So I have that problem too. I believe the speed limits are correct. However, this is due to the absolutely poor and unrealistic acceleration of the train. This is so slow that I can't keep to the timetable.
Despite extreme scepticism I bought this in the sale and actually glad I did. There’s probably loads of issues the more discerning German virtual drivers will pick up on and I agree the 642 leaves much to be desired in the sound and physics department. However on my first proper run even in Journey I got a 612 spawn instead which was nice. The main event however is running the new TSG 218 along there on its timetabled services. Great fun thrashing across a relatively fast single track secondary line. It’s no Blackpool Branches or Niddertalbahn but no way as bad as I’d been led to believe and not a “Vern reaching for the refund button” job either. DTG probably need to bung TSG 1000 Euros and get them to polish up the route and train…
I also picked it up in the sale. Nice little line to run down, also glad to see I wasn't going mad thinking how sluggish the 642 feels. Here's hoping for a patch to fix it (although the route has been out since November so that isn't looking likely). Typical DTG (even if it's TSG that made the route and loco, DTG allow these developers to release on their platform and they should be upholding standards and not allowing the third-party devs to shy away and do nothing). EDIT: If feedback is needed, then the acceleration is far, far too sluggish. Even as a non-driver it feels obvious the acceleration model is wrong here. The train is absolutely gutless above 60-70km/h. The level of acceleration you get there is probably what we should be getting as we pass 110km/h. In addition, the brakes seem far too effective. Even the slightest brake application produces a larger amount of decel than expected, making it difficult to just maintain a speed on a decline. The brake effectiveness is even more prominent on an emergency brake application - this things stops far too quickly. It's honestly almost to truck-like deceleration, far too fast for a train. EDIT 2: Isn't the 642 supposed to be available as a substitution on Dresden-Chemenitz? It's not available for me. PC, Steam. EDIT 3: Why are the PZB indicator lights so dim in normal operation? When you run the light test they all light up to the level you'd expect.
PZB is correct for this route, but often signals show "slow - green & yellow" wich normally means 40 km/h but in western germany often also 50 or 60 km/h. This is normally written in the timetable (Buchfahrplan) but we have none...
I think so many people have already written here that the acceleration is very bad. To date nothing has changed. Not even with the last update. Disappointing! Regarding the brakes: They really are that strong. I experienced this live myself. A colleague of mine drives this series, unfortunately I don't. Strange, the 642 doesn't appear in my timetable either.
I’m getting better and better with German signalling and actually quite like it! Yellow / Green I always thought was 40 km/h. But then I did read it could mean 60 km/h which would tally with the “track speed” on the HUD. But it’s hard to know when it applies!
You can find most (not all) timetables aka Buchfahrplan here: https://rail-sim.de/forum/filebase/filebase/1751-buchfahrpläne/
One of the slight annoyances in TSW is that the HUD shows the speed limit from the track location when in fact it should be enforced from the home signal, as in Zusi or TSC. I always adhere to that as part of trying to drive professionally but DTG ought to sort it.
Ah thank you so much, I didn't think to try that. This is a massive help I'll keep my fingers crossed for a performance update on the 642. Other than the awful acceleration, the unit seems quite nice. The sounds are good to my ear, you can hear the gearbox running through the gears etc, and the view is good. I think if/when the power is fixed, this will be a very nice route to just bimble along on. I keep running the 612 as a sub, although that has its own problems with how frustrating it is to use that type of power controller with a keyboard
Service EZK 54874 starting at 14:47 in Aschaffenburg Hafen is still broken, in the new timetable as well as in the old. Same issue: I'm prepping my 363, shunt forward, go all the way through the staging area to just outside of the home signal. The signal lets me back in (Hp 0 / Sh 1). I move back and pick up the first couple of container wagons. So far, so good. Next I take the wagons out in front of the home signal too. Signal lets me back in (Hp 2 and Sh 1 this time) and I start pushing back. As soon as the first (rearmost) wagon passes the signal, the signal shuts and the service is automatically failed.
Hi, I wouldn't have too many expectations on a performance fix for the 642. On the Harlem Line route I brought clues and proofs (official specs sheet, cabride video showing the TBC position, speed, in-cab screens, etc.) that the M7A EMU, as reproduced in TSW, is far too sharp both in acceleration and braking to the point of it being ridiculous. I even sent to DTG a recap of a drive I did by capping myself the power and braking, that showed the schedule still was easily doable with a fixed M7A. Was it fixed ? No. It still behaves like a rocket. While I hope that any TSW rolling stock showing a clear difference in performance compared to the real one is going to be fixed, I do not have high expectations. I think that only the BR Class 166 Networker Turbo has been fixed to this day. The rolling stock in TSW is generally well-made and is close to how real trains behave. If you often drive locomotive-hauled trains with pneumatic braking in TSW (for example on the Northern Trans-Pennine) you won't have much trouble driving real trains afterwards as some TSW reflexes are close to real trains. That's a good proof of the general good quality of TSW train modeling as a whole. But, sometimes ... there is an unnerving lack of acknowledgment or will to fix those little issues that could bring TSW content close to perfection.
