Introduction: Welcome all to my (slightly earlier than usual) May Creator's Club Roadmap, I'm TrainGeek08 and today I am going to announce what mods I'm releasing over the next month from a variety of different routes around the world Let's get onto it, shall we? Next Arrival: (to be released this month) L - Tharandter Rampe: BWEGT (BR 612) - Sunday 9th March 2025 L - Boston Sprinter: Old MBTA (F40) - Friday 14th March 2025 SP/F - LIRR Commuter: Farewell Budd-y (M3) - Thursday 20th March 2025 L - Northern Trans-Pennine: C40PS '40145' (40) - Tuesday 25th March 2025 In Development: (ready for release next month) R/F - Bahnstrecke Salzburg-Rosenheim: ???????? ??? (Railfan) - Tuesday 1st April 2025 S/F - San Bernardino Line: Double Header (F125/MP36) - Saturday 5th April 2025 S/F - Suffragette Line: Overground Capital (378) - Thursday 10th April 2025 L - Linke Rheinstrecke: TRI (BR 110) - Wednesday 16th April 2025 S/F - Kinzigtalbahn: Diesel Mover (BR 193) - Monday 21st April 2025 L - Midland Main Line: Midland Mainline (43) - Saturday 26th April 2025 In Planning: (releasing in 2 months time) R - TBC: ?? ????? (Railfan) - Thursday 1st May 2025 S - Boston Sprinter: Depot Tour (ACS-64) - Monday 5th May 2025 L - East Coastway: FCC (313) - Friday 9th May 2025 S/F - Mildmay Line: The Mildmay Blues (66/37/40) - Tuesday 13th May 2025 L - Cathcart Circle: Strathclyde (314) - Sunday 18th May 2025 S/F - Fife Circle Line: Leaving Leven (170/158) - Friday 23rd May 2025 (Key for all future releases) L - Livery S - Scenario F - Formation (included within scenario) R - Railfan SP - Scenario Pack At A Red Light: (Isn't planned to release for a while or when a mod is delayed/cancelled) N/A Side Project(s): SP/F - West Coast Main Line: Scenario Pack 1: Passenger (2013) - Release date TBC S - West Coast Main Line Over Shap: Late Night Pendo (390) - Tuesday 27th May 2025 NOTE: These release dates can change and I'll make you aware of the new release date and why it was delayed and it will go into the 'At A Red Light' or 'Release Date Changes' section until I can attend to it March's 'Development Insight': I'm going to do a monthly development insight into one mod I release within the current month (e.g. March for this one) whether it has released or not to explain what goes on behind-the-scenes . This Month's Case Study: (TG08) 1R08 GLQ-EDB (170) We chat to the OP of this thread, TrainGeek08 to talk about the scenario (below) '(TG08) 1R08 GLQ-EDB (170)' that released a few days ago . What year is the scenario set in? TrainGeek08: "The scenario is set in late 2017 to early 2018, when electric services initially started on the Edinburgh-Glasgow main line. That's why you see some E-G services as Turbostars, and some as Desiros in this scenario. This is to mimic a transition period, as the Class 380s were initially drafted on the line as there were some rolling stock delays with the Class 385s around that time." How does this compare to other scenarios you have done so far this year? TG08: "I would say, in terms of AI stock along the route, it is one of my better ones. It's just a pain that the subscriber count on Creators Club doesn't reflect this as a good scenario at all." How long does the scenario play for? TG08: "The scenario plays for 55 minutes. It starts at 7am and you experience an awesome sunrise as you race your way along the Central Belt linking Scotland's largest (Glasgow) and capital (Edinburgh) cities." Are you happy with the subscriber count as it stands? TG08: "There are two answers. The basic answer is yes, because people are playing it and enjoying it. On the flip side, the detailed answer is not really. I put a lot of time and effort into this scenario. In saying that, it is expected sometimes. You will have times where people subscribe to your content more, and times where people don't subscribe to your content as much. This is something you have to learn as someone who makes in-game content on TSW. You will have good months, like I did in January, and you will have bad months, like I did in February. It's part of the game, you know?" Why did you set the scenario at sunrise? TG08: "To be different. I always like to randomise the time of day and weather conditions to make it more interesting and dynamic for you guys. It just struck me that there are so many viaducts on this route, and it would have some great screenshot potential if I was on a viaduct with the sun rising above the horizon." Would it have done better if you were driving the 380 instead? TG08: "I don't know quite frankly! Maybe. I mean you don't have an annoying whine above 85mph in the 380 though do you? But maybe that's a question for the community and not me." Thanks to TrainGeek08 for taking the time to answer those burning questions for us . Railfan Location Reveal: In this segment, I will