PC Us Enhacement Pack: All Potential Options....

So with the new US Enhancement pack announced on the roadmap, this is what I came up with as all potential options for it, 1st the locos themselves, and the routes it could be for as well....

What we know is this based on the code NDD-E7

The D means Diesel Electric, and 7 means post 2011.

This means no electrics, no dual mode, and no vintage.

LOCOMOTIVES
So the way I'm splitting this up is into 2 categories for potential locomotives, 1 for locos that are already in game, and would only need minor modifications for road specific features, the other would be loco models similar to ones already in game, and would only need a small bit of new parts or model changes for them to work.

UNMODIFED

1. EMD SD70ACe/EMD SD70AH
One potential unit I can see being reused is the SD70ACe, we have the UP one in game and there is potential for it to come to Cajon in BNSF colors, with also the chance the Whisper Cab variant comes as well. CSX and NS also has them, but with HSC being a SHG route and CSX having a small roster that's now at PLRX, those aren't an option either. UP ones could also be reused for a Heritage Unit Pack or UP's AH's could be used as well.


2. GE AC4400CW
Another unit that can be reused is the AC44. Personally I'm still not happy how bad the SHG one looks, so it would be nice if DTG did their own UP variant for this pack. BNSF also has a roster of AC44's as well.


3. GE C40-8W/C41-8W
One that's kind of a stretch is the Dash 8. Both UP and BNSF had these locos, but they've pretty much disappeared sometime in the mid 2010's into retirement or storage


4. EMD GP38-2
The last of the unmodified units, the GP38-2 in a BNSF livery would be last on my list for this pack. As I feel like it wouldn't add much to Cajon Pass, and it cant be added anywhere else (Cause its already everywhere).


5. MP36PH-3C
Another least likely candidate, the MP36 could be used for Boston Sprinter "theoretically", but the MBTA only owns 2 of them, so would be kind of pointless to add these in as a paid DLC.....


MODIFED

1. GE GEVO Series
The reason I'm putting this down here, is I believe DTG would make their own GEVO's from their ES44C4 model, rather than use the SHG ES44AC. This is the most likely unit to be modified for this pack, with the ES40AC, ES44DC, ES44AC, ES44AH all being potential locos in the pack, with CSX, UP or BNSF all potential railroads to be potentially involved in the pack. (Again NS left out as HSC is SHG's route)


2. GE C44-9W
The Dash 9 is also a potential loco candidate for the pack, if the AC44 had its inverter cabinet redone to match the D9s. BNSF still has a large active roster of these with a nice assortment of paint (As I mentioned in this thread: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/th...bnsfs-most-colorful-diesel.60916/#post-556330)


3. EMD SD70M-2
Essentially the DC version of the SD70ACe, these would be the least likely units to be involved in this pack, as the only 2 owners of them are Canadian National and Norfolk Southern. With Oakville being more of a switching route and again HSC being SHGs route. I don't see this happening.



4. EMD GP40-2
A return of the GP40-2? These units do share the same frame as the GP38-2, so the only major change that would be needed done would be the addition of the 3rd radiator fan. Could be a TSW rendition of the GP40-2 pack from TSC, but with UP,CSX and BNSF.


5. EMD SD40-3
CSX's SD40-2 rebuilds, these would need at least need a new cab from the existing SD40-2 to make them into SD40-3s.


ROUTES

Cajon Pass
Cajon Pass is the 1st route I predict this pack to enhance. The route is still missing the UP traffic to and from Barstow, the pack could also enhance the BNSF freight along the line.

Clinchfield Railroad
A modern CSX timetable for Clinchfield? CSX still runs trains out there, including their annual Santa Train. One CSX SD40-3 even got special paint for the 2016 edition of the train.


Sherman Hill
Sadly, with no route changes means SH will not get track 3 in this pack, so not much would be changed to SH for this pack.

Sand Patch Grade
Not sure what freight operations could be added to SPG for this, more stock? Just seems like it would be a waste to make a CSX specific pack for SPG, especially since the route already has the C40-8W and SD40.

Peninsula Corridor
I would say the pack could add more UP services to the line, but given that the route is partially broken right now, this is a no.

 

I think it will be an addition to the fresh TSW 3 content so all possible CJP variants are the main candidates. Eventually, in Acela context, something related to Boston Sprinter.

 

I'm not sure which hypothetical future I would hate more: DTG never remaking the GP40-2, or DTG remaking the GP40-2 and demanding existing owners pay for it again to gain access.

Cheers

 

Nice summary!!

I'm hoping for an ES44DC, as i still don't feel like DTG's totally gotten a handle on AC traction. Dash 8 in ex-Santa Fe livery would be awesome but that would be a DLC for DLC so very unlikely.

I agree Cajon is most likely with a real need for UP traffic, so it makes the most sense.

Personally i'd love to see a modern-day Clinchfield, but it needs to be brought up to the TSW3 lighting standard- it's WAY too dark at night IMO.

