Route Antelope Valley Line - Feedback Thread

Right, just a bit sloppy and rushed out as usual.

 

Dang! That's ridiculous and should not be in a new or updated game. This is unacceptable at this point!

 

It's actually a shame how many small POIs in the scenery are missing, like the LA Aqueduct Cascades.

 

I agree that the U.S. content has not been as polished as the Europe routes in general, but--counterpoint--maybe DTG sending a team from the UK to Los Angeles to research the route in person shows good faith. Also, US speed signaling is completely different from anything in Europe and the devs are all UK/Euro based. I do think there have been some very good U.S. routes, CalTrain and Metro North for example.

 

In freeroam can't open passenger doors in METROLINK ROTEM neither stwitch on head lights.

Also speedometer does not show Speed

Is that bug or I am doing wrong?

 

Honestly, I feel like what DTG is missing is a good partner from the US. DTG’s local to the UK so that’s sorted. For German content, they’ve got excellent experts with TSG, cwf.green and Lukas (and more behind the scenes I’m sure). That said, I do feel like AVL feels more polished thanks to their extensive recording trip no doubt.

 

For the intro the “take any seat” message should be further clarified with “in the lower level”, otherwise it’s a long wait until the stop at the next station to realize something should have happened but didn’t.

 

I wouldn't say they are for 5 yr olds but there are definite improvements required. I was going to say something along the lines of what I have quoted below...

I'm quite surprised there hasn't yet been a third party dev spring up from the US. There's a need for it.

 

Did you check if the F125 is powered and has the HET on?
The Rotem can't do anything without a power source.

 

What's weird is there really isn't currently a 3rd party dev for TSC that makes US content that is based in the US except for most of the Searchlight Simulations team, but I'm pretty sure they will never create anything for TSW.

So we are just kind of screwed....

 

We are, unless ...

But why? Because DTG is based in the UK and owned by a French software publishing house?

AFAIK, the Run8 team is doing well with their simulation, which only has three developing teams, which each consist of only a few persons having day jobs. They are the only ones that seem to have a thorough grasp on US railroading and how to simulate that on our PC's.

TSW is turning into a locomotive control desk simulation type of game, mainly oriented at the console market. Which I doubt can be considered a serious audience when they are more concerned over missing collectibles instead of proper physics and operations?

TSC is still more 'open' to developers and DIY individuals releasing stuff, and the British and German commercial 3-rd parties are still quite active in releasing new DLC.

Then why is the USA segment lacking? It can't be the lame restrictions on licensing alone?

 

Is it lacking?
I consider Boston Sprinter, Cajon Pass and Harlem Line some of the best content in TSW. They're certainly some of my most played.

 

It is.

For starters, all 3 of these routes lack variety. Boston Sprinter could really use another set of MBTA stock (loco + double deckers). Harlem Line could also use P42 with the coaches. Cajon Pass is okay for a freight route, but an Amtrak layer would be fun - if the F7 add-on actually included the passenger coaches, then at least that would have given it some much needed spice.
Scenery wise Cajon Pass is also horrible looking. Harlem Line is mostly okay, while Boston Sprinter is also a bit weak, especially around Providence and the Stoughton branch.
And I believe both Harlem Line and Boston Sprinter still has some issues with signalling and trains getting stuck.

But I will admit, I did enjoy playing on both Harlem Line and Boston Sprinter. But I always felt like something is lacking. Additional rolling stock, and a bit of scenery improvements and signalling fixes would really elevate those routes.

 

It has.....

-Alot of missing iconic scenery objects, and poor scenery in general.
-It doesn't really have any true train symbols, just a few copy and repeat ones to the same destinations.
-It doesn't maximize the full potential of the route, the grain elevator in San Bernardino is not used. There is no playable layered Union Pacific services between the Palmdale Cutoff and Barstow.
-The route got a nonsense ATSF F7 DLC pulling modern freight instead of something like Amtrak's Southwest Chief
-The SD40-2 has the wrong number series.

 

I feel that last bit on every single route I use in the game. There isn't a single route that I wouldn't like scenery improvements, bug fixing, or new locos.