announce the location of where my railfan scenario will take place each month following great feedback on the potential of me doing railfan-style scenarios. April's Location is... ...Salzburg Hbf! Since nobody got it right, I have some explaining to do... Here's the clues again: - The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Talent 1s, - It is on a cross-border route, - Railjet stop here, - The city is well-known as the birthplace of one famous composer. Answers: (they are all in spoilers in case you don't want to know) Spoiler: Clue 1 Answer The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Music? Austria anyone... Spoiler: Clue 2 Answer Bahnstrecke Salzburg-Rosenheim is a cross-border route. Spoiler: Clue 3 Answer Pretty self-explanatory for this one. Spoiler: Clue 4 Answer Salzburg is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, or 'Mozart' as he is more famously known. TrainGeek08: "From what I've seen in testing, the scenario works really well with some action from trains from both directions. The scenario plays for 25 minutes so pick your spot and take some pictures." More will be revealed soon... Conclusion: Anyway, this is it then, hope you enjoyed this one, put your thoughts below. From me, TrainGeek08, I'll see you soon for another CC release announcement, enjoy the rest of your day and goodbye . Release date changes: N/A
Hello again, still at it at I see. I just want to say this. You know I don’t fully understand all the complexities that comes with the content that you provide and all the research or knowledge that you have. But I do appreciate it and in the line of work I do find your knowledge valuable because I do struggle with that side of things. Time periods and when certain liveries were seen or could be implemented as a completely different time periods using different stock and liveries. Something different or unique. Anything goes as it’s a simulation game so let the mind or creativity go beyond the norms. For example and it’s will seem like I am fishing here but I feel it’s a great way for you to get involved with one of my projects. And the whole project that is based on Rail 200 as whole due to your vast amount of insight of railways. Here and around the world. I have created a thread with some basic information and primarily work so far on the topic. So if your interested then please feel free to check it out. Then let us know if we could do something together for the occasion. DM on that front. Hope to hear from you and great stuff as always. An Old Friend.
Thanks for stopping by Lee. It's great to hear from you again! I see you have been a bit busy too with the F59PHR liveries. I have been observant and seen them on the Creators Club (and in the Works Shed), and they look good, like really good! I think that I need to have that knowledge because I make scenarios as well as liveries, and I really focus on the accuracy of the time period and the stock included within that scenario is as correct as humanly possible with the stock we have in the game. I really appreciate that you feel inspired in a way by my way of making content, and how you find my knowledge valuable. I always aim for perfection, so if I do a backdated scenario, I need to make sure the liveries are correct for the time period portrayed in the scenario. I think that is what is different about my content compared to yours. There's the whole scenario aspect for me to focus on as well compared to just making highly detailed liveries for the community. Trust me... there have been times in the past where I have done some fictional scenarios of things that either have never happened, or something that could happen in the future (like a What If? type situation). Even if I focus on using real-life timetables or schedules most of the time, I agree with your point about doing something different. I have a couple of scenarios coming up that feature moves with consists that you never knew would work, so I sometimes diversify a bit in that sense. Now that's a thought, I'm sure we can think of something . Yes! I have seen it already. I just got to say, that Class 66 looks really good, well done! I mean, I take my time making liveries on the Class 66 myself, but you just take it to another level. I see that you have already had some comments too from the community, who are all eager to see what you are planning next. I'd say go make that HST livery! You need something which fits perfectly alongside the Class 66 and the Pendolino too. I know that you do support (and enjoy) my content, and have been for ages now, even if you are inactive from time-to-time. I'll have a look in the thread and see what you've been up to! It is shaping up to be something reminiscent of the Team DTG project of a couple of years ago, if you get some community members onboard!
