2023, The Year Of Disappointing Na Content....

So with 2023 ending soon, I figure its best to look back on all the North American content released in the past year, and honestly, there really isn't much fanfare overall, just seemed like almost everything was off except for a few moments here and there.....

AMTRAK ACELA
Probably the best US DLC released this year, most people never really had to many major issues AFAIK with it. It slotted into Boston Providence well and was one of the most requested pieces of equipment for TSW. It also got BP a TOD4 update as well. It did also play a part in NYT, but that's its own disaster....

NEC: New York - Trenton
One of the 1st big red flags of the year, its launch was awful, a terrible timetable, route with scenery ported out of the old NEC route for TSW2020, what could of been one of more varied routes in the US for TSW ended up a mess of patches and fixes that are still going on in December......

Union Pacific Heritage Unit Pack
One best left for the forgotten pile, this is probably the worse DLC for TSW to date on the North American side, the 3rd DLC released at the same time as the other 2, this was a launch and forget kind of pack. Severe issues with the liveries, and not much to add to Sherman Hill aside from the TOD4 update. This DLC got outclassed by Skyhooks later Norfolk Southern Pack, and that's just pitiful. And it seems like this DLC will never get the liveries fixed at all.....

Loco Bundle 2, BNSF SD70ACe
Another one for the disappointing pile, while DTG did right by modifying the existing SD70ACe to a nose headlight configuration, it still lacked the Isolated Cab we've been asking for a bit (Even an old TSW3 mod added it). On top of that, the 2 freight cars that came with the loco, the out of date TOFC flat car and the center beams never layered into Cajon Pass and were only seen in scenarios or scenario planner. At least with Free Roam I can kind of used them? And the 45ft trailers on TOFC cars at least can somewhat resemble TOFC from the 70's to late 90's (Which I've been doing for sceenshot contests). Still it was just another release soon forgotten....

Norfolk Southern Heritage Livery Collection
Probably the only DLC I'm in the minority, but this wasn't too bad of an add-on. Skyhook actually did their homework for this pack. The liveries are pretty spot on. They had the correct Nose door window for the Monongahela unit. And would of had all 10 ES44 liveries if it wasn't for the CSAO licensing issues. (SHG still has the Conrail livery just in case) Only real issues with this pack is some light bugs with some units, and the lack of upgrading HSC to TOD4 and the GEVO with its release.

Antelope Valley Line
The final piece of US content released this year with TSW4, Antelope Valley. I feel like the route is mixed. The Metrolink Stock is decently well put together and works for the most part. But with how choices on the route were made regarding freight, on top of the horrible scenery in places makes the route feel a bit weaker in terms of overall playability. Not to mention its one of Metrolink's less trafficked lines (At least till they recently upped services on it IRL) Feels like the route overall would of done better with just that bit more polish and thought. Will say that DTG did improve ground textures on the map compared to Cajon Pass, so +1 there. Plus the Metrolink stock will be good to layer in any new LA based route should DTG ever come back to the area again.

2024
Looking into the future, it isn't all doom and gloom for US stuff, as it seems like there is some hope with the next US content given that Brandon is involved (His work with Boston Providence makes it one of the best US TSW routes to date). So here's hoping 2024 isn't as much of a downfall that 2023 was.....

US content for TSW cant be worse that it was this year, right?

 

I sincerely hope that NY-Trenton gets an upgrade a la WSR. I was quite happy on my first run up from Trenton until everything changed scenery wise and playability wise, the further I got to NY and I realised that everything had been literally cut and pasted from the original TSW NEC route, including not being able to climb up on to the platforms except at certain points. Did they honestly think that no-one would notice as that route was never ported to TSW2 and beyond? It just looks awful compared to the newer section and the station designs are not even compatible.

 

Can't really disagree.

Still annoys me that the NS Heritage pack didn't bring TOD4 to HSC- it's a much better route than SH IMO, and would be even better without the garbage old lighting. Oh, well.

Hope that last bit isn't just the usual hype. NYT should have been the flagship US route and was....disappointing at the very least.

Whatever they're cooking up needs to really shine.

 

And whats this "good reason" they say why this US Route wasn't announced or teased on the roadmap??

 

Have to agree. 2023 was not a stellar year for US content. Problems with NYT still not resolved after almost a full year. Nothing much in the offing, though Brandon's post seems hopeful.

One good, solid, quality route would go a long way to restoring confidence in DTG's intentions for the NA market.

 

NYT has been an absolute disaster and handled in the worst possible way. It absolutely should be the US route. DTG absolutely owe customers a thorough scenery overhaul of this route to make up for the abysmal way the route was released and the glacial speed of fixes.

The issue is the way it has been treated thus far has created a strong impression that DTG don’t care much about the quality of US content or the concerns of customers. And this of course is harmful to sales and the reputation of DTG. DTG: there’s still an opportunity to fix this and repair customer trust.

