Italion Routes Coming Soon To Railworks?

This blog normally focuses on the UK but just a quick post to say that it seems quite likely Dovetail Games are expanding into to Italy a post asking for Italian routes routes on Facebook was liked by someone named Paul Jackson. Paul Jackson is the founder of  DG.

Sorry for two short post in a row.
For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.
UPDATE: It has also now been confirmed that DG are to expand into Canada Detail on Facebook: HERE.

Omsi 2 Out Now!

Omsi 2 "the omnibus simulator" is now available to purchase from The Aerosoft Online Shop, Steam and Amazon. For more information see this post or the official website.
For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

RailSimulator.com is now "Dovetail Games"?

From today RailSimulatordotcom LTD will now be trading as "Dovetail Games" They also announced today that they are expanding beyond rail simulation and it would seem the PC platform. The post on Engine Driver said: " PCs are getting more powerful, the next generation of consoles and the tools to support them are being released... new technologies that allow us to properly enter these worlds" This has clearly all been planned for some the new pages on social networking sites (@dovetailgames) were created as early as 23 May (explaining the decreasing in use of the RS.com logo in recent promotional content). It's unclear whether the old pages will be abandoned though.

The old RailSimulator.com logo a beter red variant also exists but was rarely used recently.

This all seems to take Dovetail Games in the wrong direction in my opinion, the constant use of the word game(s) the talk of consoles etc. But mildly reassuringly the post is quoted as saying "I (Paul Jackson CEO) can reveal that we are now in the very early stages of developing a range of completely new simulation products to sit alongside Train Simulator" The project appears to be codenamed Sim2 with a vacancy avalible on their website "Dovetail Games is seeking to recruit a Technical Director to be responsible for setting the overall technical direction of our Sim2 product. Working under the overall direction of the products’ Executive Producer, the Technical Director will be responsible for leading the engineering team through the concept phase through to launch across multiple platforms"  Hypothetically if TS was to be ported to PlayStation4 maby it would at least add multi-core processor support. I think all fans of TS will agree that if RS.com is finally actually cdoing not just editing UIs it's resources would be put to much better use adding realistic air breaks, multi-core porcessor support, Realistic steam physics and a Linux port to TS!

The new logo.

For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

ECML London - Peterborough And Class 321 Out Now For Tain SImulator 2014

The ECML (East Coast Mainline) London - Peterborough route add-on is now available for Train Simulator 2014. Included with the route is a re-skinned HST and a First Capital connect class 365, the '365' features FCC branding but there is no East Coast branding on the HST. The Class 91 referenced earlier is not included and it appears will be (probably sepparetly) at a later date./


Interestingly the Class 321 also released today only includes FCC livery not the previously pictured Greater Anglia livery. Could this mean a backing lout of the competition with Armstrong Powerhouse?


The Armstrong Powerhouse - Class 43 (MTU) Sound Pack (Pro), Class 365/465/466 (Met-Cam) Sound Pack, Lighting Effects Enhancement Pack and Mk3 Coach Sound Packs hvae all been updated to work with the the DLC.



For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

OMSI 2 coming 12 December 2013

The release date for OMSI Bus Simulator 2 has been announced as 12 December 2013. New features include:

• The articulated bus MAN NG272 with the exact physic and graphic replica of the articulation mechanism and the appropriate sounds and systems (bend damper).
• The MAN NL202 together with reworked and completed models of the SD200 and SD202 (more years of manufacture, emergency door opening, destination plates, individual, bus-dependent sound variation.
• The Spandau bus route 5 from U-Bahnhof Ruhleben (underground station) to Nervenklinik (mental hospital) with 12 km overall length, many new buildings, tight schedules and dense 5 minute intervals for varied and long-lasting driving experience.
• Simulation of the original timetables and vehicle schedules for bus routes 5 and 92.
• Chronologic function: Watch Spandau change between the years from 1986 to 1994! In OMSI 2 you can relive the fascinating time in the early years after the German reunification with its many innovations and extended routes (bus 137 to Falkensee). This function also allows specifying temporary alterations to the maps and routes, like construction sites or special tours.
• Improved and extended AI traffic (improved driving and steering precision, trains and subways)
• Simulation of diverse system failures which need time to repair
• OMSI 2 is based on world coordinates, thus a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) can be imported (a DLL is used for this which can also be programmed individually).
• The streets and intersections on the Spandau map follow the real elevation gradient.
• New scripting functions, e. g. for creating full-matrix displays, extended access to system variables
• New editor functions: automated import of aerial pictures, terrain can be aligned to the road gradient, improved spline connecting algorithm, three-axle rotation of scenery objects. Intersections can easily be fitted with individual gradients.

