I just wanted to share my last week or so with TSW because I've actually started to really enjoy TSW again. But before I get into it I have a confession to make. For all the glory I give Just Trains I never actually bought WCMLOS, I loved the detail and the look but I thought that long distance runs were just not my thing. And I have to say I was totally wrong. Actually sitting down to play WCMLOS (not watching it on stream) has actually been a breath of fresh air. The 87 is actually a dream to drive. The learning curve with the tap changer has been really good fun! My first run consisted of preparing for the 2nd neutral section, running down into off and then being quite pleased with myself. Unfortunately this was then immediately followed by blasting through the speed change and resulting curve about 20mph over the speed limit! Thankfully the MK3 buffet is closed, otherwise the tea and sandwiches would've been everywhere (Sorry Vern). All of the liveries and layers combined with the challenge of driving the 87 has been really refreshing and it's got me enjoying TSW again. I even sat for an extra 10 minutes to watch a 40 depart from Carlisle and say watching the gronks hauling their trains through the station! Also, I'm on Xbox with all layers except FS and the route runs beautifully although lose a little FPS at Carlisle, no blurry textures at all. All I can say is bring on Preston - Crewe! Although I'll be busy with this one for the time being!
It's the best route by far. Does blur in timetable mode on Xbox unfortunately. Not as bad as others though.
One off the best routes in the game so much variety and that era is just awsome. If wanna buy the 86 wait for the sale if goes on sale £20 is a little pricey too be honest it doesn’t even get its own timetable just piggy backs of the 87s.
I've noticed any blurring on Series X yet. But I quit/close the game between uses which apparently helps.
I go through times where I really get sucked into this route and over the past week I've been doing a daily return service. Even though I do enjoy the modern era I think this, and Blackpool Branches, are so atmospheric especially in the winter and evenings. The glow of the lights in the stations and the squealing of the train at full power are really good.
I think £20 is absolutely acceptable. You’re getting a train that is of far higher standard than anything DTG put out, and lovely mk2 coaches thrown is as well. Not to mention all the liveries and variants.
I'll have to agree to disagree with you both, yes it looks fine but in terms of game play I dont think its worth £20 at all. In fact I paid £16 (got it with 20% off) and I still feel I paid too much. Had I known that I could have waited and got an 86 of the same quality in a JT route (which based on their first 2 will be top quality) for probably £35-£40 Id have held back and waited and picked up the 86 in a half price sale along the line
So you really don't think a loco DLC with new coaches and multiple liveris isn't worth it's asking price? When other similar content has far less to offer and is often similarly priced? I'm not having a jab. Its just interesting.
We dont know how much Preston Crewe is going to retail for, however lets assume its a maximum of £40. For this money we're going to get a brand new variant of the class 86, a heavily reworked 47 in a new variant, a highly detailed route and an extensive timetable. The rose tinted glasses wearer is going to say this is a steal and its probably is, but if it does retail at around double the price of the orignal 86 which came with zero no new services, do you really think by comparison the 86 DLC is value for money? Now I get for some the interior detailing of coaches is a big thing, but frankly Ive probably spent less than 0.1% of my TSW time inside a coach and for me gameplay and additional services are more valuable than a detailed buffet car interior. YMMV and thats totally fine, we are all entitled and free to have our own opinion on these matters.
I understand what you are saying jack. But when I buy a dlc for any game I look at the playability of and if its worth the price. Im paying not fussed about how many colours it comes in and if it has different interior. But for the 86 has not much playability due the fact it has around 25 to 30 jobs. And once I bought it I had already done half of them with the 87. And it only has a few railtour jobs aswell. If it had its own timetable with a few more jobs then yeah definitely worth it.
I almost didn’t buy that route on day one because I didn’t fancy it at that price point, but impulsively I just went for it and it was one of the best things I ever did. It’s the best route in the game by an absolute mile
Yeah, I can see where you're coming from, and certainly the fact it's services were already available before it released can be off-putting I suppose. I just like the fact I was given a new toy to play with.
I like having new interiors and such. The more the better to me. Gives the kid in me more to play around with. But it is cheap when you view their next route includes pretty much the same thing (albeit there are differences however minor), I can see that. I just like having more toys.
Surely value for money is subjective? I think all the JT content has been value for money. The 86 and mark 2's in my opinion make the route far more representative of what it would have been in 1986, without the class 86 it just wasn't realistic. That for me makes it value for money. For those who just think the 86 is an 87 with an extra window then it probably might not be value for money.
Got to be my fav route in TSW by a very large margin, and the sound of those fans spooling up on the 86/87 makes me smile every time, still think the tic from the spirax valve is to quite tho Damn shame they didnt layer in the 31 more tho, was a common sight in preston running local stoppers with 3 to 4 mk2s, hell used to get one every morning with my bike to get to work.
It's my favourite DLC and with the 86 and all other layers the route is an absolute to drive, ride as a passenger or even just train spot at a location.
Yup, even the valley lines timetable. That's ideal for a short squirt of TSW in between pretending to do my self assement, pretending to work, pretending to parent, pretending to make supper, etc. They loves their choo choos
It’s obvious we’re all JT fan boys/girls. Does the price reflect the entertainment value? That answer should be pretty clear.
It’s such a lovely route and the 86 DLC only adds to it. Certainly one of my favourites in TSW. I didn’t have much time for this one recently, but I’m thinking I’ll have to make some time for it again
I didn't want to get it when it came out as I was still having alot of fun with BPO but I finally gave in and love it. Even the long distance stuff doesn't feel like over an hour if you have the driver vigilance on. There's alot to keep you focused. I still go back to BPO but I'm hopeful and waiting for them to rework the timetable and layers to add in the 86/87. There is a good class 31 service the kingmoor shap hardendale freight. Do all parts including the LE moves from the depot and do it in ether may and September (I think) for both parts you get a good sun rise and sun set during the run up and down. Clear weather with a little mist. Great run
It's my favourite route too, there's a good mixture of short and long runs, freight & passenger. As others have said the 86 really does add to to the route, and JT's strategy of focussing on one hub and working out from there is really paying off. It's one of the most 'alive' feeling routes we have with all the layered content, and it's only going to get better with the next two routes. Both AC locos are great and have lots of features to keep you on your toes. Perhaps we'll see random faults one day implemented which would only add to the immersion (and be realistic for British Rail haha) I also very much appreciate as someone who isn't really interested in modern content how JT are the only developer currently flying the flag for historic UK content.
