Hello everyone ! My first time on this side of the forums I played Train Simulator for some years on an old computer who passed away and then switched to TSW2 in early 2022. But we all know that the latter have a lack of content and compatibility... So I want to step back into TS and see what are all the options. But I don't know a single thing about TS. I heard about Amstrong Powerhouse and their enhancement pack or things like that. At the moment I have TSC + Bernina Line (The Tirano part), the Gottard DLC, a Norfolk Southern subdivision DLC, and another UK 3rd rail dlc. I've heard also that the ECML south is well done in game but apparently there are two versions ? So you can tell that I am a bit lost... Any help is appreciated ! Thanks
What are your interests? To start though, I would re-install your existing DLC and refamilarise yourself with TSC. Then think about what new stuff you might get.
Welcome back! A bit few to start off - what did you play back then? Did you pick Swiss edition maybe? Typical question is, what would you like to play, enjoy. What piques your interest. Old or new, big or small, passenger or freight, focus or variety. How much do you care about graphics. If you are generally uncertain, I'd pick up the current TSC edition, or just a few individual DLC with good reviews and matching what sounds good. Play a few weeks, and if you are hooked, consider expanding and there are indeed some 3rd party enhancements. If you end up playing 4 hours those would be a massive waste of investment.
I like a bit of everything, but I look for routes that arent represented in TSW to be honest. The ECML from King X to Peterborough seem quite nice. Or the Wherry lines from AP but this is... well complicated :
May I assume, then, that your primary interest is the UK? Simply put, AP products are for those who are deeply invested in TSC. However, in my understanding UK is the primary subject. Pragmatically, you just create a list of items to obtain, and prerequisites have higher priority than the route. There are two Portsmouth versions, given the non-specificity and the other two, I assume it's the old one (2011). Good news, old stuff is cheap. Bad news, it takes a couple hours until you get used to how it looks! The train requirements are often discussed. It adds realism, but it tends to start a chain reaction. TSC allows you to run scenarios with missing trains, those services will simply be ignored. There is also a tool called LocoSwap. In any event, I'd recommend the line starting with pragmatically and that's why I suggest "Steam first, then see". One more thing. When I started hoarding, I had a list, scoring and all. Over time I learned that it totally doesn't matter. I seem to enjoy random things. Review score helps a bit more than photos and description.
There is only one version of the ECML South as a standalone route https://store.steampowered.com/app/...ast_Main_Line_LondonPeterborough_Route_AddOn/
Thanks ! But I see that the livery on the 801 isn't the LNER one. Do I have to buy something or is it included somewhere else ?
DTG have not released the 801 in LNER livery as the route dates from 2013. You could either get a free repaint for the 801 in to LNER livery or purchase the AP Class 801 Enhancement Pack https://www.armstrongpowerhouse.com/enhancements/emu_ep/class_800-803_enhancement_pack The AP pack gives you the 801 in LNER livery in both 5 and 9 car versions 9 different liveries are included in this pack and you can also run the units on Diesel Power with the AP pack
Wherry Lines is also available on Steam as a complete package, though it's debranded and the AI stock isn’t really prototypical. ECML Kings Cross to Peterborough is a good route.
Understatement of the year right there... Over half a Tb and 2+ grand later (not including hardware costs) and there's still a lot of stuff I don't own, but I'd say 95% of the scenarios on ATS I can play without getting the missing assets pop up now (and LocoSwap takes care of the other 5%). Off the top of my head I can think of another £200 at least I could easily spend on payware that's piqued my interest recently. TSC can sure end up being one hell of a financial commitment.
