Linke Rheinstrecke: Mainz-koblenz

Such a pity that there will be no classic PIS. A little disappointed.

 

Yes, so am I. At least I would have liked to have had a commitment from DTG to bring them at a later stage, but it was pretty clearly mentioned that this is not guaranteed and I believe we know what that means.

Believe it or not, I am actually using them in game… This is certainly the biggest disappointment I have had for quite some time with the TSW brand. For me, and the way I am using them, it somehow takes a bit of the actual main benefit of a timetable mode away, which made this game shine in the past

 

I personally understand DTG’s decision to not implement a working PIS which they’re not happy with. In the roadmap stream, Matt stated they’re still looking into the complexities of the old PIS, so I’m assuming the PIS they were planning on implementing for Linke Rheinstrecke was a modern PIS with changed textures and colors… which would have been utterly inaccurate since they didn’t use proper screens, but instead some sort of rotating board system back then. So I’m glad they didn’t put that in the route.

Matt however made it sound like they had at least some kind of accurate, but non-working PIS model. Not sure why this wasn’t added… even non-working (but otherwise accurate) PIS would have made the platforms less deserted and the era the route is set in more apparent.

 

One thing I don’t think we’ve discussed yet is this tidbit in the roadmap concerning the 103:

Seems like the Trafoumschaltung is modelled then. I wasn’t sure it was going to be since I imagine it’s a lot of work in Simugraph and I don’t think it was used a lot (if at all) anymore at that time because of the incredible strain it put on the locos.

 

Nice catch, didn’t realise that it would be modelled. If this is modelled it would have made sense to model the AFB as well, which was actually not to be used any more past 1996, but still useable on many 103s (as the Trafoumschaltung was as well, I believe). Curious what we will be able to use, in the end…

 

The in-game Avmmz 106 (< Avmz 207) and Bpmmz 284 ( < Bpmz 292) coaches IRL are overhauled Eurofima (ie UIC X) coaches built in the late 1970s - although in their present remodeled forms they are twenty years too new for the route

 

AIUI, the 103 was the first locomotive to have AFB, as well as LZB since it was the first loco designed to run at 200.

 

That is correct, but the AFB had a very negative impact on maintenance costs, as it constantly switched the engines up and down and, hence, was not used in later years. It remained operational, though, on many of them (only the later builds).

 

Oh, right- although the 103 seems a "modern" engine it was still a tap-changer.

 

It’s a real shame that breakdowns or malfunctions can’t be simulated as they were not uncommon back then. A YouTuber of interest to the German speaking audience might be Der Silberling, who works in train maintenance and has done so for many decades.

He explained at length how the KWS system on the Br 110s constantly broke down and made drivers drive ‘blind’ in the cab cars, resulting in lots damage over time.

 

Definitely true, even though, with KWG we got the theoretical chance of a LZB malfunction, as demonstrated in one of the scenarios. But certainly there is no wear and tear. So, even if the 103 came with the AFB, I would happily use it, as I don’t have to fear any consequences…

And, of course, who does not know der Silberling… certainly watched several videos from him. Especially entertaining when he starts to talk about the usual life in his job and the anecdotes

 

Tragically my German isn't good enough to understand him.

 

They could have layered in local freight with the BR 204, which is a dual-purpose engine. Unless 97 is too early for an ex-DR shunter to be seen in the west.

 

Especially for an ex DR Shunter in Traffic Red. Dont get me wrong, I'd be all in for a timetable as busy as possible even with Stock that hasnt an era appropriate Livery (no completely inappropriate trains though)
The most realistic options they missed are the 101 substitution for the 103 (No own layer with its modern coaches) and shunting with the 363 or Niddertalbahns 365. That would be great, realistic, and doable additions to the timetable (No livery changes etc required).

But I must say i like the sound of the timetable, 350 services with the 628 Layer included sounds good, and I hope that the showcase tomorrow prooves that the route isnt empty.

 

You can get automatic subtitles in English, however, I agree that it is not the same, especially as all the technical terms will most probably not be correctly represented…

 

DTG needs to change the wall switches by replacing AWS TPWS DSD with PZB LZB Sifa Dutch ATB EG/NG and Belgian TBL & Memor II making it a DB BR266 which has those

 

Well, I wouldn’t since that’s how it was operated. But to each their own

Oh, yes. Those are the sorts of stories you can’t find anywhere else and would be lost to time but for people like him.

Really sorry about that. He is one of the ones that can give you real insight into the everyday life with the Bundesbahn, how it changed over time, and how the decisions made by the higher-ups affected everyday work. Also, he has a real knack for teaching. He explains complicated mechanical/electrical systems in a way accessible to everybody. You could try the subtitles but unfortunately, I doubt they’ll end up being comprehensible with all of the technical and railroading jargon.

 

Instead of that one they should have used it's Deutsche Bundesbahn direct equivalent DB BR211 212 214 V100 it has been made in train simulator classic rodachtalbahn

On this route it would end up doing three things switching local freight and N-wagen runs if applicable to do so

 

I wonder why they haven't already, "quick cash" if anything and the loco is lovely.

 

New screenshots!

 

I see on the IC cars they replaced the outside PIS screens with the old-style card holders.

This is a model, but I couldn't find a real 107 pic in O-rot

 

Haha…overall my "racing" is more metaphorical than literal. I like to keep my scenarios as realistic as possible so I actually stick to the speed limits for the most part. Though sometimes I’ll go 5-8km/h over to make up for a delay or to test out AI train reactions. (When I first began playing TSW I played around with the speed to see how the game handles speeding and derailments.)

