Having read the Roadmap and the rather pleasant surprise of a new developer - SimTrack Studios - joining the TSW crew, adding to an ever increasing number of developers, I thought: "I wonder how these third parties stack up?" For those of us interested in UK Content, the future looks bright. Germany has the ever wonderful TSG, and East Asia is on the horizon, you'd think, with Union Workshop to come into things... Sorry America. Of course, with the community now having access to the Editor as well, you'd imagine this will slowly begin to become a bigger list here, but we'll start from now on. Here's a comprehensive list of third parties and their DLCs to date: RIVET Games Twitter/X: @RivetGames TSW2: DB BR 204 4.9/10 TSW2: Isle of Wight (R) 4.9/10 (Steam) TSW2: Arosa Linie (R) 4.8/10 TSW2: 1938 Tube Stock (L) 6.4/10 TSW2: West Cornwall Local (R) 5.6/10 TSW2: RhB Anniversary Collection (G) 6.4/10 TSW2: Luzern - Sursee (R) 4.5/10 TSW2: Island Line 2022 (R/L) 7.4/10 TSW3: Edinburgh - Glasgow (R) 6.0/10 TSW3: West Cornwall Steam Railtour (G) 5.3/10 TSW4: Bernina Line (R) Overview Post: --- Discussion Thread: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/new-rivet-games-swiss-route-teaser.75843/ TSW4: EDN - Engineering Express (G) Overview Post: --- Discussion Thread: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/engineering-express-discussion-thread.75941/ TSW4: Arosa Aggregates (G) Overview Post: --- Discussion Thread: Skyhook Games TSW2: Cane Creek (R) 4.7/10 TSW2: DB BR 187 (L) 2.6/10 TSW2: Horseshoe Curve (R) 6.6/10 TSW3: Midland Mainline (R) 4.3/10 TSW3: NS Heritage Livery Pack (G) 7.1/10 TSW4: UnID Gameplay Pack (G) Overview Post: N/A Discussion Thread: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/skyhook-games-uk-gameplay-pack-speculation.75896/ Train Sim Germany (TSG) TSW2: G6 Shunter (L) 8.1/10 TSW3: Niddertalbahn (R) 8.1/10 TSW: DB BR 420 (L) Overview Post: --- Articles: --- Discussion Threads: --- Just Trains TSW4: Blackpool Branches (R) Overview Post: --- Discussion Thread: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/th...kpool-preston-ormskirk-official-thread.72520/ (*Official Thread*) SimTrack Studios TSW4: Regional Railways BR 323 (G) Overview: --- Discussion: Key and Notes (R) - Route Add-on (L) - Loco Add-on (G) - Gameplay/Livery Add-on Articles include Roadmap Articles that introduce or expand upon a DLC. 'Discussion Thread' prioritises the biggest or most popular thread on the topic. Article threads don't count. Conclusion (to the OP) This thread is designed to keep an eye on all things third party over the course of the next six-or-so months - with a lot looking to be on the horizon - and make everything, from articles, to discussion threads, to overviews/'what to expect' rundowns of a specific upcoming DLC, to third party news, all in one place. Hopefully this thread will make it easier to keep on top of what's new, and also make information on older third party content easily accessible. This OP, as you'll soon see, isn't all. Stay tuned. EDIT 10/11 - For clarity: All ×.××/10 scores are sourced from Steam DB. I have taken the % shown (of reviews, which are positive) and converted it into a decimal out of 10. For example: 65% = 6.5/10. The data is still accurate and this has been done simply to keep a simple format, to reduce the amount of space in each post, and to make rounded figures clearer.