Boston Sprinter has The MBTA Loco and Cab car, which give two different experiences for doing commuting. Then you have the ACS-64 and the Acela for doing the higher speed, intercity services. There's quite a bit of variety on the route, which is why I play it so much. The only thing it's missing is freight I guess? But not sure how freight works in the NEC.

I find Cajon pretty good visually? But I will agree some Amtrak added in could improve it.

But yeah, my point is. I don't think any of these routes are in a worse shape than UK/German content. I consider Boston Sprinter better than any UK route other than SEHS for example.

I think the issue with the US routes is, the nature of how the railways are in the US makes it difficult to do a combined freight/passenger route that satisfies fans of both types of content. It's much easier to do that with UK and Germany due to the much, much smaller rail freight operations, and larger overall focus on passenger operations.

 

Firstly I love US trains and mostly diesel ones. But driving them in TSW4 is childishly easy I gain platinum (minihud) on 1st run on AV (which is beautiful btw). NYT, HL and BP have some decent safety systems acive and demand some knowledge, so... yep, consider my dumb grade judgment as for US diesel trains .

 

I mean it could but it wouldn't add that much - just a single-digit amount of rush hour services.

 

Switching the HET has helped!

Thank you )

 

Agree 100% What I do not understand is why is the number board lights broke on the SD70ACE for Cajon Pass?? It says on and it doesn't illuminate. How did that get screwed up or has it never worked? It's always something with the U.S. routes and trains. The great sounds are gone on the ES44C4..that distinctive whoop sound and knocking are gone! I sat in the cab for 20 mnts and nothing. The sound is the same when opening the window also..DTG broke the game I think and others noticed sound problems also..what a mess and I'm done with the game until it gets straightend out. Smh.

 

What happened to the ES44C4 sounds? The prototypical whoop sound seems not there. DTG screw that up also? Is it me or my xbox? Seems like everything about the game is trash now. I do not want to play anymore and It seems its always something. I mostly like the U.S. stuff because I'm a big fan of the engines and long trains but this game does no justice with it. It sucks.

 

I did this, I thought oh I'll sit on the upper level... 5 minutes later, wait why hasn't the objective completed lol

 

I was never clear on what the objective was. They have you talk to a dispatcher to get an assignment so I though the goal was to essentially dead-head to Santa Clarita to start a route. But once you sit in an expected spot it’s shows some text and ends. I expected the only displayed into to at least cover how to operate the train.

 

I really like the AVL -freightroute but there is a bridge at Burbank-Downtown as wel as the first bridge from Lancasterstation witch is to low for the intermodal trains and clips through see my picture. Please DTG can you fix this? Also the intermodal wagons are the BNSF ones. Can you change this back to UP intermodal cars?

 

Good luck on that. It will never get fixed. There is so many things that need fixed with the U.S. content, that it's a joke. Where do I start? DTG is lazy and drags their feet when it come to anything U.S. freight. Hey, one can dream.

 

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate that

 

It also means that famous QA never drove the route with an anticipated freight pack enhancement DLC, or was driving while blind to those glaring errors, or will silently market a gravel, oil or any other single level freight train just so the route builders don't have to raise those viaducts?

But hey, this DLC is marketed as another stop-and-go commuter route to keep the thumbstick twiddling crowd happy for driving long and heavy, sluggish freight trains that take ages to start and stop is boring.

 

This won't happen due to how the layers are set up, as no matter what they use the BNSF MAXI IVs. Not to mention the part where Cajon is required even if you want to use just UP stuff, is because they will always have MAXI IVs.

 

It's a sim, so let's be correct in the infrastructure. If it's there, then make it correct. All routes should be done correctly. I love modern and historical U.S. trains and routes, but still like enjoy the European stuff and don't want to see any half done garbage.

 

is anyone else noticing an issue with the horn sequencer in the F125?you press it and nothing. Then about a minute later it starts. Also, Sometimes when using the sequencer, and you hit the regular horn the horn itself gets stuck on the rest of the trip.

 

Yes, I had the same the last time I used it. I have seen this happen with other locos and routes too.

 

The Horn Sequencer in the F125 is based on distance in real life, regardless of when you press the button, it won't play until it's a certain distance away from the next station (so I believe), and I think the way this has been implemented in game is to try and reflect this. So the silence before it starts is intentional and is accurate to real life, unless you're above 45MPH at which point it starts instantly!

