SandPatch Grade is arguably still the best freight route in the game, but in my opinion is in need of some TLC..here are my ideas that I hope DTG will bring to the table. FIRST OFF IS LOCO DLC First loco DLC: I’m recommending the CSXT SD70MAC, the SD70MAC is an older locomotive originally being built from 1993 to 2004. Over 1,100 units were built. Adding this older locomotive would give players a brand new EMD road unit along with a brand new cab to learn and use. The SD70MACs also had some nice horns on them as well that if done correctly would sound great on SPG. Second locomotive: The Second locomotive I'm suggesting is the CSXT SD80MAC, the SD80MAC would do amazingly well hauling coal on SandPatch, Witg the horsepower she has she would do great on coal trains especially on SPG going up those step gradients that the AC4400CWs can sometime struggle on, The SD80MAC would bring a classic locomotive from the Conrail era to life in TSW, she could be used on SandPatch Grade or Horseshoe Curve making her an amazing potential add on, the SD80MAC is a very famous American freight locomotive and would sell very well if done correctly. Third and final locomotive: The third and final suggestion is the ES44AH, The ES44AH would bring the “GEVO” to SandPatch grade which would allow players to have just another locomotive to explore and use on the Keystone Subdivision. Now onto ideas for upgrades/improvements on the AC4400CW, SD40-2, and GP38-2. Currently the CSXT AC4400CW has a few glitches. 1. the number board plates in the cab are wonky and either are half cut off or flicker, they also don’t light up sometimes when you turn in gauge lights, (specifically in the YN2 version) 2. Ditch Lights and Headlights, the Ditch lights are supposed to flash in an alternating pattern when the horn is blown, this feature has been broken since TSW 2. Now for the headlights themselves, being an old route the headlights aren’t up to TSW 4 “standards” yes American headlights still need work but it’s to the point you can’t even see them hit the ground at all on SPG at night and I guess to avoid the headlight issue DTG just made it brighter because even at 2AM it’s very bright for being nighttime in the mountains. 3. Alerter and cab signal. If the AC4400CW ever gets its major upgrade it deserves the Alerter to get a switch on the fuse panel instead of it being strictly keyboard binded, and finally the cab signals need to work, the cab signal box is already in the cab so just make it work..the year SPG takes place in (2017 iirc) which means the route is a cab signal route. for the GP38-2 and SD40-2 only thing I recommend is new sounds (same with the AC4400CW) its extremely boring to go between a six axle GE unit to a four axle Geep and hear the same exact engine and horn and bell sounds…very disappointing and should be fixed one day. The three units are in desperate need of a rebuild to TSW4 standards. If not at least swap engine and horn sounds..so they at least sound different. And the Dash 8 needs new sounds too. Along with a head end of train device fix. That’s all for now.
I think this is a good idea, but I would also like to see the AC6000CW and an extension to Connellsville.
CSX has been rebuilding their SD70MACs as SD70ACs. I would like to see the CSX Operation Lifesaver SD70AC included in the CSX SD70MAC DLC. Also, I want a UP SD70M on Sherman Hill or Cane Creek and a BNSF SD70MAC on Cajon Pass. NS also has SD70ACCs that are SD70s rebuilt with AC Traction Motors and upgraded electronics. Those should be added to NS HSC. The CSX locos I want: -ST70AH (SD70ACe-T4; no longer on roster, but should be added) -AC6000CW/ES46AH; also no longer on roster; CSX rebuilt most of their CW60ACs with GEVO-16 Prime Movers before selling them to Progress Rail -ET44AH -ES44AH (including military and heritage units) -SD40-3 -GP40-2/GP40-3 -GP38-3 -GP39-2/GP39-3 -Genset Switcher -MP15DC/AC/T -ET23DCM (rebuilt SD40-2 with 6-Cylinder GEVO Prime Mover)
SD70ace csx had a small roster of them sherman hill SD70ace could be used just need csx scheme and make a NS SD70ace for HSC do the heritage 70aces ..AC44cwm csx having lots of AC4400s redone into these
Impressive proposal. What do you think of a new timetable with longer more realistic (80-100car) trains like at Sherman Hill, Horseshoe Curve and Cajon Pass?
Keep dreaming guys. DTG is unable to fix the route not mentoning to update it. Now on, US freight should be expected only as support layer for passangers lines.
If DTG can't do it, perhaps some 3rd parties with american stuff will do it. And Simrail will bring out a northamerican route too. A bit competition is good for the market. Especially for american freight fans.
The sounds for GP38 and AC44 needs an major overhaul. Would be nice if Sand Patch gets the TSW4 upgrade like West Sommerset.
Its being done by Searchlight Simulatons, so you need to mainly keep your eyes on them, not Simrail themselves for more updates.
There might be plans to bring the AC44 over as well, but not sure if 100% confirmed. There were 3d scans of the holiday train, which is pulled by a GP20C-ECO. During that time they also scanned a SD40-2 that was there, but no plans on that loco.
