Athena Simulations: Ecml Diesel Railtours

Help me understand please. 47484 can substitute into Just Trains routes for services run by 47s in their timetables, AND 47484 has new timetabled services on the other routes mentioned, East Coastway et al?
That's the way I read it, but it is somewhat ambiguous, at least to me

 

Think that is correctomondo

 

What they've described literally just sounds like bog standard substitution to me, the same as dozens of loco releases all over the place already do. The fact that they mentioned separately the work to integrate "The pack's contents" into the JT routes, and not just 47484, suggests that perhaps the MK1 coaches might have something more there, but DTG or Athena have yet to comment on that.

 

Deal breaker for me far more interested in the mk1s. No substitute no buy!

 

Have to say this is another add on which will probably go on my wishlist for a sale later in the year. If it had come with a new loco and additional vehicles as previously mentioned, then Day One.

 

My initial thought is the work going on is a case of asking which region tags the 47 carries. UK, BR etc. Coaches are a different story. Hope Im wrong but cannot see it involving coaches replacing the overused mk2as.
Again, if only from the start, substitutions were implemented differently. Forget regions, axles, power and all that seemingly important but ultimately unnecessary stuff. If the developer has done their research, they wouldn't need the game to define where a loco or coach is appropriate. Yes it would involve small ongoing updates to many routes instead of relying on the region tags, but DTG know whats in development and have months to prepare. Make the game recognise only tags. Then be specific. For example An NTP 47, tag it as NTP47BRBlue then subbing enabled then tagged with specific locos. Ie Class40dominoBRBlue or Class45NTPBRBlue and so on.If you know the route is fully electrified and is appropriate to do so then you could even add the 87 or upcoming 86s tags to a diesel formation. For example something running up the Preston Carlisle, with no power complications. Would even point subbing to certain coaches or wagons that would be approriate. In consists.
Going this UK, BR Blue, Northern Region, Powered axles, Diesel/Electric route will end up in a big mess. There is already the example of 52s mistakenly turning up on modern tanker DLCs.

 

That was with Cargo Line 1, when the WSR 47 and 52 appeared on the tanker trains. I think the biggest example of the substitution system at present just being silly is when the 87 became available on the ECW railtour, which seems to in some way be configured differently as its also the only railtour where you can currently use the blue 52.

 

Where as if those locos were named as per what they were in their rvd’s tag as opposed to their age or region, and the ecw formation had those loco names listed. Then there would be no issue.

 

I'm buying it for the Mk1's mainly they are superb. Many a joyful hour spent riding in them back in the good old days!

 

You do realise these are not new vehicles, just blue/grey reskins of the ones which already exist in game? Better than nothing, but this pack could have been so much more with an expanded fleet of these vehicles.

 

But they are dual braked blue mk1s which fill a massive gap in BR rolling stock.

 

This is the main reason I am buying this pack, not for the 47!

 

Athena are just learning to toddle before they can walk, I'm prepared to give them a go to help them; hopefully I'd like to see them do a bodysnatcher which would open up a lot of different service opportunities.

 

Isn't the moquette updated and interior fittings updated to be like a refurbed MK1?

The moquette I saw from the outside image appears to show the correct and updated seating moquette? If anyone could confirm the Mk1 specs of this pack, I'm sure we'd both appreciate it!

 

Unless you mean the refurbishment they got around the 80s to replace some of the wood trim & install new fluorescent lighting, then no.

 

Some of the later build Mark Ones were built to that spec as well. Plastic instead of wooden panelling, smaller wing rests on the seats and dreadful noisy fluorescent lighting!

 

Hi everyone! We wanted to talk a little today on scenarios.

We were keen to avoid the default A to B scenarios and create something that had a bit more meat on the bone. Many of the scenarios are loosely based on actual rail tours with the Class 47, Class 45 and Class 40 that worked through the Doncaster area. Beyond that, the technical detail of each scenario aims to delve a little deeper into railway workings and procedures. You can expect depot movements, scenarios where you run around your train and so many additional features rarely seen in TSW scenarios. Some scenarios are a quick “jump in and go” whereas others are much more intricate in nature, for example, coupling a Class 47 to a Class 45 and then forming a train with this unique double header!