Hello TrainGeek08. Thanks for taking the time respond man. I’ll try responding as easy as I can. And hey I appreciate you breaking it down for me. I can take it on board better. F59HPR’s. Yes been hard work on those inbetween other works, such as the Rail 200 and something else for VE Day. I’ve also slowed down, like you said so this is having a massive impact on the quality of work. Removes that stress level from me so I’m enjoying making liveries again and to a high standard so the community can enjoy. So I truly thank you being honest last time we spoken. It’s most certainly helped me in my situation. Knowledge for accuracy of routes/ time tables. I totally get what your saying, and is one reason why I solely focus on liveries. The other being my lack of holding on to that knowledge if I did try learn. Again you’re aware of my issues. So this is where I appreciate your knowledge and your dedication to making them accurate as possible, I do the same for my work such as making sure they have the right depot codes or was seen in certain areas during that period. So they can be used by users of scenarios creating wanting 70s 80s etc. But this all takes time and time I don’t have if I want to retain the quality of my work. I can’t do both. One I’m naturally good at the other like the information you have I am not good at. I have even swayed away from BR work really. It’s to repetitive and again get the information can be time consuming and tedious. Stress levels increase and I may rush work. So I focus on own designs or stand alone designs. Such as the SD70ACe 1943. So to sum up on this one I’d say I struggle to get the time to find information for liveries (Time Periods or what to focus on for the community) and you can’t focus to heavily on liveries because the work you do dictates where you spend the time most, on scenarios. But if I had direction or knew what the community wanted to see then I wouldn’t have to worry too much about devoting time to work that may not be successful. Or even needing any time spent on research as a user may have all the facts at hand. Which brings me on to the next point. Getting Ideas or Inspiration. For me I don’t struggle on that front because of me mind. I have to many ideas, but are they good ideas. Same with you I guess you may have ideas but are they good. Do they sell on CC so to speak. Are we disappointed after spending time on project without much success. Maybe different slight here tho as with my work I like to add my own style or something that I like to do with large murals which I will expect is not to everyone’s taste due to users wanting real world experiences. Now I have a little more insight I can see you have tried with what ifs, some work some don’t. Like you say with the consists, which you have to let me know when it’s done. I have always wanted a few of mine linked up in a scenario, so for me personally I like that idea. But like I say above if we both knew what users wanted then that would be half the battle over. You’d have more conviction to the scenario too if you knew it was wanted by the community. It’s not gonna be a complete waste of time…… The Rail 200 thread. I’ll start by saying I am feeling quite apprehensive after posting, because like you say I have been hit and miss since Jan this year. A Number of reasons, but mostly because it’s about limiting stress. I have many routines that slow me down and if time becomes an issue I can fall apart. Plus like in this post I know I can waffle. No one wants that so why devote my time to waffling. But like I was saying above knowing what direction to go sometimes means engaging with others. I’m trying to do the same here engage and see what comes of it. Possibly nothing but it’s bonding and being part of a community that shares an has the same passion. So with the Rail 200 livery it was done in one night, a flash of Inspiration. Was always in the back of my mind to do but I knew something that is not my idea as such but a way for me to add something to the occasion, I couldn’t post without possibly having the DTG community notice and not be involved with a National event, that I myself would like to contribute too in some way. So I think seeing it’s for a celebratory event then you could say it’s only fair to possibly fully commit to opening it as a public project. Here tho I am fully aware of the down side to open projects. TEAM DTG comes to mind☺️. And the time needed for a project like this, and the necessary time from me to be on here engaging. But like I say we have to engage with the community be on smaller concepts as two individuals or as a community wanting something. Be different or the standard real world liveries or scenarios. We need that input from users. Such as would it be a crime to paint The Flying Scotsman Red?. Or what colour would a wide user base like to see adding to the list. The Class 43 with a second 390 and Class 66 are now in the works. That’s along side 6 F59HRPs sat waiting to be released. But I have take the decision to be on here a little more. In small measure tho, as yes it’s vastly important to engage with the community, yet I also fully understand my limitations. This is where if the community understands me as a person behind it all maybe a third time around I might get it right. Because I know it’s about finding that balance. Be time on what work to commit too and how long I waffle. So I will be talking less, but being around to listen more and focus on what the community wants most. Be a fictional HOOKHAUL livery to a standard Class 40. Hopefully by having all this information means I can focus on what matters most. The Finished Product, but not being away from the community for to long. Because that never looks good, but nor does me having a blow out either. I took your advice and I guess now I’ll take me sweet time. Time on what matters most. Being Mental fit so I can be around with what I love most TSW editing liveries and guys like you that seek perfection, I’m sure with two perfectionist the results may be decent. Shame my spelling and my Grammar isn’t the same. But thanks for everything again, I appreciate you taking the time man. ✌
