I get what you're saying but it fails on the "interesting" part. The freight on it is very boring and short A-B runs. Not a lot of variety. As I've said before, that's fine in a commuter line since you expect to just stop, open doors, close doors and go. That's what commuter IS. It's quick and simple. However, the appeal of freight is more the whole process. Pick up cargo (shunting), take cargo, drop cargo off (shunting) so NOT having those extra steps in freight is as "realistic" as a commuter train that NEVER OPENS ITS DOORS. Would we claim that was "realistic?" We have numerous complaints about "better NPC behavior", but no big push to get real shunting and building consists in the game which would be the freight equivalent. As I said, there's not much variety either. Just as NPCs aren't all identical, freight shouldn't look all identical. There's the same chance you cargos will all look the same as there is your passengers all dress exactly the same. Again, a very euro commuter centered focus for TSW in general. The older routes like Sand PatchGrade and Oakville were much better in this regard but that appears to have fallen by the wayside. Now we get only freight as add on layers for commuter focused likes like MBTA or San Bernadino. Which I get because commuter sells (especially to the europeans, youth and urbanites) but that's not the majority of US rail traffic. Then, oddly when there is a chance for both and expand the catalog (like the existing amtrak stations on Horseshoe Curve or the empty commuter stations on Oakville) the ball is dropped. Huge sidings on most maps stand empty too. Whole branch lines on some maps created in detail then not used (but you can walk down them in first person and see they're done) So much wasted effort.
My main request is get away from California and the NEC. Let’s explore other areas. If I could have any one route or corridor it would be the Piedmont Corridor in NC from Charlotte to Raleigh. Has a ton of variety between services and high speeds as well along the route. The namesake Piedmont trains between Charlotte and Raleigh have multiple stops along the route and is currently using F59PHIs and F59PH locomotives with several end to end trips each day. Some interesting Stations and areas along the route. Amtrak also has two long distance trains come through, the Carolinian and the Crescent. Norfolk Southern also runs very frequently throughout each day. Other routes of interest are: 1) California Zephyr Route through Colorado and Utah. 2) Marias Pass. 3)Donner Pass 4) Norfolk Southern S Line Asheville to Salisbury with the old fort loops 5)Saluda Grade 6 ) Basically any routes South of Virginia. One of my main request is historical content to add variety. Anything set pre 1975 is an instant buy for me.
On another note then, Candace, with the news in another thread that Brandon aka Cactusjuice is stepping back from working as a consultant with DTG to set up signalling on US routes, where does that leave any future route projects going forward? I know you can’t discuss the internal DTG politics that may have led to this unfortunate situation, but does the EP or whoever organises the route building teams and consultants have a Plan “B” as regards bringing in someone with the necessary skills to fulfill those previously provided by Brandon?