We also wanted to ensure that AI traffic was more than something you see from the window. In a number of scenarios, you will find yourself diverted from the fast line to give way to the high speed ECML expresses or find yourself behind a slow moving train. Rail tours are not the priority traffic on the ECML, giving us many opportunities to interact with signalling and other services. You must drive in such a way that you do not become a hold-up for the faster services, adding both fun and challenge to the experience.

In short, we spent a very long time creating scenarios that provide significantly more engagement than is often seen, with our scenario team spending as much time on scenarios as our loco builders as we created this pack. We hope the results speak for themselves.

 

Can you confirm if the Mk1s will sub for mk2s on routes such as Blackpool Branches and WCML over Shap In timetable mode?

 

I'm definitely intrigued by this one!
Scenarios have got a little bit typical recently and kind of a bit samey. But we know there's real potential to mix it up and get some interesting stuff going!

My favourite scenario was still that drop off goods train on PFR which actually had some really great scenarios as a whole come to think of it

 

Yeah, I will say they were above average scenarios on that route. So much potential.

 

Hi again everyone! Today I bring a message from our team:

"Today, a day away from release, we wanted to quickly answer a few questions. Firstly, an apology. Due to a sudden unforeseen circumstance we had to postpone our livestream with Matt Ped. We are planning to announce a new date shortly. This has not impacted our release tomorrow in any way.

Back to the questions, yes we are a full-time development team, a merger of people who have worked in mainstream “games” and people who have worked on TSW. We have people working on various contracted game projects, in addition to TSW.



Which leads me in to the Class 47 and Mk1 models. Yes, they are whole new modelling, brought to you by Chris and Dave, who rose to fame as being the modellers behind the very popular Class 158 in MML! Definitely not a quick reskin. Chris and Dave spent a long old time modelling before applying the new textures. We felt the original Mk1s, for example, needed updating to modern standards. It allowed us to add some tweaks and modifications to precisely represent the Mk1s we were using as reference. This includes the previously mentioned lack of roof clips and other modifications that saw service in later Mk1s. We also did significant internal revision, not just to lighting but various model fixes and features including animating switches inside the coaches. Yes, the bright white connecting doors on the external end of each coach are prototypical for this batch!

The Mk1s are rounded off by a collaboration with Armstrong Powerhouse on the sounds. (Thank you so much AP, we owe you one!)
Likewise, the 47 was modelled by Chris and Dave, with Aaron on the systems code (Aaron also worked on the 158). This led to tweaks to safety systems, some cab remodelling and reswitching, even down to changing the shine of floor and wall surfaces to better represent this particular loco.

Physics and suspension on the coaches and the loco have also been updated to the latest standards, giving quite the ride!
We could not have got this far without feedback from all of you, so thank you from our hearts for all the comments, photos and other references which have been invaluable additional reference!"

As always, a personal thanks from me for your feedback, suggestions, requests and comments. Please keep them coming in, and for those of you who pick up the pack tomorrow, please keep the feedback coming in as we intend to support our content long term and it all helps.

 

Appreciate the insight Mike. Well I’m starting to warm to the idea of buying this. As you know I do like my Mark Ones (though still craving a catering vehicle and the sleeping cars, plus SK, CK etc.) and seeing them in the more modern form, as I used to travel on daily back in the late 70’s/early 80’s on the Northampton Cobblers will be a breath of nostalgia.

Still would have been nice to have a Deltic, though…

 

We do have more rolling stock in the works, so I'm looking forward to what you think once we're able to reveal more!

 

Thanks for the info, I will be purchasing it as soon as possible tomorrow morning (PS5)

 

I like that it's layering in, so could provide some more "color" and custom flair to a large number of 47 runs in the timetables.

 

Are there timetable runs for any of Just Trains routes?

 

Yeah it'll layer in onto WCMLOS

 

Is that the 47 or the Mk1 coaches?

 

Either

 

Ahh Ok, the loco will layer in onto WCMLOS, I don't think the Mark 1 Carriages will though.

 

I am going to see how others get on before buying. Would have been great to have them sub in.

 

I have to say I am smelling a rat on this one a bit, no previews happening but the launch still going ahead….. I am not normally so suspicious but something doesn’t sit right.

I may hold tight on this one as if it wasn’t ready for a preview it ain’t ready for a release in my book

 

"Yes, they are whole new modelling"

So you rebuilt the entire 47 model from scratch? It's not an edited version of the original Class 47 in any way?

