Tsw4

[haverfordwest]

Not a happy bunny. Wanted to purchase Peak Line and it isn't available for TSW4 yet. So all i have to play with is a class 66 on the ECML. Not interested in US passenger runs or high speed modern UK rubbish.

[NorthernWarrior]

Well you could buy it and install into TSW3 and all the DLC will then install to TSW4 on Tuesday. But at this point probably best to wait, never know there might be a flash sale.

Experience so far, not too bad.

Azuma on the ECML way too quiet in the cab, DTG have pretty much admitted that. hopefully will get sorted. Otherwise the train is well modelled, just it's another one handled EMU with too much power that takes no real skill to drive. Will be glad when Tuesday comes and I can get the HST off MML running on there. Catenary looks weird, like it is in some of the older ETS2 areas over thick and chunky.

Not tried to drive the Scotsman yet. Apparently it launched aliased to the Jubilee sounds which is now fixed but reported the audio above 25 MPH (they recorded it on a preserved railway) not that good. Purportedly looking to improve it.

Had a quick go on the US route, the F125 also a very quite loco (presumably like that IRL, perhaps our Californian friends can clarify) also very overpowered on only four coaches working Metrolink service. Should have gone with the Baby Bullet MP36 I think it is. One route that I still think Run 8 could do better if they put their minds to it, with some new stock and proper passenger functionality, timetable operation etc.

The Vectron is nice, modern electric admittedly but has great sounds.

Not tried the Germany/Austria route yet, reports coming in at the DTG forum are the sounds are a bit wonky on that too.

Well the good news is they seem to have finally got reverb and rumble working on structures (new routes only presumably) but overall sound remains the weakest part of the game.

[haverfordwest]

Never bought TSW3, Vern. Only TSW2 and the earlier releases. Next to nothing DLC wise for TSW4 only old stuff from the in game link. Their business model stinks, brand new game for a few updates. Specially when SCS releases frequent updates with worthwhile upgrades added 2 or 3 times a year for free. Plus their DLC doesn't cost a fortune. All the people defending this new version release in under a year, want their heads read. As i said on the DTG forum, only a modded ini by JetWash, rescues Antelope valley, with it's overbright, washed out and bland look. Some of the US payware DLC routes in TRS22, look much better and have a more realistic enviroment. I have bought it now, but apart from free roam and scenario planner, i deffo do not think it is worth the money, even discounted.

Mike.

[NorthernWarrior]

Agree about the lighting Mike, I need to sort out the ini myself. I’m quite enjoying Antelope Valley, more than I thought. The stations on gradients are quite challenging and thrashing the F125. The odd bit of wonky scenery, subsided roads etc are a bit clunky but as I drive along I can’t help thinking this is what Run 8 should look like.

Better overall than TSW3 release with that long German route mostly in tunnels, the revamped South Eastern and Cajon.

Biggest downer for me is the new catenary on ECML, looks overscale and clunky like early Trainz or Hornby Dublo overhead. And the Azuma sound (lack of) is pretty dire. Funnily enough the one thing I thought I wouldn’t enjoy - Flying Scotsman - I’m finding quite compelling. A Hall or Manor would have been better but at least not another LMS loco.

Still hoping the editors will be user friendly enough to get something done.

[haverfordwest]

I am not going to contradict you Vern, your personal opinion for your own interests, after all.

For me i do not have anything route wise that interests me. US passenger, no interest, 2x german\austrian routes, no interest. FS, no interest. Antelope should have come with a freight loco and stock. Then at least i would have an interest in one route. Ran the 66 in timetable mode, but all it's services are in the dark. Which is dumb, as freight does not just move overnight in the UK. Yeah GWR steam would be good, but no route to run them on.

I cannot see TSW being anything more than a console focused game, myself. That is where most of their revenue comes from. In my mind i think the editor has only been made available, to try and retain as much of the pc player base as possible. Just my opinions, i am no expert buddy.

Mike.

[haverfordwest]

Well well Vern, "fit in or go somewhere else". Never thought i would see that coming from you. I prefer ts.com, rather than that fanboi crazed cesspit anyway.

[NorthernWarrior]

Yeah a bit odd for me. Caught me at a bad moment (never post when the wife's been nagging you... ).

I did apologise later and punished myself by not getting very far in Blender!

Anyhow this time tomorrow we should have our hands on the editors so moment of truth whether we hobby level users can do anything with it.

[haverfordwest]

I don't have that problem buddy, hahahahaha. I don't know the first thing about Blender. There was a tutorial donkeys years back for MSTS, to create a model of a lineside hut in some modelling program. I did actually manage to finish that. But that is over 20 yrs ago, just don't have the minerals for learning stuff these days. The TSW4 editor will probably be a quick look and then abandoned. I tried free roam yesterday, chucked a 66 and containers down in Peterborough. It just would not let me create a path on the ML, at 1pm. Now wether this is because all the 66 timetables are set over night-early morning i don't know. But if it is, yet another fail by DTG, because freight moves around the UK 24/7.

Mike.

[NorthernWarrior]

In other news it looks like the slight buff to the Azuma sounds (which is still dead quiet in the cab) managed to break the bridge and tunnel reverb they finally got working.

You couldn't make it up.

[rt35ge]

Yeah a bit odd for me. Caught me at a bad moment (never post when the wife's been nagging you... ).

I did apologise later and punished myself by not getting very far in Blender!

Anyhow this time tomorrow we should have our hands on the editors so moment of truth whether we hobby level users can do anything with it.

The editors. A full RE or some half baked thing?

[rt35ge]

The editors. A full RE or some half baked thing?

OK went and read some stuff....... The main thing for me. Will it allow for users to design their own assets, engines and rolling stock? If so, do these geniuses at DTG plan to offer up tutorials or will it be some sink or swim? If it'll follow the same lines that TSC does, I shouldn't have a problem. And what 3D modeling programs cab be used?

[haverfordwest]

Supposed to be the same editors that DTG use for their route building. Also in one of their streams, yes you can create your own models, scenarios etc etc.
Apparently it is so amazing, you can even cook your cod and chips with it. So at least i will get some use out of it.

Hahahahaha, Vern it is DTG buddy, who along with N3V are dumb and dumber. I will never drive that pointy nosed thing anyway, but loss of sound occlusions is an immersion breaker.

Mike.

[haverfordwest]

Got the editor, game is updating. So loss interest now.

Mike.

[CSRX]

What would be great, is having a trainsimulator that had the current and accurate physics of ORTS, the eye candy of TSW4, the route building of Trainz, and the other editing programs tagged onto MSTS/ORTS.

For now, I guess I'll just enjoy the eye candy, and maybe give the editors a try...

[R. Steele]

What would be great, is having a trainsimulator that had the current and accurate physics of ORTS, the eye candy of TSW4, the route building of Trainz, and the other editing programs tagged onto MSTS/ORTS....

yes, I could get along with that.