Arosa Aggregates Let's start off small, shall we? Release: 21st November, 2023 Developer: Rivet Games Price: £9.99*/€11.99/$14.99 *£9.49 on Playstation Store Type: Gameplay/Livery Pack Arosa Aggregates is the second add-on for the Arosa Linie, following on from the RhB Anniversary Collection. Featuring two new liveries for the RhB Ge 4/4 II locomotive, as well as a new wagon for, well, aggregates, this brings a new bit of colour and freight action to the Arosa Linie. Features: A new Arosa Linie timetable 5 new Scenarios RhB FAC Aggregate Wagon Two new liveries for the RhB Ge 4/4 II No. 622 Haoke Tozan Railway No. 629 Neubau Albulatuneel Articles: November 2023 Roadmap: https://live.dovetailgames.com/live...ticle/train-sim-world-4-roadmap-november-2023 Store Pages (and Reviews) Steam: N/A EGS: N/A PS: N/A Xbox: N/A
Engineering Express For: ScotRail Express: Edinburgh - Glasgow Release: 21st November, 2023 Developer: Rivet Games Price: £9.99*/€11.99/$14.99 *£9.49 on Playstation Store Type: Gameplay/Livery Pack Now, in Scotland, we also have a freight-focused DLC. Pick up two new liveries for the BR Class 66, as well as an emergency coupler to connect the unit with the ScotRail Class 385 (featured in the route) Features: "More Gameplay on the ScotRail Express route" "Engineering movements" "Daring drags" 5 new Scenarios Additional timetable on Edinburgh-Glasgow YGB Seacow Wagon, in 2 liveries: Painted Blue Unpainted Grey 2 new liveries for the Class 66: Ocean Network Express (ONE) Magenta Direct Rail Services (DRS) Blue. Emergency Coupler to connect 66 and 385 Articles November 2023 Roadmap: https://live.dovetailgames.com/live...ticle/train-sim-world-4-roadmap-november-2023 Store Pages (and Reviews) Steam: N/A EGS: N/A PS: N/A Xbox: N/A
Regional Railways BR 323 For: Birmingham Cross City Release: TBC Developer: SimTrack Studios Price: TBC Type: Gameplay/Livery Pack What time is it? Here in the West Midlands, it's time for a British Rail throwback! Making their debut with this reskin for the Class 323 as SimTrack Studios - with this the first of many projects! Features: “Our first product will be the Regional Railways liveried Class 323, alongside a set of scenarios that bring a splash of colour to the Midlands. We picked this as getting reference material was straight forward, alongside that Cross-City is a popular route and lots of players will be able to enjoy this.” - November 2023 Roadmap Articles November 2023 Roadmap: https://live.dovetailgames.com/live...ticle/train-sim-world-4-roadmap-november-2023 Store Pages (and Reviews) Steam: N/A EGS: N/A PS: N/A Xbox: N/A
Steam DB - after converting the % scores shown there into a score /10. Although, I have ignored any re-releases (e.g. TSW3-Compatable Isle of Wight)
I think that might be a bit misleading, since Steam review scores are the percentage of users that recommend it.
Blackpool Branches Preston - Blackpool & Ormskirk Release: November 14th Developer: Just Trains (Debut) Price: Type: Route Add-on Hello? It's the 80's calling! Take a step back to the end days of British Rail - the times of sectorisation make their debut in the TSW franchise, courtesy of the fantastic Just Trains! It's a very busy route with the Class 142 'Pacer', Class 47 and Class 08 all included as default! Of course, this is just a master thread for all of the articles and to make everything abundantly clear - I couldn't possibly summarise everything. Be sure to read through all of the articles below! Features: 48 Mile route featuring the following as seen in 1986: Preston - Ormskirk Preston - Blackpool (North and South) Burn Naze Branch 19 highly detailed stations Class 142 ‘Pacer’ DMU... Three liveries: BR Provincial Blue BR Skipper Chocolate and Cream Greater Manchester Orange Three transmission types (different sounds) - Leyland TL11 Diesel engine with the RRE5 gearbox (1985-1988) Leyland T11 Diesel Engine with the Voith hydraulic T211r gearbox (1988-1991) 3. Cummins LTA10-R Diesel Engine with the Voith hydraulic T211r gearbox (1993-1996 - onwards). TSW4 Suspension Physics Unique interiors for each livery Destination Displays for: Blackpool Branches Tees Valley Line