Personally, I can’t see any compelling reason to “upgrade” to TSW4 or purchase other DLC until NYT has been truly fixed. And while I would be very excited about a future Hudson or New Haven DLC, those would have to be of actual quality, not a NYT style dumpster fire.

 

DTG need to do much more than make ‘A’ good US route, I highly doubt that the larger US audience will put down the current go to’s for US content.

The issue is 2 fold because when it comes to freight, they’re doing the big name lines, but on a smaller scale, so they don’t do them very well & also restrict the experience when compared to other sims.

Then when they do things like NYT, they make a hash of it & further drive a nail into the coffin of US content.

IMO DTG doesn’t see the US stuff as commercially competitive, since they are unable, unwilling or both, to dedicate time & focus to it. Thats why we keep getting the sort of US content we do.

In theory the US content should be the most polished & fleshed out, since it takes so long to be delivered. Instead it comes with all the usual issues of TSW content, but with an extra helping of the lack of US focus.

 

The funny thing is that the US has like 5x the population of the UK, surely there must be some potential new customers hiding somewhere in there. Maybe if the content were of sufficient quality, TSW could attract more of those potential customers.

 

I think it's probably more limitations of either time/resources/the game engine.
Railroads in the US are fundamentally different than those in Europe and the UK. The much higher focus on freight, and the MUCH longer distances between a lot of the routes out west.
I think to make a satisfying US Freight experience, they really need to do much bigger routes. Which is constrained by the earlier limitations. Good Freight routes, and Good Passenger routes also tend to be completely different/separate in the US. Whereas in UK and Europe you can have good mixes of both.

 

There’s no question that generally US railways are optimized for freight and that passenger rail is underdeveloped in the majority of the country. And certainly the distances out west are far larger.

In the Northeast, the Bos-Wash corridor is a linear, connected mega-region of 50 million and served by a variety of passenger and freight operators. Primarily passenger, but there is some freight. There’s ample opportunity to create (or improve existing) content that can be of modest length and have the appeal of variety.

Generally, I like Boston Sprinter and Harlem. Both are appealing, fun and are not lifeless deadzones. Harlem needs a TOD upgrade and scenery refresh, but the basics are there for the most part. Boston needs rollingstock additions and minor scenery improvements.

But NYT and LIRR should be of similar quality to UK or German routes. LIRR, being a busy 3rd rail suburban route should of similar quality to SEHS or BML, but obviously it’s not.

IMO, if content is going to sold at the same price, the quality should be consistent across the TSW franchise. If not, then lesser quality content should be taken off the market or permanently priced at bargain basement prices.

I would much rather see just a few high quality US routes than several poor ones.

 

I'll agree on that definitely. Boston Sprinter is probably in my top 5 favourite routes (I own all UK and US routes other than Isle of Wight). I'd love an MBTA Red line route in the future haha.

 

Red Line indeed! I live within walking distance of it.

 

MBTA is the only US trains I've been on haha, spent a week in Boston last year. Even got some snow when I was there!

 

Boston’s a good town. The transport isn’t the best, but it’s a good town anyway.

I wouldn’t necessarily suggest Boston as a top pick for new TSW content (NY region should be), but certainly there would be charm and appeal in Boston content and would it probably appeal to customers, myself certainly included.

 

I still believe that HorseShoe Curve is one of the best North American freight routes in the game. (my opinion of course) I’m really hoping that Skyhook gets around to updating the scenery like they are doing with Midland Main Line. Seeing the WSR remaster gives me hope for older routes like Clinchfield and LIRR, maybe NY - Trenton as well

 

WSR remaster for US routes (and all older routes), yes please!

 

Is this something that would happen in reality?

 

Makes me realize that Peninsula Corridor was the peak of NA content for TSW.

I know it’s dated and it’s had problems throughout the years but we’ve got items on PCR that only UK and German routes can boast.

• passenger route with freight (albeit small) services
• A dedicated locomotive for switching!
  
• A dedicated locomotive for express services (baby bullet)
• F40PH for all stops services, etc
• It’s actually a decent distance

No other NA route can boast all of that… and I hate to say it but I don’t think we’ll ever approach that level of greatness in NA content again.

 

New York to Trenton is without a shadow of a doubt, one of the worst routes DTG released. There was no reason why that route needed to be rushed or used scenery from the original nec route. The route is still plagued with issues as well. It's no wonder why there are many that think U.S content gets the short end of the stick.

