Hi All I haven't had train simulator installed since 2016 and having looked at the current steam sale I am encouraged to revisit it. I was just wondering has much changed since 2016 or not?
The main mode is 64 bit. Some bugs fixed, others surfaced. Overall better. Content is generally prettier now. Core weathers seem to be updated, my screenshots are warmer. Shaders have been slightly updated. Adaptive Bloom messed up (nighttime overbright effect). 3rd party offerings also improved.
T Thanks for that rundown. Has the quality of addon routes improved much? I have my eye on Netherfield Nottingham network and maybe some freight routes.
Netherfield Nottingham is 6 years old and it uses a number of Kuju assets If comes with a number of locos that are quite old Robinson Class O4 - 19 Oct 2012 Fowler 4F - 28 June 2010 Thompson B1 - 8 Nov 2012 It has a good number of lines around the Nottingham area but they don't go all that far from the centre Have a look at the manual before you buy. https://store.steampowered.com/manual/562381
Generally, yes, artists keep adding a few new assets with everything new. It's not binary, though, there are new-to-Steam offerings which are actually old, or use mostly old assets. DLC in the current TSC edition appear to have Mixed to Negative reviews. Can't tell whether due to problems or growing expectations. Going by review score, the Swiss Bundle is the best, then the British. Rivet in general is well appreciated. Pricing is a bit funny, there are frequent humble bundles, but even on Steam the game is 6€ now in those bundles. Literally can't be not worth it with 3 routes and 1 train, even if you just dip your toes. If you want to improve visuals, your options are either getting a bunch of enhancements (RWE 1 or 2, AP Skies and Clouds 2, AP tracks, AP signaling - the latter if you are UK focused), which as an enabler is only really worth if you play plenty (time and content), or look at TSW. There are a few add-ons with really terrible store pictures, in general they help, though, also you can browse the threads in the Creation Centre around the corner here for inspiration. I recommend adding interesting DLC to your wishlist on Steam and then sorting by reviews. If you are into steam, search for the Smokebox DLC, those are new and supposedly fancy. Unfortunately, Pro tag as well. I don't know whether Riviera 50s is still fair to suggest, but it's part of the current UK edition I mentioned above.
Thanks for the input guys, My main interest is UK based so I will have a look at some route DLCs and check them out on Youtube before I buy.
Happy hunting! In that case, certainly take a look not just at Steam, but also GAD (Golden Age Developments), JT (Just Trains) and AP (Armstrong Powerhouse). Probably more but I know these from fellow screenshotters. On Steam, Performance aside I can recommend these relatively newer ones (either played or purchased): the updated Portsmouth Direct Line and South Western Main Line (Bournemouth) North & South Wales stuff Welsh Marches Fife Circle Welsh Marches And if you aren't strictly UK, take a look at these - older but fine: Soldier Summit (ideally extended) Semmeringbahn North Jersey Coast Line & Morristown One more thing I just discovered, but don't want to add a new post. Chatham Main Line newest version
Old routes will look like old routes. New routes will (sometimes) look higher quality. It all comes down to the quality of the route building.
I would like to add that ATS also does routes and trains these days (and very good ones in my view). That´s also new since 2016...
Hi again guys and thanks for all the input. I finally decide to buy Following: The Welsh Marches Netherfield China Clay East Midlands Coal Malmesbury Branch BR Class 20 BR Class 20 livery addon A grand total of £53.88 which I think is a bit of a bargain and will keep me occupied for some time.
Enjoy When researching a scenery asset on Bristol-Exeter I figured that there is a Class 20 add-on (as well as a 60) by JustTrains. Of course if you just want to drive the scenarios on Western Lines of Scotland (hint hint). An old route so you might consciously skip it, just thought to mention as it's a frequent oopsie.
Yep I already have western lines of Scotland and the just trains class 20 and the class 60. However when I tried to redownload the class 60 it said I was unauthorised to install it! I put a ticket in to Just trains support so I will just have to wait till they get back into work to get it resolved but I think I have enough to keep me occupied in the meantime.
Finally a quick Shout Out To Simon at Just Trains who very quickly helped solve my download problem with the Class 60. I cannot speak too highly of the team at Just Trains. They are a shining example to how all companies should behave towards their customers.
