I struggle to find why, having released Disc Headcode Class 20s, no Centre Headcode version was released. Similarly with the Class 40, we have Disc Headode, and Centre Headcode, but no split-box version. Both types were common in their operating areas, the Class 20 especially so. Are there any plans at DTG that those might be addresses at some point?.
Nah, they’d definitely be new trains if they got added, not an update. Wouldn’t bet on DTG doing them either, so far the only contender on BR Blue is JT (possibly Simtrack too, but I feel like they’re struggling).
I wonder who made the original models?. It seems that DTG has simply (or conveniently?) forgotten them
I think you should appreciate the fact that it came with 2 variants in the first place. It was an unusual thing to have that hadn't been done before or really since.
Well, Sand Patch's GP38 and SD40 each came in two variants- those aren't just different liveries, they're different models (most obviously, the YN3b versions have a/c units on the cab roof, the YN2 versions don't)
The lack of the other variant(s) is a serious omission though, when they were commonplace in their respective spheres of operation.
GIven the long lists of things DTG has actually committed to.... a project to add a third option when there are already 2 for the Class 20 (which they aren't making any routes for) is very low on the list I'm betting.
It's rather a shame that none of the classic diesels released as additional DLC ever got their own route to showcase on. Class 20's could have got Nottinghamshire coalfield (or Scotland) in the case of the former with a route extending to Skegness for Summer Saturday services. Class 40's, all over the LMR, ER and ScR but North Wales Coast or the Highland Main Line would have done nicely. Likewise the 31's and the 33. Untapped potential.
Particularly as those BR diesel locos are some of the best built in the game - generally they’re really well made. Hopefully JT will continue to provide various new homes for them, even if nobody else does.
I can only assume they lost or p…ed off the talent that created them, particularly the sounds, which is why we now get the procession of EMU’s with sounds synthesised from a milk float.
Missed opportunities seem to be a running trend. Surely it is beneficial and less time consuming to do variations in parallel rather than have to start again from scratch. Examples are... Class 20 Class 33 Class 37 Class 40 Class 165/1 Class 377 Amongst others. This is before we even explore the many occasions that bits were inexplicably left off of routes. Surely it entails so much extra work to have to start again just to finally include these types (and route parts).
I can't really put Sand Patch in the same category as it was arguably the first route, and a LOT of time was put into it that wasn't into later routes. I STILL think it looks better than most other routes even 7 years later. As far as variants go.... yes it'd be "easier" to develop a bunch of variants at once by the same designer but... why? You are usually only able to use a single variant on the route you are trying to sell, so you'd have a bunch of unused variants you don't know you'll ever use you paid to create sitting there doing nothing. Just not a good use of limited time and resources. Especially if it's SUB-variant differences that aren't even a different class, just a slightly different local modification. That REALLY ties it to a specific time and place that you're even less likely to use. And given how little DTG seems to want to use early diesels these days.... At the end of the day, it comes down to the "90% is good enough" rule. If it's "close enough" then most people will just use it anyway, no matter if it has the wrong head code, headlights or paint job. The majority of the fanbase (myself included) will generally be more than happy to use any variant that's available on a route rather than refuse because it's not the EXACT model used at that EXACT moment at that EXACT time. It's the "close enough" rule that if you please the 90% of the customers, they'll keep coming back and that's enough to run a business. Catering to the 10% takes a lot more work and has a much higher "failure" rate because they tend to be perfectionists. In business they're considered "high investment/low return" and are avoided if possible. Like that friend we all have that WANTS WANTS WANTS and is never happy no matter how much you do for them. Do you devote your whole life to almost making them happy? Or do you move on to help people who will appreciate it more and need less effort?
I think the 37 needs a new model. Please don't use the Rivet one. I wonder if DTG could work out a deal with AP instead, as APs 37 packs cover the majority of iterations of the 37s that people will play with... would be cool...