Antelope Valley line is OK but not really groundbreaking. It has scenery issues and who knows if DTG will add the new timetable. Also not including the LATC yard which is a very important facility was a missed opportunity not to mention them not adding the union pacific services and locomotive as standard

I don't have high hopes for the next U.S route to be honest

 

Not in modern times, UP's SD40-2's/SD40N's are stuck to local and yard work, they no longer help out on road trains. And you are more likely to see a Norfolk Southern loco than a BNSF loco on a UP stack train north out of LA due to cross traffic intermodal trains between UP and NS from the east.

 

That isn't public information right now. Sorry to sound so mysterious. There are some things that need to be resolved before a proper reveal can happen, that's all.

 

I live in the US and have never been to Boston or the NY-Trenton Route, so I am happy that these are in the game; they showed me an area I live hundreds of miles away from. I'm most familiar with CSX and freight Routes in the middle of the country, so I have been a fan since CSX-Heavy Haul days. Maybe a remake of Ohio Steel or something along that line. US passenger Routes are few and far between except for what's been done in the East and in California. An extension of Harlem / New Haven would be welcome.

 

Yeah, I think the NS Heritage Pack was alright, but I feel it was a bit overpriced for what we received. I believe we should have seen the SD70ACe for HSC in regular paint, considering it's already in the game, along with the 10 Heritage units and the TOD upgrade.

 

Just some things.ill put here ..for others to think elaborate or give more knowledge of For me where I live in US Passenger trains are not a thing in my area just 1 Amtrak each way on a NS line 40 miles away ...And when i go out Railfanning To get there is in a car ...and the only trains im going to see on the csx line close to me is various freight trains ..only shot at seeing any passenger train is when CSX occasionally runs their OCS office car special ..there is another NS line not too far away that sees plenty of freight and ocaionally their OCS train i have never ridden a Amtrak train...i have only rode railfan steam or diesel excusion trains and tourist museum trains ...rode acoummuter train in pittsburgh pa where i grew up called PAT train then they discontinued it low ridership in car happy US..rode MARTA in atlanta ga to and from airport ...however i have because of TSW ran passenger trains Amtrak MBTA etc thankful to be able to do that on my x box console ...

 

There are a lot of people that use sims to experience things they couldn’t otherwise, including trains they’d never see.

That doesn’t mean it’s acceptable for developers to provide that experience in low quality states.

 

Yes. I live in Pennsylvania and the tracks in front of my house is a CSX coal mainline. Every night a hopper train comes through with NS and a Canadian Pacific locomotive. Occasionally a CSX sd40 or gp38 is heading the train.

 

a bit more to add there are wide parts of US where there are no passenger train s and Freights are the order of the day and in US freights are long and heavy since after PSR they now run fewer but longer trains with heavy use of DPUs short for distributed power 10,000 to 13,000 plus foot 160 to over 200 car trains are common now also PTC safety system in use on most lines now its complex technology and causes problems at times ...esp when they switched over to it ...give me the old way of running trains ...i can run the es44ac in game fine but SD40 2 s no computer screens just flip some switches sat to lead trail freight insert reverser to direction brakes release crack the throttle and go just use your brain to run the train instead of all this technology reliant stuff just think how this was all done before it ...seen on posts folks asking for PTC to be in game and was said it too complex to add at this time...maybe DTG should do more classic US content the modern stuff out now with lonh trains and technologies is maybe too complex for current game engines to replicate

 

Another thing that common here in US canada mexico is mixed carload freight trains box cars tank cars covered hoppers gondolas flat cars center beam lumber cars auto racks etc . After watching some you tube videos of trains in UK etc they run mostly single comodities trains on the german routes in TSW have spotted a few mixed freights in AI trafficas i have played routes

 

Living in the Midwest I see more trains ( freight and passenger ) every day than you can shake a stick at.

Unfortunately DTG has chosen to completely ignore this region for TSW.

 

Sadly, seems like Dovetail only likes to make routes that are very popular and well-known. I think Clinchfield is one of the last U.S Routes we will get that is not that known to many people.

 

Foreign power? Yup, absolutely. Most especially in areas where two RRs operate in close proximity, like southern California. Heck, BNSF and UP have yards next door to one another at Long Beach. But you can find engines far from home quite option- US freight is a long-distance business.

 

I mean, makes sense doesn't it?

 

I don't think that's really the case, so much as that doing US passenger means negotiating a license with a local/regional commuter line, and that apparently isn't easy. To date, Caltrain, the New York/New Jersey MTA, Boston MBTA, and just now Metrolink. While it would be awesome to have Chicago (Metra), Philadelphia (SEPTA) or Washington-Baltimore (MARC), those licenses don't seem to be on offer.

So we are left with, usually, freight routes, and it's natural to sell well-known routes like Sherman Hill or Cajon Pass or Horseshoe Curve as opposed to the "West Kansas Hundreds of Miles of Nothing" route. BTW, the Clinchfield is very well-known amoung US railroad buffs.