 

I would gladly pay for a remake of the GP40-2, if it came with several liveries and was layered onto a new or some existing routes.

 

GP40-2 that way the existing version can be modified to become NJ Transit 4100s provided either North Jersey coastline or a unique one that is diesel on the western part but electric for the final 10 to 15 miles to New York Penn from New York the Raritan Valley Line. On the Raritan Valley Line GP40 runs High Bridge/Raritan to Newark Penn

 

After months the patch came finally to fix cane creek, which is by the way one of my favourite routes from the immersion. Just so cool to make a freight train hop on a dirty uranium train into the sunset. The desert is made very well and convincing.

Unfortunately skyhook seems to have trouble with rolling stock. As far im aware the rear bogie of the 44cw is still looking the wrong way around. And the base model was a working loco from dtg.
I remember the day this patch came was kind of the last day i heard something from "the schotte". He is a brilliant modder and must have thought what pathetic performance.

 

Neither "expansion pack" to date has included any new rolling stock modeling. At most we have seen paint-only reskins (e.g. the BR Blue Class 52). DTG's 3D modelers are busy; expansion packs are a way to occupy staff who aren't busy.

 

I really hope it is a road locomotive. All of the US Freight routes other than CN Oakville are primarily suited for long-distance trains rather than switching and local services. I find myself avoiding most of the GP38/SD40-2 runs because running road freights with these locomotives is unrealistic. Plus, we have so many locomotives in the sim already such as the SD70ACe, ES44s, and AC44s, that can be easily ported for other railroads that are already present in TSW.

 

Is the Oakville Subdivision set post 2011? If so, I could also imagine the MP36 for that route being the enhancement pack.

 

Off the top of my head, the Santa Fe F7 is modified from the original Clinchfield F7 model, most notably featuring two headlights including a scripted Mars light. And of course the RHTT included a whole set of new wagons. That is arguably on par with the amount of work required for shortening the AC44's inverter cabinet to model a Dash-9

Cheers

 

OSD is supposed to get a separate timetable using CalTrain MP36s as passenger trains. Supposedly Go Transit is a problematic license to get.

 

The Santa Fe F7 was a loco DLC, not an expansion pack, as were the RHTT and the Dispolok 182. The only two expansion packs to date have been Diesel Legends and New Journeys.

 

I feel like the Santa Fe F7 has more in common with the New Journys CSX SD40 than a full fledged Loco DLC. Especially at its price range.

 

There is no significant difference between New Journeys and the recent loco pack. They are both primarily repaints of existing stock in the game. The price is also extremely suggestive.

A standalone locomotive DLC is different: usually at a much higher price and featuring a locomotive NEVER seen in the game up to that point.

Cheers

 

As always when I see one of these packs being announced, I hope for something that uses locos that are usually route-exclusive on other content. Like all content from PC that hasn't been anywhere else. Same goes to Boston Sprinter.

And as always, my biggest hope is for the PC shunter to be added elsewhere. Personally, I think it's missing something that we don't see those running around in yards, at all.

 

Except - and this is a big except - the Clinchfield F7 was physically remodeled to make the Santa Fe. The CSX Stripe was a repaint, only.* This is a big "except" because it means that a 3D modeler had to be assigned to the project.

*Heck, they didn't even alter the road number font or range

 

If I recall, the CSX SD40-3 was on the November roadmap but then removed. I wonder if this could be it? I wish DTG would announce the coming US DLC already instead of teasing us!

 

Actually, there is a significant difference; "primarily" and "entirely" are not the same. It is a more than trivial distinction; Diesel Legends was conceived and justified as a bit of salable content which could be made using only the scheduling and gameplay staff, without requiring man-hours from the route builders or 3D artists. New Journeys, the same.

Whereas the recent tranche of loco DLCs- sold as loco DLCs, with "L" product codes - required a physical rebuild of the F7, and completely new rolling stock for the RHTT. This from DTG's point of view is, in a word, significant. Only the 182 appears to be a simple repaint.

 

The 182 also included new physics so technically "new"

 

You are correct but that locomotive was based on RT 182 here's a quote about that issue

The solution for any enhancement pack that has a BR 182 locomotive is to base it off the newer ES64U & ES64U2 versions from the Austrian OBB if made in game

 

Actually DTG made somewhat of a deal about the nameboards on the Class 52, that required a bit of 3D modeling, as well as some new scripting. So no, enhancement packs can be a bit more than just a simple retexture, not much more, but it's completely not off the table. And frankly I doubt the likes of the ATSF F7 would be impossible to do for a enhancement pack, that's still a rather low effort engine in the grand scheme of things.

 

As pointed out above, Diesel Legends had modifications to the Class 52 requiring modelling and scripting for the nameplates.

Cheers

 

Sadly, switchers have pretty much disappeared from most if not all Class 1 railroads nowadays, most being sold, retired, or rebuilt into Gensets, and replaced by Geeps in local and yard duties. I think the only time you'll see a switcher reappear in TSW is a pre 1990s route.