So I also pulled the trigger with the summer sale and bought the Maintalbahn DLC. I can confirm what I saw in gameplay videos and in previous feedbacks, that it is impossible to keep the schedule, even by ignoring standard safety practices such as reasonnable speed when arriving at a platform (60 km/h) or near a signal at danger. Either the schedule is too tight (I think a BR 423 would be just enough to keep it ), or the BR 642 lacks acceleration at higher speeds. And I noticed the Mg brakes always stick to the rails ? They should not touch the rail if not in emergency braking. And so to speak, braking feels really sharp, it brakes like a bus. Or more like a subway : I measured the max service braking deceleration at 1,25 m/s² from 90 to 30 km/h. Trains usually have a max service brake at around 0,9 to 1,1 m/s². The BR 423 for example has 0,9 m/s² of maximum service deceleration. I know that the Deutsche Bahn has a pretty high standard of performance for its rolling stock, but it's still a train with steel wheels on steel rails The Paris rubber-tyred subway has its braking capped at around 1,3 m/s², more would put people on the ground. So a service deceleration of 1,25 m/s² for the BR 642 ... is a big no ! As for stock sounds, I can't speak because I installed the BR 642 soundmod https://www.trainsimcommunity.com/m...nds/i4344-maintalbahn-br642-sound-replacement - which is good. I've yet to test the other trains that are available (612, 628, 218 ...). EDIT : I did try the BR218 on the RB88 service, it is quite enjoyable to drive and pretty easy to be on time. The scenery is good to have some immersion, not as much as the lovely Niddertalbahn though. Do I recommend Maintalbahn with its stock DMU ? I don't know. I you don't mind being late and you like single track routes, if you have other german routes which could layer on it and it's on sale it is worth a try. If you expect high fidelity/quality driving like Niddertalbahn, Blackpool/Preston or Goblin line (which all are very well made), maybe this version of Maintalbahn is not the route you are looking for !
Has anyone ever seen the 628 as AI traffic for Maintalbahn? While the 628 never seems to show, since the most recent update even the 612 now seems to appear less than before and is always nearly a 642 - although I did finally see a 218 as AI traffic which was good.
I've already seen both. But it depends on the time. Depending on the time, the trains appear more often or less often.
I've never encountered an AI 628 service ever, neither on the old timetable nor on the new. And I share the impression that with the new timetable, the 612 has become something of a rarity as well. It's about 60% of 642, 35% of 218 and 5% of 612 for me, roughly.
The 628 gets bugged sometimes for me, I know it comes with Niddertalbahn but since there isn't a feedback thread for that I thought I would post it here. 00:10: After trying to use reverser while the engine is still at a high RPM, the reverser gets stuck and unusable. 00:21: I reset simulation physics to try and fix it. 00:33: The reverser is fixed but now the train won't move at all, even when it is set up properly and the engine is working.
Interestingly, the longer I've been playing Maintalbahn again this week some 612s seem to start appearing again, albeit still not as frequent as before though - and still no 628 apart from a single unit parked in the sidings. On the subject of the 642, they seem to have completely replaced the 612 entirely on BRO in timetable mode.
Really? I haven't played on BRO since the update, but that would make me sad. For the life of me I can't imagine how the 642 could possibly keep up with the 612 timetable! The 218 with some Dosto's would have done a better job.
Indeed. I completed a 642 service to Oldenburg and it does seem to keep up with the timetable, thankfully.
I've since done some research... it seems that in reality these services have been done with 648 DMU's, so both the 612 and 642 are actually stand-ins for these. The 642 is much closer to the 648 in terms of size and speed though, so it actually does make more sense. In regards of the Bremen-Delmenhorst services, the rest of the route from Delmenhorst onwards is 80 km/h max, so the 612 would be overkill anyway. Regardless, still fun to fire up the 612 and make use of its speed capabilities for a change Back to topic: Did some more runs along the Maintalbahn, both with 628 and 218, and the AI-612 still appears very sparsely.
I enjoy the route very much, but I have two items for feedback: 1. the automatic brake application is very difficult for me. Almost impossible not to hit emergency by accident (controller, PS5). 2. I do not understand the speed restriction coming out of Miltenberg. There is a speed indicator Zs3 on the exit signal ("6"). Based on the German signalling rules, this 60 kph speed restriction should end after the interlocking. In the game, however, 60 kph is shown as maximum speed across the bridge until the place where the route gets dual track. From the other side, it is the same. Zs3 ("6") before the route becomes single-track, the speed restriction should end after that switch and line speed should apply.
