Spirit Of Steam Speculation

DTG still hasn't given us a clue about which steam train and route they are doing. If I was to guess what it is, it might be related to the holiday which is Christmas, therefore I think it might be the POLAR EXPRESS, LOL because of the title? What do you guys think it is?

 

I highly doubt Spirit of Steam releases this year, so it's not going to be Polar Express. Getting right to using Polar Express would probably be a ton of money anyway.

 

Polar Express route from when I've watched the movie is entirely fictional with totally unrealistic gradients, trains skidding over ice and "steering" by alternating the throttle and brake etc. If/when we do get the steam route, hopefully will be something iconic (see my signature) but rooted firmly in reality both in terms of geography and steam traction physics.

 

I'm not particularly into kettles, but if they release the northern end of the S+DJR then I'd buy it. That really would be awesome.

 

A chance to make money on smoke-machine add-on products too, to simulate the conditions on the tough climbs in those tunnels out of Bath!

 

The Polar Express would be a crazy route. It would bring unique challenges with steering on the icy lake, the insane gradients that are exactly like a roller coaster, and the ability to curve the entire train to unrealistic degrees around a mountain. Would look neat with the scenic winter views and the North Pole.

 

That is not what TSW is about though. A mountain route with challenging gradients but set firmly in reality would, however, be a good test of steam driving (and firing) skill.

 

Jones the Steam?

 

I remember watching that as a child. In fact I probably have more affinity with Ivor than Sodor!

And as a child back in the sixties, sure I can remember reading a series of books which had a branch line railway as a focus. One of the characters, possibly the driver, was called Ollie Took but I can’t for the life of me remember what the books were called. Then you had the “Railway People” I think it was called about a lad who found his model railway inhabited by a group of tiny real miniature people.

 

I like to get the one from Back to the Future Part III please...

 

As in the movie loco, or the real life loco used in the movie? As i can support the latter, Sierra #3 and a route set around Jamestown could be a good small steam/heritage route to get DTGs feet wet with US steam.

 

Wait, I got it.

This whole time, Train Sim World has been limited to just the train tracks. Well, we've had enough of that "train track" nonsense. Let's explore somewhere truly unique and brand new, with the most powerful steam locomotive: Krazy Train

 

Why not both? :P

 

DTG need to do this train:

 

Unfortunately if you look on the Roadmap, under the Code heading. You will see that the first steam route is British

 

We all knew it was going to be British anyway and it's very much not unfortunate its good

 

Matt said that y'all don't need to expect big things for now, its theit first steam engine and it'll not eb f.e. A4 yk, maybe some slow route or something like that

 

Nothing unfortunate here, it’s great

It makes perfect sense that the first steam route is British, not only is it DTG’s home country making it easier reference-wise, the UK is also where it all started.

I’m sure German & US steam routes will soon follow the UK one.

 

I know, but the person who made the thread was expecting an American route.

 

They were actually expecting a route based on a fictional film judging by the OP

Honestly, the chance of them making any DLC based on a film/TV show/book series is basically 0. Not least because such things would be a licensing nightmare.

 

Fine, I vote for Ivor.
edit: Although, I just watched a clip and he's only got 4 wheels!
It does bring us to branch line vs express train though.

 

Strictly speaking, it’s a real loco (GWR Hall) fitted with a fictional nameplate.

 

Just getting in before this sets off a whole bunch of wild speculation that either a GWR Hall will be one of the locos included or it's going to be the West Highland Line where they filmed. Or King's Cross ECML of course.

 

Not strictly loco related but one item I'd like to see on a UK steam era route, single track anyway, is the token exchange. As the driver you would physically have to accept a token from the signaller (and return at the end of the section). This could even have application if we get modern single line routes, under "No Signalman Token" (NSTR) arrangements, where the driver goes to the hut and operates the token machines. For Scotland and the Cambrian Coast (in the case of the latter, post conventional token and pre ERTMS) you could simulate Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB).

