Xc/wmr 170 Is Being Developed By Rivet Games

IMO £13 is very steep for the pack - though it does look quite nice. I'd also be annoyed if this gets released and the Fife 170's running sounds (or lack of) are left to rot.

 

Depending on sounds and features I may or may not buy this. The fact it's a passion project gives me some confidence though.

 

Agree about running sounds, but IMO £13 is reasonable. Ultimately it's a new timetable and a 2 new variants. I think the SCR 158 was £12.99 for a timetable (at some point), and one variant. Whereas this is 2 variants.

 

Currently the other livery is in sandbox mode if you were meaning that

 

Zero complaints about the price, it's the standard price for a pack like this. Not sure what people expected, I genuinely thought it'd be more!

 

Sorry, I don't understand . What do you mean?

 

They are upset because they bought the 158 for Fife Circle but don't own the Scotrail Express route.

And since the Fife Circle timetable has been delayed they can't use it unless in sandbox mode.

Unfortunatly that what happens when you buy a DLC for something that was coming in the future and has not ever had a release date announced. They should have waited until it was released and then bought the 158.

But you know its all DTG's fault.

 

Levenmouth livery in free roam.

 

Fife Circle AI trains on Edinburgh Glasgow can spawn with the Leven livery

 

Nailed it

 

On the face of it, this looks great & I would have no issue with the price considering what’s being offered. It’s also great to not only see Rivet taking on someone who will do TT’s, but also actually ask them to work on other stuff too, hopefully this means they’re aware TT’s are a weak spot for them.

Now my deeper concerns stem to whether these will get suspension & also if the running sounds have been fixed. The other pretty major point that needs clarification is how this pack will be utilised, as the last time Rivet did a gameplay pack (66 engineering), it’s had absolutely no reuse by any devs other than inconsistent substitution of locos.

This pack will do wonders for BCC gameplay, but the real value in this is how the XC stock in particular gets layered.

 

For all the hate Rivet gets, I quite like their 170. It’s modelled well and is good to drive. Whether or not it’s a realistic model physics etc I am not an expert on the real life train but I find it to be a good one in game from my limited knowledge. And a UK MU with an actual proper windshield is always nice.

 

Thanks - makes sense, I understand the disappointment. I bought both FCL and 158 for the 158 timetable, and still not out. Adam and Co. have probably done an amazing job, I just want to try it you know!

 

Not seen this posted. Rivet released a teaser video of the two 170s at New Street:

 

So I don't know about running sounds but it has got suspension

 

In cab numbering might need looking at..

 

It's been pushed back to post TSW6 according to a post by skyhook games on Instagram

 

Yeah, that's why I understand the posters disappointment haha. I guess it is maybe for the best - if the timetable released, and then TSW6 broke something that wouldn't be ideal - but it's a shame it is taking so long

 

Ikr. I'm curious to know what new features TSW6 will hold but at this rate I think it'll be a mammoth of bug fixes, updates and releases instead...

 

I think that's necessary though, if TSW6 came with bug fixes/updates for things like:

• Performance - flickering, stuttering, lagging, blurry textures, crashes etc.
• Passengers - going where they shouldn't (tracks), staying on ECS trains, huddling around doors (Stratford International, SEHS)

As long as these things weren't subsequently broken and then left untouched, I'd consider it a solid update personally.
Yes, I would like to see new features:

• Announcements
• Dispatcher mode
• Random events of disruption etc.

But the bug fixes have to take priority, and new features are probably a discussion for another thread lol

 

You can call me crazy here, but the XC version in this pack feels odd.



firstly, why would they reintroduce the XC licence on a route which has very limited stops for them? Surely for a big licence like Crosscountry, it would need something more to stretch its legs, like a route.

we’ve also known in the past that rivet have seemed to help DTG with their uk routes. Look at the TSW5 core uk route for example.

this is where it gets odd. As far as I’m aware, there are very few routes in TSW where Crosscountry run the majority of the services.

The one route that has the most Crosscountry action is MAC, and that’s only up to Stockport.

we’re still missing a route which runs proper crosscountry traffic, and I think this Crosscountry license definitely could play into how the TSW6 uk route is seen, Could the Deluxe loco be a Voyager?

it might just be a massive coincidence, but it’s certainly strange

 

This DLC came out of nowhere very quickly and they made of point of it being released before TSW6.
Something about this is necessary to set the scene for TSW6 methinks...