Its a so called "Zwischensignal" (middle signal?). It tells you that you are still in the area of the station and speed restriction is valid until next signal. see here: https://www.tf-ausbildung.de/BahnInfo/weichenbereich.htm
There are many missing speed signs and distant speed signs in Aschaffenburg süd area. First northbound direction. It starts in Obernau, where is missign "10" Lf 6. Then there are (not missing) "10" Lf 7 with "8" Lf 6 - "8" Lf 7 - "10" Lf 7 - "9" Lf 6, but there is missing "9" Lf 7 before Aschaffenburg Hochschule. In the opposite direction, there is missing "10" Lf 7 after Aschaffenbugr Hochschule (next to the missing "9" Lf 7) and then there are missing "8" Lf 6 and "8" Lf 7 after Aschaffenburg Süd.
With the release of TSW5 and the additional layer of 642 services on the Frankfurt line, can we please address the performance (acceleration and braking) issues? The train is extremely lacking in acceleration - if it helps, I've noticed that when running in a 2-car config, only one of the exhaust pipes is using the "smoke" animation under power; perhaps an issue where only one engine is being used? In addition, the braking is far too sensitive; there's barely any control at lower brake lever inputs, being unable to use only a tiny bit of brakes to control speed. Given the unit has hydro-dynamic braking (I think!) it seems there just needs to be a general overhaul of the powertrain.
A little excerpt from part 2 of the TSW5 roadmap DTG Alex posted in August: I was shunting in Obernburg-Elsenfeld a couple of minutes ago, and dejectedly noticed this: Playing on PC/Steam, with shadows set at "high". Just tried Linke Rheinstrecke, same issue.
I’ve finally bought Maintalbahn on recent PS store sale in 80% discount for some 5€. I’m pretty satisfied with it, BR 642 is nicely made DMU with great sounds (even sounds of wheels rolling down the tracks thats what I love most), workable suspension function works great and adds a much of realism. Of course the acceleration at about 60-80km/h is weirdly uneffective but I can live with roleplay that this state is like real DMU, same with braking (only real life drivers can say if its so). Unacceptable malfunction is that when you press Circle button to acknowledge SIFA, it triggers PZB Wachsam at the same time resulting in annoying PZB Wachsam sound every 30 seconds, but we can see this is normal in DTG releases and their modus operandi - that console versions functionality are on second (third? fourth?…) track of their interest. Timetable stations arrival times are kind of challenging, but it’s nicely possible to arrive in final destination right on time. Route feels kinda empty but it’s understable at mostly one track route, but sometimes there is at least some PZB action. Route scenery is in acceptable quality with nice sections in it, new version of TOD lighting makes beautiful sceneries with pretty DMU in it, I was forced to take some screenshots while driving Biggest dissapointment came when I drove BR 218 services - weird formation with doppelstock wagons in 218 sandwich??? instead of retro koppler n-wagen vagons single locomotive formation … well what can we do on consoles where you cannot edit timetable formations. edit: explained that this is exactly irl formation of BR218 service, now I can sleep and play this services with peace on my soul.
Picked up Maintalbahn in the PSN sale. Is there a way to stop the 612 spawning as the player train in Journey mode without deleting Tharandter Rampe? Am playing on TSW4, PS5.
