With nothing much of interest appearing for TSW in the foreseeable future (£25 for the 13 mile Goblin Line, really?!) thoughts are turning to dropping a bit more cash on TSC content in the Easter sale. One that keeps dropping in my wishlist then getting deleted when I read the reviews, is Newcastle to Edinburgh. Probably the most interesting and scenic section of the ECML and with the caveat that in typical JT fashion you need to buy the Class 91 seperately to run some of the scenarios, is it really as bad as the reviews make out? Frequent CTD's, shonky tracklaying is that all true or are people just nitpicking? Would appreciate any thoughts to assist with an informed decision.
I enjoy driving this route but it is a little dated compared to modern route building standards. If you can pick it up cheap in a sale then go for it.
It's very dated graphically. Personally I regret spending money on it, so I'd only get it if it's very cheap. I wouldn't say the track laying is shonky, it just looks bad. I also haven't had any crashes. But having played newer and better looking routes, I rarely go back to this one. The only reason I keep it installed is that I have some scenarios on other routes that use some of the assets. Don't take my opinion though - I think the Goblin Line looks really quite good ;-)
Do you really begrudge JT requiring the 91 for the scenarios? It's such a vital piece of stock for the route.
I recommend the whole of JT’s Midland Mainline. My most played route in TSC apart from WCML South. I’m sure you’re aware, but just in case. On Steam the sections are stand alone. If you buy direct from JT, they will merge.
That’s a pity about the merge capability. I always tend to buy off Steam as it keeps everything under the same umbrella. However might be wrong, but I was under the impression regardless Hope Valley is an extension to and needs Derby -Sheffield to function?
The Hope Valley can indeed be bought as a standalone route through Steam, but I would highly recommend to buy from JT with the merge capabilities (this will allow you to run all the excellent scenarios you'll find online, mainly from ATS)
No, I’m pretty sure the Steam Version of Hope Valley is standalone. It really is worth getting these through JT. There are excellent scenarios for them outside of Steam workshop, like ATS as already mentioned. For me this was no issue, probably half of my TSC collection is not from Steam. But I appreciate that it’s easier to keep everything from one place. It’s a pain if Steam decides to do a file verification and wipes out the non steam files. I just work around it with regular backups of my assets and content folders.
Blazin Do you maybe have a set of screenies from this route, alongside an opinion? Kinda curious myself. It's on my wishlist, but due to (increased) price and reviews I'll probably never actually pick it up. Judging by shots on Steam and JT, it looks similar to Bristol-Exeter. Plus the complaints about superelevation induce thoughts about routes like the original ECML, GWML, PDL, or Ruhr. Among other Spikee gave a good review, as overall a nice drive. Being old it's likely forgiving on performance, too.
It's also easier to smooth over spending as I can slip the odd Steam Wallet gift card credit on there with a surreptitious trip to Sainsburys or Asda, so SWMBO can't complain about how much I spend on the hobby. But buying direct from JT or any other third party doesn't offer that option.
No, I do not have this route. I am open to routes of all ages really and I see a bit of potential in this one. It looks nice in some areas from the screenshots on Steam and on Just Trains website and if you are ok with playing old routes it looks like one of the better ones. The vegetation appears to be the biggest fault of the route as it’s all 2D it seems. Vegetation thick areas appear to not look so great, but areas that have structures or a mix of structures and vegetation look a lot better. Also if I was going to get it I would be buying it direct from the Just Trains store; as usually their DLC sold from their store has the correct branding / licensing while the Steam version often doesn’t or has changes. The downside is though Just Trains doesn’t appear to do store wide sales; only on their new stuff and this route dates back a while. So if you don’t care about things like correct liveries / branding; then wait to purchase it on sale from Steam. That’s a general rule for everything for this game too if I can follow it even for the very good looking DLC; wait until it’s on sale!
A problem with the JT version is they use what is available thru the ELAP They have a Class 166 in Northern livery and another in Scotrail for the local services - which is wrong. So even if the liveries are partially correct the trains are not and you swap them The track used on the route is looking a bit old and could do with swapping for newer track I have the route and I run it every so often if I want a blast with Electric traction - its quite long run from EDB to NCL. Peter
Thanks Peter. "Creative" use of Kuju default rolling stock was a particular issue on some of the earlier JT routes. The 166 looked even odder going from Edinburgh to Dundee. As you say it's a nice long run, I remember playing the BVE version which I think went from Newcastle to Berwick and for the format, very good. If I do get it, well 1. I'll wait for a good sale price and 2. In all likelihood I'll be doing QD or my own scenarios with more contemporary stock, certainly some of my steam loco collection.
I only bought is as it was a requirement for something else as I recall now. Worth having for that reason as many other things seem to require it.
If you go into it with the understanding that it's closer to JT GWML quality than JT MML quality you might enjoy it, otherwise I'd suggest steering clear.
Keep in mind that it's from about 2015, so don't expect current standards. It's variable in quality. The good stuff: generally convincing track level environment, bespoke static rolling stock assets in some places, and a reasonably complex network at either end (at Edinburgh it goes out to Leith). The bad stuff: excessive use of Kuju assets, if you're familiar with Newcastle or Edinburgh you'll probably dislike the simplistic and inaccurate way they are modelled when in helicopter mode, and sloppy environment modelling in places with 3D tree trunks half out of walls and some bridges without supports or even decking. I dislike the pop-in detailing/shadowing on much of the track. It's a long route with different environments along the way. Good for a fast thrash. If the subject interests you then get it, but only in a sale.
I think the JT NCL-EDB would be improved if the track was changed with the MML track that looks nicer.
