Tsc - A Bold Statement - P40dc Out Now!

Getting some continuous running dT nil value error causing performance issues here. Found it when running logmate...

 

I can't wait to give it a try!

 

DTM is definitely making a bold statement with this DLC. (And not a good one)

 

Why do you say that? Have you played the DLC? Does something look or act poorly for you? I’m not trying to argue, I’m just curious on the reasoning behind your statement.

 

Let's not belittle and actually give input on what's wrong with the model.

 

Apparently, it had several major issues crop up during the teaser livestream that was done a few weeks ago, and Anthony Wood (a few posts up) reported that the locomotive keeps throwing up nil value errors. Seems like quite a few things weren't tested properly before release.

 

Why should I spend my hard earned cash to buy a piece of not fit for sale DLC just to feedback on what needs fixing ????
Send me a free copy and I will happily evaluate and feedback accordingly.
In my world this process is called testing before release

 

That is why Steam has a refund system. No one elected you to buy the product. I personally wait until I see a video or some posted reviews before buying. What I can not stand is people criticizing DLC with NO REASON. Just saying it sucks does not serve much justice. Why do it suck? What is going on with the product? To you, it may be way less then what you expect, To me, it might be perfect. an explanation is needed.

 

In regards to "throwing up nil value errors," that has already been tracked to a script related to the included Amtrak MHC (boxcar). The issue only degrades performance when one is running logmate (because of sending the error message to the logfile). Without LogMate, it has virtually zero impact on performance.

 

I did some testing myself and found the same, that it's the MHCs. Glad you did the same after the release.

 

AKA, nothing got fixed when it was delayed, hence my comment.

 

Sound outside is pretty quiet, in the cab loud as hell. Is that true to life?

I was probably again a bit too naive, this thing is not worth the price imho. Model looks off, textures too, sounds are horrible. D and A keys switched. Nothing "Pro" about this. Feel like being ripped off, but I should have known better. Dear Mike - your scripts should be put into models that deserve them. I am puzzled by this collaboration.

I was too late for the refund. Done with DTM.

 

Everyone saying it's not a Pro model ("nothing Pro about this" ... seriously, nothing at all?) is very confused. While it doesn't go the "whole hog" and implement everything under the sun (looking at you Searchlight Simulations), it does have plenty of features that are not found on standard (non-Pro) locos. For example (I picked these out just by scanning through the engine script):

* In-cab signalling equipment, compatible with MNRR and Amtrak signals. Includes fully-functioning acknowledge button which if not pressed in time, causes an automatic full service train brake application.

* Very advanced brake scripting, including keys to disable the tactile detents and/or brake-related pop-up messages if desired, with several features enabled in the Multi-Function Display that are not implemented in standard models.

* Snow particle emitters active in winter.

* "Vigilance" alerter with accurate speed-dependent countdown (continually re-calculated in real time), giving visual and audible warnings and which is reset whenever certain controls are used.

* Bell that is activated automatically whenever the horn is used.

* Combined throttle and dynamic brake lever with clear indications in the info label above the HUD throttle slider. A further word on this: even if the A and D keys were set to the standard directions, it would still be necessary to remember that Idle is in the centre, not at the bottom, and that the throttle lever also works the dynamic brakes (without needing to go to the brake slider on the F4 HUD after clicking on the dynamic brake button, although that too, if used is synchronised with the position of the throttle lever, both on the HUD as well as in the cab itself - no mean feat, I can tell you!). If you ignored that caveat and thought that the throttle would be set to idle by pulling the slider all the way down with the D key, it would actually pass through Idle and Dynamic Brake setup and start, after the setup time, to apply the dynamics too. That's why I decided to have the slider operate in exactly the same way as the throttle/dynamic brake lever in the actual cab. To me, that makes much more sense, logically and visually. It doesn't take much effort to get used to it.

* The usual variety of opening doors and windows, and moveable sun shades.

* A plethora of working lights, including crossing lights, step lights, ditch lights, number board lights, etc.

* Working radiator and dynamic brake fans.

* Variable exhaust smoke.

Now, you might say some of the items I've listed are commonplace nowadays and perhaps aren't even worth mentioning. However, they are rarely found on standard models, only on Pro models. To sum up, saying "nothing Pro about this" is at best hyperbole.