Just bought the route during the PlayStation sale, and I’m having lots of fun! Here are a few things I noticed: PIS screens at Miltenberg are quite low (I’m gonna bump my head!). Gap in the ground texture between Kleinheubach and Laudenbach. Tons of grass on the road near Klingenberg. The bicycle stand texture used throughout the route seems to be bugged - the stand and bikes are all the same untextured grey default color. Why are all the cars in the Aschaffenburg Hbf parking garage the exact same model and blue color… can we get some variety in there? No cars driving on the huge four-lane road next to Aschaffenburg Süd station at all. The DB BR 612 seems to want to sub into all of the Journey services I attempt to start. I love the variety the layer provides in service mode, so I’m not willing to deactivate it - and I don’t even know if the layer deactivation toggles in the timetable section have any impact on the journey services. But I always like to enjoy the journey mode with a loco of my choice - preferably the one that came with the route. Not sure if I’ve ever seen the DB BR 612 with working PIS screens on this route. Surely that should be possible to implement considering the 612 isn’t a super old loco and probably supports the dynamic/auto PIS tech? I’ve never seen the DB BR 628 sub into an AI service in service mode, while the DB BR 612 has appeared excessively often (roughly 30-40% of all AI services). The DB BR 628 in double traction has difficulties fitting onto Kleinwallstadt platform 2. At least one door will always either be off the end of the platform or blocked by the metal fence near the foot crossing. I spotted a train that was stabled/out of service, but nonetheless still full of passengers, on Aschaffenburg Abst 7 at about 17:45. The 17:48 RE 54 AI at Aschaffenburg platform 8 (and possibly other similar AI trains too) has no passenger lights active, the wagons are completely dark inside. DB BR 642: The Drivers Brake handle is ridiculously sensitive using a controller on PS5 (L1 / L2 buttons). You can basically only put it directly into emergency brake and not use it normally at all. If the sun is above the train and causes a shadow of the windscreen and its edges to be thrown onto the cab dashboard in front of the player, the edges of that shadow are very low-quality and pixelated (tested on PS5). The default state of the left in-cab MFD screen is in coupling configuration mode. Why not in the Grundbild (“home screen”) mode as is the case with most other German rolling stock with in-cab MFD screens? This would allow us to reach many of the MFD features (like passenger lighting etc.) quicker. Are there really no door beeps whatsoever in real life? DB BR 363: Unable to enter the cab when standing on the outside gangway/railing of the loco while it is moving (controlled by AI). No prompt to climb up into the cab will appear after opening the door and walking right up to the doorway. Tested with the service that goes from Aschaffenburg Hafen to Hbf starting at about 10AM.
I figured this would be a decent route to use with the TSW starter to figure out if I can get into the sim. Is this timetable really challenging though, or is it me? Sometimes there’s just a minute between stations that are over 1km apart. That is an average speed of 60kph including acceleration and braking. I could almost manage but that requires going from full throttle to full breaking. I also got caught out by a couple 60kph limits going into sidings. Is this something I should learn to expect or are some signs missing?
The timetable is definitely challenging, although the delays for the passengers are increased by my search for collectibles at each station (the bee hotels are lovely!) I did notice that some of the sidings don’t have speed limit boards, but I’m sure this is accurate considering many players would have complained if it wasn’t. Maybe there can be a rule on smaller branches that sidings have a “default” speed limit with no sings needed. But I have no clue to be honest
I've picked up this DLC. God i'm glad keeping this one -80% caused of the overall quality. It is normal that the acceleration is so weak after 85 kmh?
just a quick question - screen on the left, has the Traktionsperre checked... does that mean that braking is ready or that there is some brake active still?
No it isnt‘t. I have a friend who drives these things IRL and they do accelerate quite a bit better. He mentioned that there is some variant with a weak engine which would drive like the one we have ingame, but thats not the variant we have ingame iirc.
Yellow-green signal aspects indicate speed restrictions in the German signalling system. Or you can rely on the HUD.
Should be traction lock. turns on when you brake, have the parking brake applied or the doors open I think. if it's wrong then just like the GSM-R screen being for Austria, I doubt it'll be fixed anytime soon if it hasn't been yet
Spent a bit of time in the 642 doing the winter scenario for the Mastery and, you know what? I actually quite like it. Not sure if the engine sound has been buffed but it is very pleasant on the ears, similar to a UK 170 or 172. I don’t mind the sluggish acceleration as that to me seems more realistic than trains which are doing 60km/h before they even clear the platform. All in all I do like Maintalbahn quite a lot and can certainly recommend in a sale. A shame there’s probably no chance of an extension - think it ends up at Lauda? Looks quite scenic, from Open Street Map.
I am just trying to figure out what the cross there means ... like, when it is elsewhere, like direction of travel forward, or traction motors working, that I understand... this is under Traktion screen... Wendegetriebe vorwarts I understand - Reverser-Forward, active... Traktionsperre - Traction (inter)lock - I assume this just means that traction lock is active when you use brakes, as thats when the actual Traktionsperre light comes on... I am just trying to clear if I understand things right cos I can move and everything and traction lock icon on HUD displays correctly
Oddity. Doing a RE timetable run from Miltenberg into Aschaffenburg, on arrival at destination I did the usual unload passengers and close doors but instead of jumping me back to the menu, I then got an instruction to uncouple the two sets and move the front one to a point behind the rear one. Not how I would normally expect a run to end and I had to Esc to exit, not knowing if the actual trip had registered as complete or not. Edit: Confirmed the run was not shown as complete and no AP awarded. Has anyone else encountered this with what should have been a straight A to B run? Is it a specific route issue or something going wrong in the core?
Doing the Journey and getting the BR612 substituted is an issue on itself, but it gets even worse when you can't see anything in the dark even with cablight on...
Every Journey run I’ve done, seems to give me a 612. I mean I like it and don’t really want to disable the layer, but I want to experience at least some of the fun in the 642 which I actually quite like.