 

If I have to guess a British Southern Railway Battle of Britain locomotive with Optional Female face covering the the front access for the smokestack there for turning it into Thomas and friends Rebecca. US UP Big Boy Challenger PRR K4 When it comes to Germany we are going to have them in two forms the West German DB BR 010 Freida DB BR086 from TS22 Wutachtalbahn route DB BR024 TS22 Workshop Wednesday seeburgbahn. Lastly German Democratic Republic (Deutsche Demokratische Republik) Deutsche Reichsbahn DDR DR18 201

DR 65.10

DR 58.30

 

Also it would be good to see reporting codes where relevant on the front of (for example) WR trains, and named trains too (with nameplates if possible / realistic).

 

Imagine that would be the case, that will be mind blowing.

 

The Polar Express is the Pere Marquie I believe.

 

Ah you say that Natalie, but bookies across the country have just reduced the odds on Fort William to Mallaig from 3/1 to Evens. Riviera Line (for the Hall) has gone from 5/1 to 3/2.

 

I like Natalie’s suggestion.

Either of the those two would be good.

I would love to see the Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster to Bridgnorth in the route at some stage soon.

 

that would be an awesome route, starting at Kings X platform 9 3/4, over the Glenfinnan Viaduct before pulling in at Goathland with Hogwarts in the background. But Id expect to see flying Ford Anglia's and a fully modelled Quidditch match in progress as we made our way along the line.

If DTG would struggle with licensing the Hogwarts Express then Id settle for the Island of Sodor.

 

I'd like a route for grown ups, instead of fantasizing about children's playthings.
If you want Harry Potter, the bookshops and movie houses are open.

 

Amen. However (hopefully) most of the discussion is firmly tongue in cheek. Guess we may find out tomorrow what the route is and maybe cross one off my wishlist below.

 

I would love this, unfortunately expensive licenses exist

It's the "New Journeys Expansion" tomorrow, and "Steam the Story so Far" is on Saturday 20:00 UTC both days

 

Okay, will have to wait a little longer!

 

Model Railway companies use Thomas and other such trains to entice the younger generation into their hobby, and personally whilst in all seriousness Id be unlikely to purchase such a TSW route, a simplified loco control Thomas route (or similar) could be a real money maker for DTG which can only be a good thing for the Sim in general surely?

 

If we're talking fictional, my first choice is located on Sodor but doesn't involve the main cast everyone knows.



I'd have to go with the Skarloey Railway I always loved the set pieces of this narrow gauge line.

 

Ah, thanks, DTG Natster. To quote Churchill, " I will sleep the sleep of the saved and thankful. "

 

Thats such a good shout!
That line was beautifully modeled it would really be awesome!

 

Fair enough

 

Bring back memories to those who remember.

 

True but it does exist in a way as the Talyllyn railway, which the Skarloey railway was inspired by. It would also be a very beautiful route in TSW.

I remember when I was younger there was a very interesting book in the library written by Rev'd Awdry about the Island of Sodor. It brought it to life and was a guide to all the town and villages and industries mentioned in the stories, plus the locomotives and what they were based on. Last time I saw a copy on ebay it was heading for the £100 mark.

 

I have just been watching part of the Welsh Highland cab ride Blu-ray (the persistent commentary is a bit of a PITA) and couldn't help but think would also be a wonderful drive in TSW.

 

Did mean to add... if they don't cuss it up!

 

Talking of the 'Polar Express' We had that here in my local town, the track is just a few miles long but apparently the licence to get that wasn't cheap. I didn't see it, not interested in that sort of thing but it sold quite well I'm told.

Speculating on a route I'd love the first inter-city route where it all began, Liverpool-Manchester driving the Northumbrian or Rocket which pulled freight at that time but I guess the Rocket might be a bit to 'violent' for DTG I'm a great admirer of Brunel as well so GWR set in 40/50's would be good as well.

 

No sorry Vern, no interest in english owned tourist railways buddy.