 

and read the steam reviews

DTM [removed - JD - profanity] up again, despite the input from specialists with some renown.
And it appears there was no serious QA before release, again!

just waiting for the usual praise from the DTM fanbois over on the American board

so best wait for a really good discount if your so dearly want another Amtrak locomotive and cars set that duplicates existing DLC

 

The UTS creations does everything so much better, on top of the enhancement pack from TruRail, (Not to mention both of those are free) that there is very little point to this pack aside from maybe the MHC car (Which is modeled better that Mileposts Raton Pass one) and the Superliner II's (Aside from the LOD issue Ive heard about). I probably wont touch this until a VERY deep discount. (And thats only cause of screenshot contests)

 

Working dynamic brake fans would be really neat if those were actually modeled. Instead, there is just a hole that you can look clean through where they should be.

 

There are 15 years of precedent in how combined throttle/brake levers work in the game. Your implementation is the only one that differs and it is obvious that it was created by someone who does not drive trains with a combined throttle and brake handle. Nobody has used D for accelerate and A for decelerate since MSTS.

Cheers

 

Totally understand your efforts - but a working detents brake handle should be nothing "pro", it's there iirc since Sherman Hill's GEVO - also not a combined Throttle lever or Crossing lights. And all the work you've done can't shine because you are working with a modeller who screws up everytime. Those LED style lights and ugly flares and the crappy texturing on a bad model destroy all your work. That's my honest opinion. "Well, the loco is garbage but that brake script, wow!" Seriously, no.

And again - Pro is not how it's developed but how it's used. I simply move the reverser, release the brakes, press H for the headlights and throttle up in this loco. No interactive displays or startup procedure. But then Pro or not is not the point at all here.

I've always highly appreciated your work when you're doing your steamers which I put on the same level as flightsim content. But now you've teamed up with the wrong partner. My opinion.

I've swapped the P40 for the mentioned P42 Enhancement pack to at least enjoy the scenarios.

Honestly I'm trying not to laugh: "A Bold Statement...". Nope. I prefer the modesty of the great free enhancement pack that does not need silly slogans...

And Mike, please don't take this personally. But I've just wasted money.

 

The preview stream was certainly educational and entertaining.

Cheers

 

what about the Amtrak "Charger" locomotive? Not licensed yet? It looks kind of flashy and sleek compared to the angry Darth Vader look of the P40 series.
We must hope it doesn't fall into the hands of DTM or TBT to create the first model for TSC.

Going over the DTM FB page, there is also a BN U25B and U25C in the works, which look as poorly done at this locomotive, modeling and texturing wise.
DTM probably doesn't meet the current TSW standards. Does the Cane Creek AC4400CW still have a truck the wrong way round and the body riding too high on the trucks?

 

Um, the P40DC is the Genesis Locomotive....

I assume you mean the Siemens Charger.

 

LOL

 

I did watch the video and I certainly don't understand.

Overall I feel like it's simply unfinished - a mix of nice and bad.
Some sound issues are caused by the core game, I commented on them until I gave up. I have no station ambience myself for 2.5 years now (since using OpenAL32/64 properly, installed on 2020-09-17).

I'm not happy with sound mixing but it's a thing these days even with games. You really need to hire audiophiles to make it work. At least someone made a point that cutting out the bass is useful if you play in a flat or want the engine sounds, or generally not be loud. I guess people generally just don't care? In the age of cheap eye buds and Bluetooth compression with subzero volume to last anyway?

Sort of the same thing, I noticed a Scottish extension as well, using the old v1 EWS 66 and 67, at least by the looks.

Jamie - While many of us are happy to play old content for what it is, accepting the limits of that time, and even using it to our benefit (lower system requirements), expectations have gone up and especially with a "just a livery" pack like this, please put the bar high and make it as best as possible. If you feel like prices should go up a bit, please do that. I see that TSW stuff is a bit more expensive, which might be fine. Let's not drive away people from TSC by putting the bar low. Whoever made the decision to release this, please give them a hard look. It doesn't need to be perfect, but better.

 

As one of the very few people who have supported this Dev with their wallet a few times, even after the "early years" pack that STILL hasn't been properly fixed (Because why can't I STILL not use it in QD?).

