Harlem Line: A Fantastic Route And One Of The Most Enjoyable In Tsw

Recently, I've got slightly bored with existing content I play a lot and, thus, wanted something new to enjoy. There's not many routes left that I haven't got, however Harlem Line was one of these - and that surprises me considering I have really enjoyed a lot of US passenger routes like Peninsula Corridor, Boston and in the very early days of TSW, LIRR was initially my favoruite route. Moreover, I'm also really excited for the upcoming NY-Trenton timetable update.

Anyway, regarding Harlem Line I remember watching the initial preview stream, but I didn't feel that excited at the time. But, after playing the route for almost a week now having completed a lot of services, I've been thoroughly surprised just how much I've enjoyed it and is one of the most enjoyable 'new' routes I've played in ages.

My favourite, of course, is the timetable (Joethefish was this by you?) and seeing just how super busy Grand Central is with a lot of trains makes arriving/departing here a real pleasure and does actually feel like a Rush Hour route. I do also like the variety of services as well as many ECS ones too so means quite a bit of long-term gameplay. Additionally, I'm also a big fan of EMUs with the M3A and M7A which feel significantly more improved compared with LIRR - ironically, thanks to Harlem, I've even started playing LIRR again after literally years!

Harlem Line is awesome!

 

The Harlem line is my favorite US route at the moment and the timetable Joe did is amazing. The scenery around NYC leaves allot to be desire. But to be honest I can deal with the short comings of the scenery and short of the route because of the timetable

 

I agree and have often talked about the route myself. From the looks of it you might think there is not much service variety but there is. Look to the Awesome Runs thread. Or, you can try to complete all 49 M3A services, not too much of a challenge but you'll see many different things!

 

That’s is why I’m hoping for the New Haven line as it would complete the metro north service with the M8s. Although I wouldn’t mind getting a new LIRR.

 

I am currently finding this but with LIRR, not half as bad as some would have you believe especially if you run the older M3 units rather than the M7's (same on Harlem).

 

I’m glad you like it. There are too many issues with the scenery and the time table which is missing around 400 services for me to get into the LIRR. There’s potential if done correctly. Just my opinion

 

I love the Harlem line everywhere except the tedious 10mph into GC. It takes ages!

 

My only issue with Harlem is that apparently the M7 is over performing in engine power. The one LIRR is much more accurate. Still love the route though.

 

That's the advantage of LIRR! The NY Penn terminal restriction is 15 MPH and doesn't drag on endlessly like GC. Got to admit I tend to push it a bit over myself.

 

So the M7A still drives like a rocket ? It hasn't been fixed yet (if it is someday...)?

 

Still accelerates like a bat out of hell yes. It's noticeably faster than the LIRR variant.

 

Ditto, I like the route but the entrance to GCT is horrid

 

It accelerates like crazy - especially for a unit running on third rail DC power. I’m not familiar with the prototype though so I can’t say how the real one behaves.

 

Except LIRR has the 5mph restriction at Atlantic Terminal...

Gotta admit I sometimes decide to simply ignore those ridiculous speed limits. I'm simply not always in the mood for those boring tunnel sections.

 

Yes!!!

I think routes like LIRR were updated with more detailed scenery.

If you look at Northern Trans Penine just out of Leeds I think you can see how it used to be like.

Now it is amazing.

Not sure I think it was the preservation crew that did it.

Can someone clarify?

 

Ok !

The LIRR M7 has a maximum acceleration rate of about 0,7 m/s² while the MN M7A has an acceleration rate of 0,9 m/s². In TSW the LIRR M7 is pretty much accurate, but the MN M7A has a rate of 1,2 m/s² which is indeed way to high.

Shame that it has not been fixed, despite that I have discussed with DTG about this issue.

 

I sadly don't think it will be changed. The timetable is built with the performance numbers, so they would need to remake the entire M7A timetable if they fixed it.

 

There is so much slack in the timetable that I was a able to be on time pretty easily while trying to accelerate realistically with the M7A so theoretically it should be feasible. I also remember that AI trains accelerate realistically.

I think it's the player model that needs to be tweaked.

 

How do we know that it needs fixing? Maybe it’s like that in real life?

 

It's not. The M7 on LIRR is accurate. The M7A on Harlem accelerates much faster than it's real life specs.

 

+1

 

I like the Harlem route, but I stopped playing it when it became clear that it was infested with red light issues. Has DTG fixed these in the meantime?

 

Haven't run in any odd situations while succesfully completing Journey mode.

 

I refunded it because of the M7 physics, that spoilt it for me

 

Same !

 

LIRR has bigger potential...

 

I just completed the Journey and enjoyed it. Nothing to report as far as graphics, physics, hitching, etc. I used God Mode a few times to tweak weather and such. I am happy to have purchased it. I wish the displays were more functional, it would give me something to do at tunnel-time.
M7A Physics? I believe the math above, but I had no problems with it, didn't even notice until I read this thread. I also flight sim often and I read the forums about quirks in the sim with the physics, but I don't know about it until I read about it. My biggest complaint is with graphics, and I have a powerful PC IMHO. Every sim has it's weaknesses, be it graphical or physics anomalies with RL.