 

A quick check shows that CSX has four, Norfolk Southern one, and BNSF no switchers at all currently active. 1000-1500hp just isn’t enough these days.

The most logical I think, that would fill a need, is to reskin the SD70 for Cajon- and possibly for Horseshoe except that’s a third party route. Something to break up the monotony if all those Gevos.

 

That is a damn shame. I love to see these busy bees doing their work in the yard.

 

Except for Uncle Pete, who keeps some GP15's around at a few yards.

 

And who keeps a single MP15 as the switcher at the Cheyenne steam shop.

(Now, that would be an interesting add-on for SH.... but only after there are US steam locos to populate it with)

 

I certainly hope that you are proved wrong about this.

 

Maybe it’ll be the MBta Mp36 locomotive for the Boston sprinter route.

 

Like I mentioned, why? There is only 2 of them and would be a waste of a pack.

 

I've never seen a mp36 on railfanning videos of the nec so it would be pointless. You wouldn't get any gameplay at all. So it's going to be a freight loco

 

I dont know why, but I never thought about a Heritage Unit pack when I created this thread, but the US enhancment pack is now confirmed to be a UP Heritage Unit Pack with UP's 6 Heritage Units, plus 6 scenarios and subbing on Sherman Hill. Sherman Hill also gets the new lighting treatment.


Probably the only thing I would of wanted them to add is UP 1111, it is also painted on a non-ISO cab SD70ACe, and would of been nice to have as well.

 

A bit underwhelming, to be honest. I mean I believe pretty much all of these liveries are already available on the Creators Club made by someone. Sure, a real livery will be higher quality than a CC one, but then what is the point of CC anyway?

Anyway, it is better than nothing, could be a fun little addition. But I expected at least a new locomotive (as in new for Sherman Hill, something reused from any of the other routes) with new services, maybe even new freight cars (again, reused).

But the TOD upgrade is amazing. And I am hoping they have fixed the in-cab signalling as well.

 

I do find it a bit better than the ATSF F7 though, at least it fits with the route, shame the TOD upgrade doesn't include finishing track 3 though.

 

True that. This one fits the route and increases variety in a good way. I have always found the in-game livery selection lacking, so this is a good addition. I was just kind of hoping for a bit more. But I like Sherman Hill, so I will probably get this at some point.

And well... there is still hoping for a track 3 extension with new rolling stock in the future ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

I think it's pretty good tbh, and certainly better than the ATSF F7. It gives them a revenue stream to fund bringing Sherman Hill up to the new lighting standard. I hope we see an NS pack for Horsehoe Curve and a CSX pack for Sandpatch.

 

How about a Chessies System pack for Sandpatch? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

The upgrade to tod4 was going to be free anyway lol

 

I agree with this

 

Yes, but i don't think they would have done the TOD upgrade without something else releasing on that route.

My point is to get TOD updates on existing routes, there will probably need to be a paid DLC released for them.

 

BRB, making multiple suggestions for Clinchfield.

 

Also DTG, please fix the wheels before release.

 

The heritage pack seems even less meaningful when it seems differences in shapes were missed. The latter three are from a different series and should look slightly different. I am getting these in model and the manufacturer even split them into two releases because of the differences the form needs to be reset for.

 

What actual differences that would really matter?

The only thing I see is some very miniscule changes in the underframe between the walkways and the trucks/fuel tanks. Something that probably would only be known to the most eye catching Rivet Counter

 

EDIT: So looks like, on 1982, it doesn't have the same type of vent behind the AC inverter box vents on the conductor side, looks like 1983 and 1988 had something different as well, but in recent times been modified to have that vent added.

 

A livery pack. Nice liveries but of little benefit from a driving perspective. Granted there will be a few scenarios but I find scenarios to be poorest quality gameplay in most routes, much preferring the timetable. They will likely be hit and miss here and it is limited with nothing added to the timetable. As for the new TOD being added, that should help the route but Sherman Hill does have the worst scenery of all TSW routes. I’m assuming this will be priced much like the Santa Fe F7, so probably worth getting, but for me that was a better pack because it was an extra train to drive on the route with scenarios and (more importantly for me) timetable services that added more to the route, so it felt like more content than this.

 

I'd love to see a GP7 or something like that

 

I wonder did DTG implemented the new "DPU" behaviour from CJP ES44AC to SMH SD70ACe. I mean the DPU also respond to air brake application.

 

I agree there are some rivet-counter things, but the rear end of the locos contains quite a lot of those (sand fillers, rear headlights, etc.). But if only the essential things were to be considered, the latter three locos have an E-Bell (not seen on UP1996 in the preview), so they should even sound different. One way or another, this expansion will probably see a price increase similar to that on the routes, and given the position of next-gen sim TSW tries to keep, I'd expect these details to be included.