I feel that when you've been in the business of making content for a product for X amount of time, there would be some progression. But instead, it's stagnant.

Look... I get not many of us actually have the skillset to do what he does... But, come on...

I mean... The amount of DLC at the quality he's made for this sim... is giving very much "I don't care... I just need the quick buck" vibes. Which I also don't think is at all helpful in his craftsmanship. Maybe it could be the dealings with DTG and their publishing deals as well as steams cut of the profits made off of this content, which could be a reason why he's pushing content like this out faster than other devs.

I think a little pow-wow with more skilled devs may be in order. Somebody's gotta do a serious intervention and help him improve his content-making wherever it is sorely needed. I just don't think I can continue supporting it with my wallet until there is some real effort into quality, which is quite scarce when it comes to American-based content.

 

about 7/10 of all the EMD/GE 'kit' models over the past 10 years or so are by DTM? Same workmanship, modeling, texturing, sounds, emitters, copy pasted from one DLC into the next, and now we have TBT, as an apprentice, trying to fill some obscure gaps in the catalog?

Searchligh Simulations and their connection with JointedRail are an alternative, but their release pace is very slow.

The whole USA side of TSC is in yeopardy for a while already it seems to me.
[removed - JD - antagonistic]

Given the large North American market, it surprises me nobody is offering TSC any domestic competition with true knowledge of US railroading.

Run8 being a closed and tightly controlled system isn't very appealing to those who want to build and create.
But running trains amidst AI or dispatching AI over the huge networks is much more rewarding than performing TSW to-and-fro schedules.

 

You know it's very possible to accept criticism without brushing off anyone who provides it as a troll or ungrateful...

 

Strange that when someone gives advice and consultation out of experience with software, and gets ignored, that they would go on to then critique the lack of changes between when the information was volunteered and the product released.

Before you make up some BS like you usually do, yes, it was in a constructive manner.

 

Yes, you're exactly right. Criticism, is both fair and appropriate when presented with a basic civility. If I'm guilty of what you imply when such has been presented in a civil manner, then my bad.

 

"Praise in public and critique in private" is merely a PR stunt presented as etiquette.
It has some basis, such as family, friend or your employer.

What we all desire is quality content, and that means we all want DTM to succeed.
If that means he needs to involve people to help him out in areas, so be it. Like you do with the scenarios I suppose.
People tried nicely, without success. Now it's the hard way.

Many of us (emotionless, but me included) are simply disappointed by the lack of follow up on feedback, even when requested.
I can even imagine a scenario that this pack had a deadline and he was aware, didn't want to, but had to release anyway.
Regardless, I just hope everyone learns from this. Not the end of the world, but a sad enough story.

I only played one of his DLC so far I think, being the DD35 pack, it had its flaws, most glaringly the white bogies, but some more. Regardless, it was fun and interesting enough.

I don't think there is anything to criticize about your work, Gary. I've only played your workshop so far, with buying some packs out of respect and ideally getting there sometime, and they have been perfectly fine, maybe some a bit too bare (AI), but it's part of the appeal, too. Nice and easy drives (or call them straightforward).

 

I personally feel DTM may need to find a way just to focus on making one thing good/decent, instead of spreading himself thin over a multitude of projects. And just as important. Get in touch with/accept devs who care enough to help him improve his modeling methods and standards. This long into the game (pun intended). There should have been some significant growth/improvement somewhere.

And also... there needs to be some attention given to faulty products that have yet to be addressed properly. Because it takes a bit of nerve to release new products while you still have anything out there that cannot be used as intended.

 

Had a look at the video above, the front headlights:




Side marking:



Compared with a freeware model…

 

Mark Glucksman just posted a photo of a P40DC (coincidence).
I wonder how much part the excessive zoom played with the textures, because TSC has a habit of using position specific textures, which is most glaring if you look at the ground. Of course I don't understand how the dot matrix happened. Would be nice to see some pictures he used as a reference.

On this second I noticed that the rear radiators are actually huge:

Photostream because usually copyright: https://www.facebook.com/RiverRailPhoto

ps.: I'm absolutely aware this is 2016, and Phase 3 or 4 (black top).