives the textures time to come in), the models for the airport and the Queensferry Crossing are, frankly, chod! and the number of services is only a fraction of reality (maybe improved by the 158 but unlikely solved by them) and saying that having 801s as an AI is a 'major improvement' can only be viewed as being tongue in cheek (sometimes you see one at the other end of the station if you're lucky).... I could go on but I am not here to bash it, just raise my observed feedback. Is it worth £30? Probably not so I would say it's a sale purchase for most people. Is it an interesting drive and fill a gap in the TSW collection? Yes, I think it does. However, one final bit of feedback generally. Please. please, please stop using the free roam in timetable as an suggestion for users to add new services. This function should be the cherry on the cake and not a 'cover all' suggestion for when freight, railtours and express services are absent from a lackluster timetable!
I thought there wasn’t hill start either, but there is. I figured it out last night. Hold the L2 button