Northern Transpennine West Cornwall Local Announcements for: Blackpool Branches West Cornwall Local Class 47/4 diesel locomotive... Three Liveries: BR Blue (as seen in NTP) BR Large Logo Blue InterCity 49 Nameplates Upgrades/fixes from NTP: Added light source for high intensity light New smoke effect Alteration to the timings of the train brake valve Improvements to the air brake distributor and loco brake timings Made Goods timings work Fixed coupler animation Added stop on brake valve to prevent accidentally bypassing Emergency into Neutral Added air brake sounds Added new Brake screech, brake rub, Flange and track run sounds and wiper sounds Added subtle light sources to fault lights and gauge lights to aid in night time driving Made fault lights indicate dim when normal and bright when a fault is indicated Altered how the locomotive loads to aid in starting heavy trains in low adhesion Fixed tail lamp appearing underneath the loco -Plated over steam heat vent Removed steam heat control and gauges from cab Added high intensity switch in cab Added covers for marker light at one end Fixed wheel blur issue Class 08 ‘Gronk’ shunter, for use at Blackpool and Preston... Two Liveries: BR Blue 08744 'Wigan TMD' And the following changes: Alterations to brake timings to bring closer to reality Adjusted how the locomotive loads to add further realism New smoke effect Adjustments to lights Cab retexture Representation of a typical livery put out by Crewe Works at the time Mk. 1 BG coaches in four liveries, including; Newspaper Blue Parcels Blue Mk. 2a FK and TSO coaches in Blue & Grey livery TEA 100T bogie tank wagons Five scenarios Five types of Collectable in 100 locations. Two Mastery challenges Three Achievements Many layers Many uniquely moddled landmarks and buildings along the route, including the illuminated Blackpool Tower and Blackpool Pleasure Beach Accessable Signal boxes at Blackpool North No. 2, Salwick and the disused St Annes. Extensive, true-to-life, real-world 24-hour summer timetable with over 250 drivable services and numerous AI workings Period-accurate signalling, including semaphores. Single and double-track running Period-accurate clutter, vehicles, signage and posters - everywhere. Articles JT Dev Updates: https://www.justtrains.net/in-devel...blackpool-branches-preston-blackpool-ormskirk DTL Articles: - https://live.dovetailgames.com/live/train-sim-world/articles/article/tsw4-roadmap-part1-23rd-august - https://live.dovetailgames.com/live.../article/train-sim-world-roadmap-october-2023 - https://live.dovetailgames.com/live...ticle/train-sim-world-4-roadmap-november-2023 -https://live.dovetailgames.com/live/train-sim-world/articles/article/blackpool-branches-coming-soon - https://live.dovetailgames.com/live...ticle/train-sim-world-4-roadmap-november-2023 Videos: Preston Timelapse Pacer Preview Pacer First Look Preview Stream (Nov 9th) https://www.youtube.com/live/IlOn_z11sJo?si=EizccoVS-tzuNyOO Store Pages (and Reviews) Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/...ches_Preston__Blackpool__Ormskirk_Route_AddOn EGS: N/A PS: N/A Xbox: N/A
Engineering Express: DRS As posted in Yoinkermcskoinker's Engineering Express discussion thread, Rivet shared some images of the Seacow Wagons and DRS Liveried Class 66: Join the Discussion here: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/engineering-express-discussion-thread.75941/ Rivet Games Forum Thread: https://forums.rivet-games.com/foru...ss-gameplay-pack-available-november-21st-2023
Bernina Line Ospizio Bernina - Tirano Release: TBC Developer: Rivet Games Price: TBC Type: Route For those of you outside of the UK, all hope is not lost! Rivet- In all seriousness; Switzerland makes it's third appearance in the TSW Series with the Bernina Line, a 30.3km section of the 60.7 km line from Tirano to, in reality, St. Moritz - in game, the northern terminus is Ospizio Bernina. Rivet brought us to Switzerland for the first, second and now third time. And, with the inclusion of Tirano, they bring us to Italy! Tirano station is adjacent to the Italian State Railways station (difference track gauges and all), however it is