A worrying trend is beginning to become apparent when it comes to the interior artwork of buffet/catering vehicles. Currently we have 3 different Mk3 buffet cars from DTG, Skyhook and Just Trains. However, on each occasion, the interior has not been represented as operational but instead a closed and rather boring rendition as seen below... DTGs GWR HST buffet car on GWE. Highly similar are both Skyhook and Just Trains versions. I propose that one of the artwork team go back to the original and rework these interiors to feature similar artwork to the screenshots below using various elements from each to represent the real buffet vehicles... Buffet counter with generic products as at Carlisle. Sandwedge bar at Peterborough. Liquid Bean Cafe at Peterborough. In using various elements from each of these examples, it would be possible to allow for a vastly more immersive experience when exploring these, and indeed future buffet catering vehicles. Lavatories being omitted is somewhat understandable, but leaving these vehicles in the current state defies explanation. Surely this is doable and is better reworking the current limited number of examples before vastly more versions are added to the catalogue. This should then be a standard feature going forward. I would love to see others opinions on this suggestion.
We certainly have some good artists already providing material for TSW, it seems a shame not to utilise them on quality of life fixes like this. It is minor differences like this that can really make or break immersion. As I stated above, it will only become more problematic as more similar vehicles are gradually added to the catalogue if this does not become a standard beforehand. As a further comparison, I draw attention to the detailed period telephone boxes on a couple of routes, which although non functional, really help the immersion with lots of detail in the artwork.
+1 As the resident buffet car fanatic I fully support this. I have even gone further and suggested the role of an interactive buffet/restaurant car attendant might be more fun than wandering up and down the train doing tickets, in Guard mode.
There are many yet untapped catering vehicles to be seen across various eras. Hopefully we eventually get many more of them but the interiors are surely a must going forward.
Great news within todays roadmap article. Just Trains will be modelling the interior of their upcoming RMB that will come with the Class 86. Hopefully they might consider going back to model the Mk3 TRUB interior too. If so, DTG and Skyhook should also do the same on their Mk3 buffet cars. I genuinely hope that this suggestion gains some traction following JTs announcement in the roadmap.
Excellent there are also German trains that have this setup too they are classified as a Wrmz Speisewagen ICE1 ICE 3. Even the TGV has one too. US Amfleet I & IIs have the layout too.
Absolutely loving the screenshots of Just Trains Mk1 RMB interior. Exactly what it should look like. Hopefully this will be the catalyst for DTG, SHG and JT to rework the Mk3 TRFB vehicles currently included with GWE, MML and Shap respectively. Also, I genuinely hope that this is to become standard for such vehicles going forward. A little extra effort by JT has improved immersion by a huge degree.
The same principle could also be applied to the on platform buffet premises as found at stations like Preston, Blackpool North, Carlisle and Lancaster. These currently seem rather bland with very little atmosphere captured in the existing artwork. Currently there are no patrons, no food on display and no staff. As I have repeatedly stated, these are minor fixes with potential for vastly improved immersion.