That's why I broke it down, and am doing so again. It's easier for me replying too . Well that's good to hear! Having less liveries to do at once can help you focus on doing your best on the livery you are currently working on, meaning that it wouldn't be rushed of course. I'm glad that my advice is working for you. That's completely fair enough. Accuracy just doesn't apply to my scenarios, but also to my liveries too. On European locomotives i.e. the Vectron, I try to get the technical information displayed on the side of the locomotive (if my reference material isn't too blurry). Same applies to UK locomotives, with the modern OHLE warning signs. Reference material for BR work, or older European/American content is very hard to access, so that's why I tend to sway towards the modern stuff, because the material is so much more readily available, which makes it easier to create liveries/scenarios. Community input is something that I think is a flaw at the moment. You cannot even share feedback on a scenario/livery/formation on Creators Club, so how do creators know if their content is genuinely bad, or if it is just less people subscribing to it. If something like that was in place, then it would make our jobs as creators a lot easier in regards to what we make. Subscriber counts don't paint the full picture in some ways. However, that's all we've got as a reference to indicate if our content has been received well or not. I mean, ideas are ideas right? You don't know how a scenario/livery will do until it is released. Personally, there have been times where I have been really disappointed with how bad my content has been received, just because the subscriber count is low. It shouldn't be like that though. Those consists will be announced alongside the scenarios they would be included within. There is one that I am planning for a Mildmay Line scenario that is due to release in May. There are some other ones that are due for scenarios releasing in April though. I pretty much agree with you on that front regarding community input (see above). However, do the community realise how much time and effort goes into making a scenario/livery as they play it? Now that's the question. I mean, if you do become inactive again for whatever reason, it's completely fine. As long as you strive to continue doing the work behind-the-scenes, then people might view it as you taking time off to work on those liveries, instead of taking time off due to personal issues. I know you waffle most of the time. I wouldn't blame yourself for doing that though. For example, I tend to make things more concise and to the point, whereas you like to explain things a lot more, especially if there are some techniques to share for one of your liveries, or if you are giving another member some advice regarding livery creation. I know some people might not like it, but it's just how you showcase yourself on the forums. The livery does look good! If it cannot go onto CC for whatever reason, then it doesn't have to. However, if it is allowed to, then it would be great to see! Team DTG did go well, but there were only a few of us who actually participated. (I still have the livery!). Yeah, it might be time-consuming, but you realistically don't have to complete this until September, so there is scope there to take things easy. It depends on how much you liveries you are willing to do at the end of the day. September is 6 months away, so just remember not to burn yourself out. Community engagement is a good thing. I think that it needs to occur a lot more to be honest. Creators need feedback on areas that they can improve on. I'll not repeat what I said earlier regarding community input, because the same point applies down here as it does up there. If creators don't have feedback, how are we able to get better? That's good that you have added more to the roster. Just be careful though. Don't do too much, as it might come to the point where you burn yourself out, and the project might be abandoned, with is not what you want preferably. Just take your time, and don't rush into things. I release upwards of 5 or 6 uploads a month normally, but I wouldn't worry about trying to keep up with creators that regularly upload like myself. Different creators have different timeframes. If you can only release a couple of mods a month, then so be it. Don't feel pressured into releasing lots of content, because others like myself do it (to varying degrees of success of course). That's completely fine. I'd focus on trying to get feedback from others, because that'll only push you to do better in the long-term. Listen to what the community want. What do they want from you going forward? Who cares if it is a fictional livery or a real-world one? No worries, and I wouldn't worry about your spelling and grammar. I'm sure people can still understand what you mean. Just enjoy what you are doing and you will be fine! TrainGeek08 .
Hi my friend I will get back to you on this. I am taking it easy as per, as I have been quite busy away from here. I’ll have more information on the Rail 200 thread. I’ll get back to you mate.
Hey TrainGeek08 I’m so sorry for being so late. I needed some head space to keep myself grounded by not taking to much on. Anyway yes I think by splitting the conversation it will make it easy for both parties Yes, slowing down even tho it may delay me being on as much as I’d like to be does help with my mental state. Especially considering that none of this was planned because I was gonna take it easy. Easy because of the worry that comes with work involving rights, trademarks. If only I could ease that worry so I don’t overthink the situation, there for making life harder than it should be. As I have mentioned in some previous posts with you. All this can effect my mental approach to a livery, which may have a knock on effect with the quality of work or it’s presentation. If I am using certain TOCs then I want to present them correctly with the soul intention of with holding there corporate identities by not presenting them in any detrimental manner. And so that means taking my time, knowing my own limitations due to my situation. Your advice made me realise how much I try do, things outside my comfort zone. Such as struggling to withhold information if I am trying to store information. It don’t go in, where with being creative then all that is natural, so that information flys in. (My appreciation for your skills, and overall vast knowledge). I wish my brain worked that way, but it don’t, so your advice was heeded. Routes and livery accuracy. I feel there is no need for me to waffle here because we are doing completely the same thing. It’s getting the right source material and in a timely fashion. Perfect example is the European