They seem to lack critical features that're found in the real thing. No trip optimizer, no cab signaling, no PTC, most of the features on both screens not operational, "MAP NOT AVAILABLE" etc. They're just impossible to drive without the HUD. Considering the crazy accuracy that airliner simulators get with PMDG 737 and FSLabs A320 etc, why can't we have the same thing? After all a locomotive has one degree of freedom, and a lot less systems to simulate. At least we could get a cab signal system. How is it in TSC? Does it have any realistic interpretation of GE/EMD locomotives?
The only loco that has a decent amount of Simulations to them is Searchlight Simulations AC44, though I believe it is still missing bits due to the routes available in TSC and their functionality. All of the DTG widecabs in TSC barely have more than the basic functions.
Everything you mentioned requires a whole simulation behind it. Even tsc doesn't really have a lot like above said. And comparing 3rd party devs for planes to train devs isn't really a fair comparison. Those planes take several months, maybe years to make alone and some are sold for crazy high prices, some reaching hundreds. I don't think that would sell well in tsw. Even if everything was functional and simulated, it would be difficult to sell a single loco for above $40
I don't think they're undriveable without the HUD. Granted, I usually drive TSW with the HUD. The only thing PTC would give you is information on what's coming up and forced braking if you don't comply. But the wayside signals work (mostly), and guide you, along with trackside signage. IIRC, trip optimizer is basically an autopilot function, I really don't see DTG investing time into that. Cab signalling is a different story, it really should be implemented and working in any locomotive that has it in real life. But unfortunately, DTG hasn't invested the same energy into the US systems like they did with German systems. As for the screens, that's also a big complaint I have. This new trend of leaving one of them blank and inoperable bugs me. Though, the only real thing the screens need now is DPU support, which is a shame that hasn't been given priority considering all the mountain routes we get. Other than that, there's not a whole lot left that's really relevant, maybe the locomotive monitor page? Yeah, I kinda agree on the if its there in real life it should be in the game, but, that stuff also takes dev time to implement. And right now, DTG has enough of a backlog of bugs that the "cosmetic, cool features" can wait.
Key features in US freight Locos for me: 1) Good braking physics with an appropriate initial reduction (6 pounds) and dynamics that respond appropriately with speed. 2) An appropriate accelerometer on the gauges. I like driving HUDless and taking a heavy freight down grade is near impossible without this. (Even with the accelerometer on the HUD is not precise enough.) No single TSW US freight loco that I know of has both of those features.
I'd easily pay $100 for a locomotive/route where everything is done how they're done in real life, especially US freight. Not just the systems in the locomotive, but also switching/shunting with ground workers(they still have to tie up the air hoses in real life), being able to look at all the paperwork and company stuff and other stuff that real drivers do daily. Basically a TSW version of the PMDG. But currently TSW is pretty far away from that. Even the most true-to-life route and trains(which I assume is Southeastern High Speed) have still a lot of unsimulated things in the cab, let alone outside.
It would probably benefit a minority of people. I don't think anyone just has a free $100 in their pockets to buy a singular locomotive no matter how detailed it is
You are spot on and for the German systems it actually needs to cover neighboring Austria Österreicher Bundesbahn ÖBB which actually explains why DB MRCE Dispolok Baureihe 182 family locomotives do Railjet Nightjet. On the new route Linke Rheinstrecke Mainz Bingen Koblenz 23:45 Koblenz 0:39 Mainz Hbf is the 182 service
Maybe. But I don't think a fully detailed locomotive would ever need to be the same price as a fully detailed airliner, there's just simply so much less stuff to simulate.