 

Indeed, I spent all of this weekend playing LIRR after a long, long time and thoroughly enjoyed the M3 services too - what's your favourite service types from LIRR? I've always liked the Hempstead branch.

Agreed, however with GC being super busy though it's quite nice to see a lot of other AI traffic coming and going.

There's also 5mph restriction at Belmont (the rare peak-time services).

I only bought the route last week and having completed nearly 20 services I've not encountered any timetable issues thus far, so it might be worth playing the route again; I think, if I remember correctly, DTG did some kind of fix not that long ago if anyone can confirm?

 

How are you liking the route? besides the NYC skyline that we all know is not really represented of what it actually looks like

 

Harlem Line is really enjoyable nonetheless, like yourself, if the timetable is decent, then some of the scenery I don't mind if not completely realistic. Of the route, I like the yard at North White Plains which means some more variety to the timetable thanks to a plethora of ECS services from here to GCT. Another thing, regarding stations, really surprised how short some of the stations are at places like Tremont etc which can only fit 2 cars?

 

Yea. Harlem line is my favorite US route until at least the new NYT timetable comes out. I actually lived in the Bronx about 25 years ago. Lots of changes coming with metro north going to penn station by 2027 and the new haven line adding 4 stations in the Bronx to go via the NEC and hells gate bridge through sunnyside into Penn

 

I think everybody is certainly looking forward to the updated NYT timetable, so excited!

Sounds interesting. I'd like to see more TSW routes that feature either Penn or GCT.

 

Let’s hope that’s what Matt was referring to digging smaller but deeper holes analogy. It sure would fit as both Penn and Grand central can be a reused station and assists to introduce a new route like the New Haven line or a new LIRR.

 

Yes, I certainly hope so, would be fantastic - same for the likes of Victoria/BML and regarding Brighton I'd like to see a West Coastway to complement the ECW for more 313 services.

 

Ok, who ever reads this, challenge is to take 3 screenshots on Harlem Line and make a post in
Awesome Tsw Service Mode Runs

 

OK.

I did a post on a run today.

https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/awesome-tsw-service-mode-runs.32010/page-26#post-691474

 

I enjoyed it and if you do a transfer move in the morning rush towards North White Plains via Crestwood you are stuck behind trains in both directions and use the PTC speeds to prevent a stop signal overrun the NTSB term for a British RAIB Signal Passed at Danger.

Another reason I liked the route was that it's M3 and M7s are PTC equipped since all US Railroads must be PTC equipped by the end of 2021 or 2022. Compare the M3s and M7s Harlem line to their LIRR versions which are only ATC even though LIRR has segments with PTC at that time. ​

 

It is quite complex and DTG and their US team deserves much credit for this.

 

I'm not aware that DTG has a " US team " as such unless you mean internally in Chatham. But even there I don't think there's a team exclusively dedicated to US routes.

I agree with you that the Harlem line is a very good route, if you can ignore the lack of a New York background. The timetable is what makes it fun to play.

 

They have at least one person that exclusively works on US routes, I see his name brought up a lot. I think he might be freelance though.

 

Much agreed, the timetable is absolutely key and is exactly - in addition to Harlem - why Boston Sprinter and Peninsula Corridor as well are among some of my top favourite passenger routes thanks as well to the extra loco DLC too.

 

i wish there would be more NYC in game like subways
i really enyoy the harlem / lirr and / trenton routes
harlem route is the best from them due to more services and is feeling more alive they could extend this route would be a big move !

 

Subways have already been shot down and won't happen any time in the near future. Mta only gives permission to use the branding. Overground routes are possible only because you can easily see the track on Google maps

 

thats sad to hear what is the problem from MTA side ?

 

They don't give any reference material and do not allow dtg to visit and gather reference material. I guess due to the amount of crime that happens, taking photos or videos is seen as suspicious. Best dtg can do is to use cab ride videos or someone else provides them the reference material. They are looking at ways to make it happen but unlikely to happen for the near future

 

rennekton#1349
thx 4 your detailled reply
i understand now

 

They will model every rail line in NYC and still you will say "I wish they would model this one".....
Your head doesn't know anything outside city limits.
I am in Australia mate and I am happy to just to get some decent routes.
At least 4 routes have been made with NYC in Train Sim World.

None in Japan or Australia.

If you went to Japan you would be writing "I want to see this Japanese route and that Japanese route" 10 times a day LOL

Enjoy and if you want more New York content go add it to the suggestions box.

Also a route editor is coming so if you want New York tracks so bad you will have the chance to make it yourself.

And there is already an unofficial editor......

Just enjoy.

Before any more New York routes I think 3-4 Japanese routes first and at least 2 Australian routes, a few Czech and Polish routes and Norway/Sweden/Denmark/Holland and another TGV/LGV route.

 

I love the Harlem line i live 2 Minutes and 16 seconds away from Melrose station

 

I'd really rather more UK/US routes. Some in the Pacific Northwest, or more around Boston would be great.

 

its better than the LIRR thats for sure