units you bring up. The vast of amounts of data of the sides is immense. I was even talking to someone not long ago due to their struggles with decal limits. So much there and again is why I stick to what I know. I will never do a euro livery. Same as BR and even steam locos. So I use BRs Data base for all my information in one place, Depots codes and what livery they was in, absolutely everything needed as a source all on one site. I even have all data needed for BNSFS fleet, UPs and a number of other sources for ease of reference. Even paint used I would do a lot of research on that side. Such as where ref Brunswick green came from, and the various shades of BR. It was how the paints was mixed by the men and there wasn’t a set standard of BS code. So most early shades of BR was an individual interpretation of that shade. This was until they brought in a standard code after the big merge. But many depots still wanted to do there own style. Such as the Western region with Maroon and use of Hydrologic traction over Diesel. All of the above and many other factors have been gathered over my years of doing what I do. I just struggle to recite it all. But it’s there because I need that information if I want my work to be accurate. So I could help in providing information if your at a loss one day. Another thing I do in my down time is watch a lot of videos about 1940s to 1980,90s rail content. If your not already doing this I would recommend doing so. I was watching one last night called End of the Line, and was about the withdrawal of steam in Canada. It was so fascinating listening to the Men with their old poems. Depending on what your looking for then many of these videos contain close up shots of locos or Units long gone. Scrap yard videos or even old abandoned US locos/ Diesels it’s all there for the taking. You might even find the Skull Crossing something I will be incorporating into a livery soon. Keep that for Halloween, but don’t tell anyone Now you brought up feedback, then I have been concerned about this for sometime and will agree fully with what you say. So here is what I did or now still do. Years ago I would place a lot of information in the description, but sometime it wouldn’t allow me to upload. Because of this I chose to keep the descriptions simple. But that’s problematic because that description is away for the creator to convey that quality with the amount of work placed in. Now at the end of the day users are free to choose what ever they like be with a description or not, because most people choose by reputation of the uploader. SR for example. Nothing in the description but they do well. I try have my standard of work with TSLP so my work has it reputation of quality. Maybe even unique as I won’t focus on one livery or theme for too long. We also have many offer outside factors such as the click, members promoting others as I see this happening. Even YouTubers doing there own promotional work for scenarios and liveries. Lazerjet users a lot of other CC work to feature in his videos. He used 3 of my steam locos in a video and to be fair he gives credit to those user. All this is going on, which means more people see these videos then like sheep will interpret what ever is shown as the best. Meaning a reputation is born. We could both do the same, promote ourselves on YouTube and many other outlets, but do we have the time. I don’t because I believe in the end product doing the talking, that’s what matters. For me anyway in my mind I have made the best I can so then like I say the users are free to choose what ever they like, with hopefully the users seeing that quality and so there for making there mind up what is best. That is my goal even tho I wish I could draw more attention to my work, the main aim will be the end product. The only place I have is this forum and CC. I could sit there all day trying to promote it, but it takes time and time that will be deflected from my work. Right now on CC there is thousands if more of scenarios an liveries. Many now have a firm roots in their wider users base, the rat race. Pumping out the same train with just the numbers changed but because they are real representation of a loco all scenarios makers will take them liveries. Here I don’t do that,,each livery I do is tailor made because each one should be special. Something to cherish like a model, to add what I call my model collection. They look so sweet in editing shop. Plus I am me at the end of the day so will always do something different even crazy. Because yes it’s about giving user what they want or like to see, but why if it’s boring and not the direction one would like to go. And moreover if everyone has done BR blue this and a Virgin why copy or repeat. Those creating all that side of things is there choice because that’s what they want. I want something fresh exciting, to mix things up. Because as I was saying in my other post, “We look to the past not live in the past” So why worry to much about competing with others because it gets me no where personally, I don’t get any thanks for spending 3 Days on a livery, nor get a massive pat on the back wether I get 2 subs or 2000 subs. The results are all ways the same. And by results I mean what results are we looking for or expecting. Would I like all the fan fair and fuss, no because believe it or not that’s not me. I care for my own health interests because I want to continue what I love. Making liveries and if those users like them than that’s fine. If not then like I say why worry because I don’t get a single thing anyway, be a failed livery or not. I do what I do out of love, not because I have to in order to be in the Limelight or Rat Race. No it’s out of love and passion for providing that quality in the work and hopefully that passion will be reflected in that work. A reputation will speak for it self in time. As long as one is on the pitch to have the time to gain one. That means being new and moving forward, away from the past and into the future if one wants to remain relevant. BR has had its day, and it’s time for something new. Not Old. Anyway I’m gonna have to cut this short. My legs have gone dead, and got the kids to short. And as always I can go on and fully appreciate you have work and things to do so I’m all cool if I don’t hear much back. I hope you can appreciate its the same this end. Not being rude just that all important time. Time that seems to be flying by. Catch you soon tho mate. Lee.