firmly within the Republic of Italy. So, upon the release of this DLC, TSW will welcome it's 8th country - joining the "Big 3", neighbours France, Austria and Switzerland, as well as Canada. But, that's not what all this is about. Features 30km line from Tirano, IT to Ozpizio Bernina, CH - roughly half of the real line. Rhaetian Railway ABe 8/12 Allegra [1] Uses the RhB Coaches from Arosa Linie, coupled to the rear of the Allegra. [2] Representation of Lago Bianco - the Watershed between the Danube and Po [3] The famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct [4] LIDAR representation of the Swiss Alps. Images [1] - The Rhaetian Railway ABe 8/12 Allegra [2] - RhB Coaches coupled to the Allegra [3] - Lago Bianco at Ospizio Bernina. [4] - Brusio Spiral Viaduct Articles Rivet Forums Posts https://forums.rivet-games.com/foru...nnouncing-bernina-line-ospizio-bernina-tirano DTL Articles https://live.dovetailgames.com/live...ticle/train-sim-world-4-roadmap-november-2023
Definitely, I think MML is worth higher than 4, but also think Niddertal isn't worth 8. (Found it overly boring vs MMLs busier timetable)
MML is definitely worth higher than that. The 158, and HST are well modeled and fun to drive. The 158 especially is very good, with good audio and the guard system simulated. The route isn't bad either, just some minor bugs.
I am well aware, but I tend to find steam reviews generally either largely negative or overwhelmingly positive, never a true, honest, gritty opinion. Especially as some 'positive' reviews are tollish, like on DayZ and a positive review being "killed a man for beans 10/10", when at the time, it was a generally regarded bad game.
Good scenery and quality unfortunately doesn't outweigh the fact it is, for the most part, a slow and relatively boring run. I ran one service and refunded it because it was just didn't draw me in like other routes.
Of the 22 reviews listed in the OP, 11 are within a range of 1.5 from 5/10 - meaning half of them are mixed. There's a few others between 6.5 and 7, as well. There is hardly a swing from "Overwhelmingly Positive" to "Largely Negative" here. Even on steam, the majority of Rivet and Skyhook's TSW DLCs are "Mixed". Reviews are the only really way of gauging how people feel about a product. Your opinion. The reviews are, clearly, not judging it on the pacing of the route - which is a byproduct of the real route, not TSG's recreation. It would be extremely unfair to TSG for people to negatively review it because it's slow. Reviews are also only submitted by people who own the DLC, or, simply: people who are interested in that type of content. They are able to ignore the "boring" side of it (or else they wouldn't be playing it) and look at it for what it is; a really, really well made route. Niddertalbahn is an 8.1 (Steam shows it as 90%, Steam DB shows it as 81% - going with the latter) because thats what people who like that kind of route have decided what it is. Not someone who found it boring and threw it in the bin.
Which, again, is why I feel you shouldn't turn the Steam review scores into out of 10 scores and should just leave them as what they are - that X% of reviewers recommend this DLC.
80% = 8/10 users recommend this. 65% = 6.5/10 users... etc. It is an extremely simple mathematical conversion that has no impact on the point being made, nor the reliability of the scores.
For the sake of remaining civil, I will retract my comments, like Fawx, I agree this method is sound, despite my, honestly, hatred of reviews as trustworthy and reliable sources of information for purchases. (As I could waffle on for hours about their flaws and misuses) Especially those on Steam and other digital gaming platforms.
There is a difference between "seven out of ten people recommend something" and "on average, people gave something a rating of 7/10", and using X/10 implies the latter.
I wonder when we will hear any actual news about Union Workshop's route. At least news about their plans or scope (what route, trains, etc) or maybe some WIP screenshots? I assume they must have at least a few models or something that could be shown to peak interest.