 

These kinds of wild claims, along with the "we are a full-time development team, a merger of people who have worked in mainstream “games”" language (why is "games" in quotation marks?), remind me a certain Skyhook-related PR incident ahead (and immediately after) of the MML release. Much excitement and hype was generated on the forums, that is, until the route got released and it turned out that most of the claims were either misleading or outright lies, including the first "patch" notes, which had almost nothing to do with what actually went out.

The hype-filled language and general self-aggrandising manner of writing in Mike's "message from the team" remind me uncomfortably of that, which, along with the preview stream being cancelled, leads me to cautiously wait and see. Definitely not a day 1 purchase. No way.

 

After thinking about it overnight, I’m going to wait and see what the early adopters have to say. I have no problem rewarding genuine effort and craftsmanship but given my Steam refund history is still hovering on a yellow card, I would rather let others be the paying testers for a few days. It’s digital merchandise, it won’t go out of stock due to public demand or supply chain issues. As they say, don’t let it burn a hole in your (Steam or PSN) Wallet!

 

This just begs the question, why remodel an already existing loco thats perfectly fine? the 37 is more fit for a remodel and many people would probably like a new loco way more like a class 55

 

TSW doesn't seem to read enthusiasts tastes. 37s are probably the most popular diesels running. We have had 3 versions. That's taking into account they still run now. Anyone for more 66s? As for this Athena pack sitting back and watching the reactions before paying out....

 

Just read the announcement re: issues and it sounds like a day 2 patch to sort various missing bits. Weird situation to be honest.

 

You couldn’t make it up… Unless something slipped at the last moment, surely exhaust effects and suspension are beta testing 101! And where is DTG’s own QA before accepting a third party item for sale in their store, given they retain exclusive selling rights?

Anyhow from almost relenting and buying this later, going to wait and see what other issues emerge in the feedback.

 

Another broken DLC shipped. About time that Steam/Epic etc started pulling these products off sale until they are released in a working condition.

 

It’s the only Preview
The DLC is a waste of Money
https://www.youtube.com/live/N19c1LafV70?si=OIVEOVggQgyjstBf

 

Sadly it seems Steam don’t care and if customers refund, even with an articulate and well founded explanation, the “strike” goes on your account not the developer who keeps publishing poor quality items.

 

QA Short Staffed? maybe borrow some of the marketing team, No point filling our social feeds with enough spin to make a Hollywood Blockbuster seem low key and then promoting trains with no exhaust or working speedos!

 

Bit disappointed that it's shipped with some pretty big missing bits. I want to get this as well but I think that's me waiting for initial feedback as well.

Missing clag and suspension amongst the other things and no preview is a little dodgy to say the least.

 

Only paid a fiver as I had a gift card on my PS account.

That's why the preview was cancelled, because of the issues.

They should have told us.

 

The DTG Beta Testers and Quality Control is a joke.
It’s Not acceptable You don’t see major issues

 

Strange how TrainSimulatorDriver was told to "stop showing it" on his stream........

 

Who knew a dev team headed up by a known fraudster would be so opaque with their products.

Pushing that aside though, considering this pack is made up of entirely reused assets, it’s quite something they’ve taken aslong as they have to release it & released it in such a state.

I’m not sure what Jane has over DTG, but it says a lot that they’d work with such a person.

 

DTG Alex sorry for the ping but this all seems a little bit sketchy. Releases without standard/working features and ambassadors being told to stop streaming the product?

This isn't a great look for Athena or DTG

 

The first pack of the multi product relationship with Dovetail Games includes a very special recreation of one of the most iconic diesel locomotives in history, Class 47, 47484 “Isambard Kingdom Brunel” named after the famed engineer, guaranteed to get the pulses of railway enthusiasts racing! The content allows the opportunity to drive the highly detailed locomotive on a range of routes in Train Sim World 5, including services out of London Paddington, traversing the Great Western Railway, with the station and tracks being designed by Brunel! Further opportunities for driving include 10 very special scenarios on the UK East Coast Mainline, between Doncaster and Peterborough. Other cities and routes in Train Sim World available as a purchase for the simulation are also visitable by those driving this incredible locomotive, including Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and London.

Since when has Leeds and Manchester been in TSW ?