I could say, though, that while there is no sense at all in making an Amtrak-only route- a 2-service timetable would go down a treat - DTG really ought to consider making one or two DLC Amtrak consists to layer into routes that are primarily freight, as in real life. They already have the Amfleets, and I suppose could go vintage with an FP40 reskin; more useful though would be a Charger with Superliner coaches. (The electric locos aren't much use on most routes)

 

Many or some does want Metra, but they can't get the license..and I forgot what's also requested, something racetrack, I cant remember..But I would like to see Metra in the mix.

 

I think maybe DTG focuses a little too much on the natural scenery and less on freight operations when it comes to US content.

Fwiw, SEPTA is in the process of a major rebranding effort right now. I wonder if they might be a little more receptive to licensing as a result.

Probably wishful thinking, but an extension of NYT to Philly 30th St with a SEPTA layer would really be cool- we already have the ACS-64, They'd just need to add the cabcar/coaches (the ones from Boston would be pretty close) and the Silverliner V EMUs.

Maybe one day lol

 

They actually don't as often, I've seen more CP and NS locos on the UP intermodal trains to and from the LA area than BNSF.

Actually, I cant even remember the last time I've seen a UP loco on a BNSF train and visa-versa. UP trains mainly have CP and NS as foreign power, while usually BNSF has CP, CN or even Ferromex.

 

Norfolk Southern is hurting badly for power too. They scrapped too many locomotives and sold off others instead of rebuilding. Im seeing a lot of foreign power here in PA. BNSF and CSX quite a but across the river from me.

 

Same in my area ns always has lots of mixed power compared to csx lately csx seems to jumped ahead of ns in terms of rebuilding power i like that csx is rebuilding their SD70macs they brought out some older c40 8w a few weeks ago i saw the only standrad cab c40 8 still running on csx on a freight ..foreign power used to be a lot on csx here in past but now in my area if there is mostly on ethanol or phosphate trains ..although yest i actually saw a csx freight that had a csx gevo lead and a cp ac44 kcs gevo cp ac44 it prob was power that had come on a ethanol train and csx decided to put on that freight instead of the return empty tankers

 

I hope too DTG re work some of the older US locomotives to work properly in free roam mode like the SD40 2 GP38 2 and MP15 the SD40 2 is one of the icnic locomtives in US railroding north america lots of them still running today for how old they are they a testament to ruggedness and quality by EMD the GP38 model up there too lots of them still in use ..even MP15s are around the Union RR in Pittsburgh pa uses them still today they tried to find power to replace them but it all failed and they have endured when igrew up in that area i was in ear shot of URR the drone of 5 MP15s lugging a coal train to north bessemer could heard loud day or night

 

My local area in the middle of the United States uses CN locos for local duties (GP38, GP9, ES44, SD70)

 

Hmm. It could be that precisely because their territory is so intermixed, it's easy to send a foreign loco home, whereas a CSX in California is kind of orphaned.

 

It was probably more common during the early and mid's 2000's due to the lack of the army of GEVO's and AC units most Class 1's have these days.

These 2 Pentrex vid's easily show how much more varied it was back then.

 

American trains ain't really that interesting imo, big and bulky for literally no reason, only decent NA stuff is the Amtrak stuff, at least the stuff in the game is like what we have in Europe, plus the majority of TSW players are European, hence why there is more UK/EEA content

 

The majority of EU players may well be European, but is likely because TSW offers no counter to other US train sims.

It clearly sells well still, otherwise they wouldn’t do it - the issue is it just isn’t done to the same level as the other two.

It’s weird because DTG, whenever they show off US stuff, like to hype up how they got loads of source material etc from such a place, but then they barely release anything & when they do, they miss the mark quite badly.

There is something very off with the way DTG approaches US content & I don’t think it’s because they have a lack of access to things.

Having less US players doesn’t give them a pass to put less effort in & it also doesn’t mean that less US players mean there isn’t US interest.

There is uniqueness to US railroading, and DTG continuously fail to do it justice. Most of the time it ends with poor scenery & a boring timetable, with lots of missing rolling stock & duties.

 

Exactly, there’s no free pass or excuse. And maybe there would be more US interest/players if the product were good. Produce a quality product or don’t produce it at all.

It’s better for the reputation of the franchise and brand loyalty as well.

 

IMO the last best US route was clinchfield railroad, that was beautiful route, very scenic, recent releases after it such as Sherman Hill and Cajon chicken pass have been awful, bland scenery, even worse trains.

 

Because things work differently over here.

 

Cajon is Spanish (Which translates to box or drawer), not related to Cajun of the food variety.

 

Europe has bigger gradients, yet we still use smaller more efficient locos, same with our cars, Americans have a fascination with things being big, [EDIT - Jan - Inappropriate]

 

Why did you make things weird?