Dtg replied in the November q/a thread and they just said there will be announcements on what they're making when they are ready. It could be like middle to late next year since jt took about a year and a half
This is.. Blackpool North... Today is the day! Blackpool Branches: Preston - Blackpool and Ormskirk - Just Trains' first route - is HERE! Isn't it exciting? Take life at your own pace in the Northwest of England, through the fields and towns from the bustle of Preston Station on the West Coast Mainline, through to the famous seaside town in Blackpool: including the branch to meet Merseyrail at Ormskirk! 46 Miles, three trains + plenty of services, layers and coaching stock. What are you waiting for? Well, perhaps you're not sure. There's plenty of video content available from official channels (Dovetail and JT) - including two preview streams, so, if you're on the fence, you can watch these and see! Some are in the quoted section from a few posts prior, and the others will be below. I'll compile some Ambassador/YouTuber videos of the route later. Just Trains Preview Stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/AI8x7t_4rs8?si=tbNUlX-YYNO-kyUG 'Out Now' Trailer Spoiler: Note re; Trailer I realise trailers aren't great for the purposes of making a judgement on a product; but it's there so you can see what things like like. Enjoy. Maybe you have decided you want the route? Well, have I got news for you? Yes. I do! All platforms have the DLC live for you to pick up at your leisure: Playstation EU/GB https://store.playstation.com/en-gb/product/EP2866-PPSA15729_00-TSW4PRESTONBLACK Playstation US https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP3004-PPSA15730_00-TSW4PRESTONBLACK Xbox EU/GB https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/st...-blackpool-ormskirk-route-add-on/9p4336b7zq4l XBOX US https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/st...-blackpool-ormskirk-route-add-on/9p4336b7zq4l Steam https://store.steampowered.com/sub/887815/ Epic Games Store https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/train-sim-world-4--preston-blackpool-ormskirk Just Trains This route is also available on the Just Trains website - which will provide you with a Steam key. https://www.justtrains.net/product/train-sim-world-4-blackpool-branches-preston-blackpool-ormskirk Additional Information and Screenshots can be found in the Out Now Article: https://live.dovetailgames.com/live/train-sim-world/articles/article/blackpool-branches-out-now And finally, as you'll be sure to enjoy/rely upon: The Blackpool Branches Manual! https://dxhb0it26is40.cloudfront.ne...reston_Blackpool_and_Ormskirk_TSW4_Manual.pdf (If the direct PDF link doesn't work, try Just Trains' website. It's over there ) With all that out the way: Welcome to TSW, Just Trains! Enjoy the route folks!
Would get it right away if it weren't a TSW4 exclusive. But sadly I don't plan on buying TSW4 just for this. Wish there was a "starter bundle" like we had a year ago with TSW3.
Imo TSW should have a free core - Training Centre only - so people can try the game, and then they can buy whatever they want from there. People shouldn't be forced to buy a route they don't want, just so that they can buy a route they do want. I made a suggestion for such when TSW4 was announced, but I'm planning on making a more in depth discussion thread on the subject.
There's barely anything besides extremely basic screenshots or articles or anything. Better to add once there's more info
I'm brushing them under the rug for now because I could be dead by the time they release But as rennekton#1349 says, we've not really seen anything and it isn't (as far as I'm aware) being actively worked on, so it's being kept off of the list just to keep things short and sweet for now.
It appears the other way around now, actually. Maik recently said in another thread that he’s starting over again with the 420’s physics and that the release order of TSG’s products will likely switch.
Though honestly most of us will probably move over to SimRail as lest the freight guys once Searchlight Simulations gets their route done and released for it. Passenger guys will just have to suffer with routes like NYT, so much potential but....
Am I naive and ignorant for hoping and thinking we might get another LA route? Likely, yes. Maybe something else to run Metrolink on? I know we’ve both discussed Surfliner numerous times. I could almost see it being a 3rd party add on at this point.
Given the amount of research DTG probably has now, I dont think a 3rd party will do it. And when DTG does get around to doing it, the route will most likely be a letdown...
Yeah, good point. I’ve said a couple of times that it seems like an awful lot of work they put in for the Metrolink DLC just for one single route. All the 55+ hours of sound recordings and 9,000+ photos. Six of the seven Metrolink lines operate out of Los Angeles. That’s also a lot of work designing a terminal passenger depot just for one route. It could easily be reused for another one. Then again, they only used it for the one TSC Surfliner route in 2013. So know knows really at this point. Lately, DTG hasn’t made a lot of sense with what they chose to do. And since US content continues to get the shaft time and time again, we’ll just have to see.