Can you give me any more information on what you mean when you say it gets stuck on sometimes? As in, the horn itself is constantly sounding, or stuck in a different kind of way?

 

Issue: Passenger speed limit shows when driving freight train

Game Platform: Steam
Specific Information: When driving the AC4400CW from Cane Creek, all speed limits are passengers train. I drove the second timetable toward LA on AVL. Don't know yet if it is always the same with other locomotives or timetables.

 

I'm playing on PS5. In TSW4 the max amount of points a player can get per distance unit driven is 65. When I'm driving the Rotem cab car, this does not seem to be possible. The max I get is 35 points. I have the Alerter/TMS activated. Missing out on 30 points per distance unit is making it hard to get platinum. Has anyone else managed to get 65 points per distance unit driven? Am I doing something wrong?

 

The "SPOT CAB" signal at Via Princessa is incorrectly placed at the ADA ramp (going Lanc -> LA Union), instead of a few meters after the ramp where it should be. If you stop the train where the signal currently is the Rotem doors will not align with the ramp as they should.

As it is in game:

Where the signal should be (pic from Google maps):


PS: This gave me a chance to compare the real station to how it is in-game, and I have to say that you guys did a really good job overall. My congratulations to the devs that did this.

 

Here's images for the second observation I'd made earlier in the thread. This is approaching the maintenance facility.

crossover speed limit by OrangeAnon posted Oct 5, 2023 at 5:28 PM

crossover speed limit by OrangeAnon posted Oct 5, 2023 at 5:28 PM

crossover speed limit by OrangeAnon posted Oct 5, 2023 at 5:28 PM

You can see how the 40 only lasts for the duration of the crossover, something I presume should only happen if taking the crossover route.
On PC, if it matters.

 

I would have thought its for RR Crossings. I would hit the sequencer while passing a crossing marker and it wont activate until im somewhere past the actual crossing. As far as getting stuck, It happens when i use the regular horn to stop the sequencer, and its usually after about 50-ish minutes of traveling, and the horn would begin a non-stop constant horn sound. (main horn, not the back up horn)

 

Platform: Steam/PC
Scenario: Con Fare

The night lighting is pretty good for a US route in TSW, but the volumetric fog effect makes driving nigh impossible, can't see anything, so had to disable it.
Actually it's a bit of a nuisance during some daylight runs too, although I mostly leave it on. I know LA can get pretty smoggy at times, so, realism you know.

The fog effect overall is rather like the eye adaptation feature. I wouldn't miss it if it disappeared from the game altogether, though I would keep it if I could tone it down.

 

I haven’t play this route until now and the first run notice some really bad scenery on this route. From floating,building,roads, trucks. And this was just my first run

 

The thing is what are you doing noticing things like that? You are just supposed to drive the sloppy done route and be happy..a smiling fanboy. I quit playing anything TSW4 at this point..same old garbage, rushed out, half done ridiculous scenery that will stay like that for months or ever until enough people demand better. Good luck.

 

I find this route quite well done, "track side" it's great

 

Sooooo just ran into a freight train before the line becomes single track after Palmdale. And two of the locomotives had were solid color. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

That's a bug with creators club liveries. If you have a custom livery, it can cause that

 

I’ll doubt these issues will ever be fixed. I don’t understand how those building the route don’t notice this at the time, or they do and just think, oh it’s lunchtime. Saved.

 

Dynamic weather in journey mode is a bad thing. Game says "clear", but service starts with clouds -> rain -> storm -> clouds -> storm -> rain -> storm -> rain. Sometimes conditions change in a several seconds.

 

Dynamic weather still needs a lot of work.

I have it turned off mostly.

 

Agree. But in journey mode you can't adjust weather - it's premade. And in those particular journeys it says "clear", but it isn't "clear" even on a second.

 

It's probably cuz of autogen to save time. It's a lot of work to fix and add everything autogen couldn't do.

 

Yet it looks like lazy sloppy handiwork, they couldn't have 1 or 2 people go over the line to make sure everything didn't look horrible?

 

Just your avarage US route scenery...