GWR 4900 "Hall" & 6959 "Modified Hall" Class Train Simulator - GWR 4900 “Hall” & 6959 “Modified Hall” Class Add-On - PLD
I expect it's a very nice DLC, but we already have what I think is a reasonable Hall in the game. I wish PLD would concentrate on projects for locos that we don't have in the game, such as the BR Standard 8P. I know they have it identified as a project, but it's making no progress.
Duke of Gloucester is also a duplicate of an existing (albeit discontinued) DLC. Modders are going to make what they want to make, and if that's something that already exists that they think they can improve then there's nothing to be done except say "not for me" and wait for the next one.
Yes, but it's not been available for almost a decade, and even if you've got it it's rather average. I know 3rd parties will do whatever they want, but if they are a commercial outfit they would be wise not to duplicate subjects in a static market. I'm not privy to their sales figures, but I'd be prepared to bet that both the Duke of Gloucester and the Class 47 - both projects of theirs that have stalled - would make them more money than the GWR Duke Dog, their previous release.
The word I have is that developer-wide TS Classic steam loco sales are typically under 100 - there are so many developers knocking them out that they are tripping all over each other, with a lot of duplication. And purchases drop to near-zero within a month of going on sale, possibly because there are so many more new toys coming along, or perhaps waiting patiently for a sale to be announced. I think most do it for the pleasure of it rather than to make a living out of making them. The Duke of Gloucester is a bit of a niche loco, being one of a total of one that only ran over limited routes - maybe there might be more demand for it in preservation once it returns to running - its possible that's the reason for the delay in production. John
If those sales figures are true then it's commercially unviable to create steam locos, even at £25 each, that's only £2,500 (without costs), which couldn't possibly give a worthwhile return on your time. I hope that's not the case. The Duke of Gloucester is certainly a limited class, but it's had a long and varied operational career, both in BR service and afterwards in preservation. Its unique technology and unprecedented power (after rebuilding) makes it noteworthy, and hence desirable to many people. It's power also gives some unique scenario and driving activities. Do you want to hit Shap and see what you can really do with an express? DofG is the loco for you! I think I'll pass on PLD's Hall. DTG's Hall is sufficient for my needs.
Nobody knows about sales figures and the return of investment these one person developers strive for. From their social media, I've learned that both PLD and CW are sort of 'mentally tired and emotionally worn' of working to this level of detail. CW seems to have gone for long extinct Victorian/Edwardian steam locomotives, where more artistic license can be applied. But here market saturation of those colourful old kettles also influences sales and income I'd think. PLD goes for the best quality and since most BR locomotives have already been done, his production is mostly duplicates. Both PLD and CW also do rolling stock, along with Matrix Trains. But here most of what is reasonably needed to render prototype formations has already been done. Haven't heard from Victory Works of late, I believe their 9F was met with some critique, and perhaps sales weren't that good? With DTG's stance on TSC's further development and core improvements unknown we should perhaps already cherish what we have and support those developers who strive for quality like PLD.
I'd take issue with the statement that 'most BR locomotives have already been done' - there are loads of Grouping-to-BR Eastern Region/ex-GER locos that don't exist (D15/16, B17, all the 'K' series except the peppercorn K1 and the not-relevant-to-me K4, a bunch of the 'J' class, the L1 etc, etc). I'd agree that there are a sh1t-ton of GWR loco models mind you (not that I'm bitter ;-)
The only duplicates I have a problem with are the ones where there isn't a big upgrade over what's come before. We didn't need new Large Prairies or Pannier tanks, but the BMG ones are so much better than the VW ones that I can't see myself going back to the old ones. CW are doing new Saints which is a bit weird; the VW one is quite good and generally CW isn't as much of an upgrade over VW as BMG stuff is. I'm not sure how accurate this is - Victory Works has said on the forums that he's able to turn a profit off his releases, and I imagine things like the CW A3s and A4s would have sold a decent amount. If they weren't making a profit overall, I doubt there'd be any payware steam development in TS.
There is a slight difference between making a living (my words) and making a profit (your words). I suspect most, if not all, are doing it as a sideline alongside employment or retirement rather than a full-time job. John
Some of these developers are 3D designers by trade or profession. Doing trains, cars , planes or whatever for games is a by-line. Putting their skills and tools to good use for us hobbyists.