Cargo Line (Petroleum) For: Midland Mainline, Great Western Express Release: December 12th Developer: Skyhook Games Price: TBC Type: Gameplay Pack Skyhook have now revealled their new gameplay pack, and it's an interesting one. It offers scenarios and services for two routes; GWE and MML. Each route will receive Eight new services: And two scenarios per route: The pack also includes the TEA tankers with VTG branding, with multiple colours as well. The premise - a freight gameplay pack - is quite close to what Engineering Express (Rivet) offers, but I have to say this one seems to be a much better offer. Based on the images, it makes use of Midland Mainline's currently unused freight terminals, too. Although, I'm not very familiar with the route, so don't quote me on that one. It's unclear at the moment if the pack will require GWE and MML, or will work with just one. Skyhook have an article on the pack here: https://skyhookgames.com/coming-soon-tsw-4-cargo-line-vol-1-petroleum/
With the way TSW3 and TSW4 works, things no longer require a "home" route. So technically you don't require neither of the routes to buy this pack. It should be able to work with only GWE or only MML as well, I assume, or even without any of the two routes, if for any reason you just want to pack for scenario planner or for potential future releases it might layer into.
BR 104 + Freight Pack For Peak Forest Release: TBC Developer: Simtrack Studios Price: TBC Type: Loco DLC Well, it's been a while coming. Diesels will make their way to Derbyshire with the BR 104, as revealled in today's Roadmap: https://profile.dovetailgames.com/l...ticle/train-sim-world-4-roadmap-december-2023 From the Roadmap: "[...] introducing the BR Green Class 104, the 21T hopper and the Covhop wagon to Peak Forest, complete with a significant timetable overhaul improving the busyness and variety present on the route. From DMU shuttle services to shunting rakes of wagons up and down the route, this pack will have you covered." I have nothing to add, so here's some images of what's listed: BR Green Class 104 21T Hopper Covhop wagon Also from Simtrack... A reminder that Simtrack's Debut Add-on, the Centro-liveried Class 323 for BCC, releases on Thursday. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a (period-accurate 'heritage') livery and some scenarios to go with it. I'll post links when it's out.
Cargo Line Vol. 1 is out now on all platforms: https://live.dovetailgames.com/live/train-sim-world/articles/article/cargo-line-vol-1-out-now Steam Users: You get 10% off of this DLC until December 19th (A week from today), and there is also a 'Complete my Collection' bundle featuring Midland Mainline, Great Western Express, and Cargo Line Vol 1 - if you're interested in picking up either route and having some extra freight to go with it!
323221 Centro Livery - Out Now The very thing that started this thread, SimTrack Studios being announced, is here! Priced at a mere £4.99/€5.99/$5.99, this pack includes the Centro 'Heritage' wrap for 323221, as was applied by WMR recently. Five scenarios come with it too, plus some minor upgrades to the train. More information + Store Page links can be found in Dovetail's article, below: https://live.dovetailgames.com/live...le/centro-regional-railways-class-323-out-now Epic players - If you don't already own BCC, it's currently 30% off on EGS.
Bump! It's that time of year again where we find out what's in store in the near future of TSW, from Dovetail and third parties. I have missed the releases of Bernina Line/Engineering Express in this thread but I think I've explained them well enough previously. Let's hope some interesting stuff comes up, eh? 'Back soon.
I do hope we get some info on the Union Workshop route finally. They have began working on it like a year ago now?
One potential hint is this. Union Workshop retweeted the Dovetail Direct post yesterday, their latest post since their TSC Tokyo route from April last year.
I have to say I was really hoping it was going to be something other than the Tadami Line or a similar mountainous branchline. Not much variety of services there...
I get where you are coming from, but this is perfect for their first TSW route. And so far it looks gorgeous form these screenshots. TSC graphics didn't do justice for the beauty of the Tadami Line. This one hopefully will!