 

I mean there’s not loads of options for XC feature routes, even their most frequent routes are barely more than 1TPH per direction, Birmingham makes sense since that’s their main Hub for routes. Im not sure where you got the idea MAC would be busier for XC as BHM gets more XC services in 10 minutes than MAN does in an hour.

Anything where XC is involved in a DLC is going to need another supporting ToC to make up gameplay, or would need to be something longer out of somewhere such as BHM that it could offer a decent number of services.

Personally I think they’re on the right track with this idea, XC is always going to be something that’s a layer rather than a focus, the downside to this pack is that they haven’t layered the 170 into ECML & MML AI etc.

I’d honestly be surprised if we ever got a route that’s developed because it’s an XC route & not for the purpose of another ToC. The thing about this ToC is they do distance over frequency & TSW struggles with the distance part.

 

And if it's anything Western based the 170's are not that common. No presence down to Oxford and Reading and only to Gloucester then Newport off the Bristol line. Otherwise all Voyagers.

 

Maybe we'll see something like Plymouth to Exeter in TSW6?
I mean they did say they got the GWR licence back so who knows!

 

I wonder if the glowing benches at Birmingham New Street issue is going to be fixed, I think it's been an issue since the route released and DTG have never bothered to fix it. If they choose to leave this issue in it's going to ruin New Street, a shame because its looking very busy from the screenshots.

 

XC is going to be a sidepiece basically anywhere and at the moment Birmingham Cross City is the main route it runs on - Midland Mainline would be an option but very limited, and in that case the WMR 170 isn't contributing.

I hope there is something else on the horizon as the voyager would be a very good train to have but I doubt they'll set about making a route with the voyager in mind. If so, my bet would be something in the West of England or into wales (capitalising on the GWR license and/or TfW) or ECML North (capitaling on the 380, 170, 158, the northern license and LNER)

 

Seems like they are providing a sound update for the Fife 170 as well as the new pair. Good news!!!

(Said in stream)

 

One of the things that stops me playing BCC often is that all services stop at all stations and if I’m driving the whole route it is too much of a grind. I sometimes even lose interest part way through the service. The services this pack adds are completely different and with the new sounds for the 170 it should be a better experience for me when I get it and I’ll use the route more. The fact the route is busier all round is another reason to get it and that will improve the experience on the long grinds. When I’ll get it is anyone’s guess as I have so much content to catch up on and I would usually wait for a sale for modern UK content. Other than WCML South in the TSW5 core bundle I haven’t bought any modern UK content this TSW year. It’s looking good on the stream and it’s fairly cheap so it probably won’t go to the bottom of the list.

 

Jasper confirmed that a future update (TBC) for Fife Circle 170 is expected, fixing automatic announcements and stock sounds. Maybe alongside new SHG's 158 timetable release?
Now that's good news!

 

Yeah it’s the same for me, it’s a really nice route (at least in daytime), but over an hour of stop start doesn’t really do it for me. Pushing all else aside, a pack which adds a different way to play a route is something I’m 100% behind.

Taking existing UK rolling stock & doing a new ToC for it, is something UK routes sorely need too, these are a big step toward bringing UK content in line with DE routes.

 

I was watching the stream and for the first time I've been impressed with a Rivet product...

Tyler was very informative and answered any underlying questions I personally had. Not only has the 170 received sound updates, but also the running sounds are back. The timetable is a 1:1 replica in all regards (minus the Voyager services which is fair enough)... I was quite hesitant because of Rivets reputation, but I think Tyler has done a lovely job on this add on and enhancing the BCC timetable, so fair play to him and well done. Any hesitation or doubts I've got have disappeared, so will definitely be a day one purchase from me.

I also think Rivet owe Tyler a pat on the back for this one, it genuinely looks and sounds like a lovely little addition to the game that will enhance their reputation.

It is also worth noting that apparently the ScotRail Class 170 will be receiving updates to bring it upto the same standard as the 'new' 170s.

Well done to all those involved and I can't wait to see BCC with some of the TLC it desperately needed given to it.

 

Would have liked DTG to give the route some polish, but they’re probably flat out on the TSW6 routes (unless they’re contracting out to Rivet again).