On a winding line with lots of tight curves anything over about 100km/h seems fast, especially if you place the cameras strategically and on MSB when running a BR101 hauled IC the wheel squeal sounds are very very realistic and add to the speed feeling.

 

I have mixed feelings. I really, really love the 103 - she is the most beautiful electric loco ever. So I would love to buy this route.
But this time the negative points keep piling up and the negative experience from Bremen let me hesitate.
1.) No PIS and I have no confidence that this will ever come
2.) No slammer doors, no restaurant, no first class on the IC Coaches, and seeing that I have no confidence that we will get IR Coaches with a proper Bistro coach
3.) Even though the seenic looks good, I was not overwhelmed
4.) For an IC route it is, I'm sorry, too short. At least it should start from Köln or Bonn to Mainz - or from Koblenz to Frankfurt. These hour long, not terminating routes bore me to death
5.) No 101 even though THATs the time when she took over the IC services. This should be the route where they mix.

The 103 though looks good, sounds good. Thats positive. I think the lighting is amazing. The 110 looks good. I don't mind the modern ICE 1, but this makes me even more furious that we don't get the 101.

This does not mean, I will not buy this rout. Probably when Niddertal comes out I take a chance also on Linke Rheinstrecke. But DTG has done a great job in undermining my confidence into the products they release.

 

2) Those coaches did not have slam doors. Doors are correctly pictured. There are also first class coaches on the IC.
5) Yes, it is a pitty that 101 does not substitute with a very low chance. 101 were already seen then, but did not run much on this route, therefore a low substitution (like 5%) would be greatly appreciated.

 

Which is realistic.

Not true.

Personally, i wouldn't care if we instead get the cab car. Then I'm really happy to not have the bistro instead. Developing a coach is more development-instense then one would think.

 

I can live with this on a classic route based in the 90s. And for sure dtg made the right decision instead of putting modern pis.

I remember me using the timetable, which was there as paper poster, well not on that route, but i love the classic time back in the 90s.

 

Based on the live stream I've just preordered the Linke Rheinstrecke. It seems like a fun and scenic route to me, can't wait to get familiar with it.

 

...very good stream yesterday. The Lidar topic, i.e. the combination of radar with laser measurement, was very interesting too. As a result, the Rhine valley could be transferred into the UE4 with an accuracy of up to one meter. Such a precise surface representation would not have been possible using Google Earth data alone. A separate article about it in the next roadmap can be useful.

The route itself looks gorgeos, so many castles and my personal highlight: the BR103. It still offers space for additional future train addons, such as a BR120 with blue/white Interregios or romantic railtours with this steam loco from the poster in the Training Center.

 

Not really, as the IR-services are already included with the BR 103 and the IC-coaches
But I would wish for such a loco-DLC. (but please with cab car)

 

Yeah the Route looks lovely, but there is one thing that kinda bothers me.
In the roadmap of march there was something written about the inclusion of Avmz and Bvmz ic coaches, but when I watched the stream I noticed that there definitely were Bpmz coaches.
These only have one large seating area. The real Bvmz (with compartments) look like this: (sorry for the poor quality)

 

So why did they not do the Bvmz like mentioned in the roadmap?

 

It wont sub on other routes, as it wouldnt be realistic in revenue service on any other route.

There might will be some scenarios though

 

Tbh, I am not sure this low substitution rate would be correct. Fun fact, in 1998 already around 44% of all 103 / 101 hauled trains between Koblenz and Mainz were 101 services. At 16:30 in the stream you hear Lukas actually state the timetable is set in 98 (in contradiction to what was said at the beginning, 97). If it was set in 1997 it would depend on the exact time in the year. At the beginning there were 0%, at the end probably already around 20% (this is a guess, due to the way the site www.fernbahn.de is set up, its not as easy to check for this year). But it should not be forgotten that at the end of 1997, DB already operated around 60 of them.

Either way, I would be happy if it would substitute at all!

 

In this era the IRs were generally always pulled by 103s, sometimes 110s.

 

I have just made an expansion pack suggestion, where I explain my idea for putting the BR 120 and IR coaches in the same pack but not actually using them together on the route. This could work I think.

 

You are correct and I did propose a route for them the missing link between Hauptstrecke Rhein Ruhr Rhein Ruhr Osten & Ruhr Sieg Nord Bahnstrecke Bochum/Dortmund-Witten Hagen. Where they run freight services. in the case of DB Baureihe 145 Doppelstockwagen and freight

 

Watching the preview stream, I have to say the route looks really lovely and promising. Love the feel of it, much more charming than modern german stuff. The scenery seems very well made, might be one of the bests in the game in overall, from what I have seen so far. That being said, there were a few negative things I have spotted:

• track right of way looked a bit empty at places
  
• hard to tell due to video compression, but the catenary wire seemed to be missing at one section of the route
• there was an area where the water in the river was gray and non-reflective
• obvious (lack of) tunnel lighting. I know they said it will be fixed by release, but how can you showcase a route like this?
• not 100% sure, but it looked like cars still have yellow rear licence plates?

But looking forward to it. After the flop that New York - Trenton was, this seems much better.

 

Judging my Matts comments about it, he was under the impression that he had the right build installed, and only discovered it was the wrong one when playing. He intended to play on the newest build, which didn't have this problem.