I´m going to buy one of these four DLC: -Tharandter Rampe -Harlem Line -Sherman Hill -Luzern - Surzee (preorder) Could someone rank them for me in order of quality and value? Thanks
Quality: Tharandter Rampe Harlem (do not own) Luzern Sherman Hill Rationale: CSS not working and lack of DPU controls on SMH. Physics are better, but still not great. SD70ACe uses Class 66 sounds, noticeably so. Value for money Tharandter Rampe Harlem (do not own) = Sherman (tied) Luzern Rationale: Tharandter rampe is a long-ish route, has one actually brand new train with a new mechanic, new safety system even if basic. Sherman and Harlem are tied, with Sherman you get a longer route and new freight physics, with Harlem you get the best implementation to date of ACSES and ATC, a pretty unique signalling system, and very good looking scenery, but it's short. With Luzern it's short, the Flirt is decent, but it's no BR612, ETCS seems decently well done but has some errors, and while the scenery is very good the route is even shorter than Harlem. The value would increase for Luzern if you treat it as a "vote with your wallet" towards more SBB routes. I'd say Tharandter is the best.
Tharandter. I only own that one out of your list but it features both commuter and freight, unlike the others. If you like heavy freight, you might want Sherman. But the BR612 is a diesel tilting train which is unique for German routes and the route on the whole is very well done. I got it on sale but had I paid full price I'd be happy.
The only unknown is Luzern. Sherman Hill - Unless you enjoy chugging up a 20 mile incline at full throttle for an hour avoid Sherman Hill, as others mention featurewise is lacking enormously. If you really want it then Id recommend the TS1 version, you can pick it up cheaper if you shop around, it includes the full track 3 and has no less features. Its actually the single crossover between TS1 & TSW2 that I actually play the TS1 version more. Harlem - its on the short side but its really really well done and is one of DTG strongest releases, only downside is that enjoy running freight trains then this isnt for you. Tharandter - again one of DTG strongest releases with a good variety of trains/services on available including freight, only downside of this route for me is the poor utilisation of the Raildriver on the 612.