 

One thing I noticed (and is becoming too regular) is the way the 170’s are bundled into one option in the menu. They’re different subclasses so in that instance I’d think they should have individual tiles in the menu.

Also why is this ‘not in service’ issue back again. It seems every time I leave the game for a few weeks there’s either a new issue with it or an old one has come back.

 

Paging chrism#4685

 

One thing I noticed was the fleet number in cab still says “170 408”, which has been persistently in every train in FCL.

 

Good to hear thats the case and the fact Rivet put a good amount of effort into it, thats how it should be always.

Still.., the customerbase pointed out so many errors which need a fix, and it was completly ignored (even a response was too much expected).

"we are available because its wallet time for our upcoming dlc..."
If people want to support this company, thats totally fine by me.

But for me, i stay with the sale purchaises. Its worth waiting, picked up fife circle on a 70% sale.

 

Seems like they may have actually listened for once.

Miracles do happen

 

It was there on the WMT version, but the XC version was correct to the 170/6 unit it was in.

 

Same here. Anything Rivet is no longer Day One and more than likely for a deep sale. As regards the 170 running sounds, well verdict still out until the actual reports or YT reviews come in. If they have used their stock track sounds as per the 150 on WCL those were bludy awful anyway. And if the sounds are good to go, why not patch the FC 170 immediately not at some “future date” which will undoubtedly be post TSW6 thereby squeezing out the older versions.

 

Did you get out of bed the wrong side this morning Vern?

 

No. I just don’t trust Rivet though happy to eat my (virtual) hat if they get it right and push the FC update in short order.

 

I honestly think they're waiting til after TSW6 so they can do a post release mega update and dtg can be like: "Look, we do updates! "

 

I'm quite impressed after watching the preview stream, however I've got a few things to say about it:
- The glowing benches are still present at BNS, at least DTG have acknowledged this so I'm hoping a fix will happen at some point.
- Although there's lots of traffic at BNS in terms of trains, I wasn't seeing many passengers. Hoping this can be fixed in the future? It reminds me of the NLL where its very busy for trains but with very minimal amounts of passengers.
- It looks like the "Not in Service" issue will be fixed soon so I'm not too bothered about that.
Overall the pack looks pretty promising, I'll probably pick this one up as I don't play BCC much so it'll be quite nice to return to the route and have more to do than just the 323 services.

 

This particular factor really stands out to me. I’m usually not worried about lack of passengers on board Rivets’ trains, they’re often pretty full.

To see a cross country pack of all things, to be lacking passengers on board is certainly a negative.

Hopefully part of this problem is looped into the Not In Service issue, but overall the lack of passengers is a growing concern of mine with TSW, especially in stations as busy as BHM & on trains that are usually packed.

 

Have my quick thoughts in the qa thread just before it closed.

The pack didn't look too bad(*) and it will be nice when (if) they finally go back and fix Fife circle. It's a shame it's taken them so long and also a shame that it took until yesterday for it even to be acknowledgded.

(*)I'm still not sure about the running sounds, you could hear them when he was accelerating but unless my ears were playing up, i couldn't hear them when coasting which is the problem on Fife. Must admit i only watched about 30 mins though!

Anyway, not a day 1 purchase for me. I'll be waiting to see some feedback first and for them to fix Fife before i give them any more money.

 

The Q&A thread is closed, so can't quote there - but just watched the stream and I wanted to thank Tyler, DTG Harry and DTG Matt for answering my questions in such depth - particularly the one about platform visualization, and thanks for highlighting some services that I can use the turn back siding with!

I found the Aston cat in game, and am also pleased that DTG have acknowledged the glowing benches.

Having checked, I can confirm that it was the shunt move after 2N20 Four Oaks to Longbridge 08:44 (51 minutes) that is AI operated and doesn't allow us to drive it.

 

I wouldn’t expect new trains if they’re gameplay packs. MML is probably ripe for a pack though, the 153 could be used there in EMT spec & the XC 170 would fit right in.

Again sticking with Turbostars, ECW could be revisited with a 171.

With the GWR license back, Rivets own WCL would be prime for a revisit.

 

Absolute waste of the 156, that. It's like, 3 or 4 stops?

 

I'm hoping that TSW6 fixes passenger issues, going into Birmingham New Street and its full of trains is all well and good but without any passengers I'm not sure how to feel about it.