• Memory-saving map loading procedure technically allows for very large maps.

While it is definatley not as good  as TML-Studios's bus simulators it does have s small UK third party content creation community, with UK buses and routes available. Also driving in Berlin in the late 80s and early 90s is quite interesting.

OMSI Bus Simulator 2  is created by MR-Software and published by Aerosoft. It is not yet rated and is available to order through Steam and Amazon.co.uk.

For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

No More Paid Re-Skins for Waggonz Products

Waggonz have announced that from 20 December 2013 they will require that any re-skin of their products you wish to distribute, be freely available to everyone without any form of payment being required. However the new 'Re-skin policy' also states "This new policy will not remove/change any rights granted to you when you purchased one of our products." This is rumored to be because of the "controversial" Freightliner Class 90 re-skins of which currently several   versions are available. The railworkers.co.uk version is currently shown as "Out of stock" despite the fact it's a download although there is also a "get It Free For First Class members" button. While trainsimulatorscenarios.co.uk has made it's product available free of charge and reimbursed those who have already purchased it,  even though re-skins can still theoretically be sold until 20th December.

For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

GWR 56xx Update Avalible for Train Simulator 2014

An update is avalible for the 'GWR 56xx' adding TSX effects. The product is also available on Steam again.


For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

Three Country Corner Route Now Avalible Boxed.

The  Three Country Corner Route   from Just Trains is now available in a box for the same price as the download version. With free postage and packaging in the UK and only €5.00 in the Euro Zone or  $7.00 for the rest of the world. The route includes 80 miles of track through Austria, Germany and Switzerland, passing through 40 detailed stations and Four signalling systems. No new stock is included with the route however the route does include 10 Standard scenarios, 5 Free Roam scenarios and is Quick Drive enabled.
 
For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

Tram Simulator Düsseldorf Out Now!

It seems there is finally a dedicated tram simulator I'm surprised this didn't happen a while ago. Tram Simulator Düsseldorf  shows a lot of potential.

 The game is based on the U78 line in Düsseldorf operated by Rheinbahn. Focused on creating a realistic depiction of B80D vehicle. The game has most of the features you'd expect in a tram simulator including control of the doors, headlights mirrors etc. The U78 (the route included) take roughly 50 minutes to drive both above and below ground. Although most of the underground stations look very similar.

 The most interesting feature in my opinion though is the inclusion of a map editor. Currently you can not  put custom models in the simulator. However when asked Tony CEO Little Red Studuios  (exclusive to this blog) said: " The released version you cannot add custom objects or trains, this feature will come online with an editor update." I  asked about whether people will be able to release their creations commercially he replied: "Yes, we have plans to allow third parties to create content and integrate with the product. This will be enabled through an editor update." This would  open up the possibility of plenty of third party add-ons. Perhaps even one day a UK route like Manchester Metrolink or Blackpool.

Regarding official DLC Tony confirmed that they will be creating DLC  " ...with plans to add additional routes and increase the variety of passengers and vehicles" He went on to say "We are continually upgrading the current product increasing the complexity and accuracy of the environment and tram. You will occasionally be able to download these upgrades capturing any new features we add the overall franchise."


As you may have notices the graphics are not very good at all however it does one advantage over Railworks passengers actually board the Tram and sit down!













Tram Simulator Düsseldorf  is created by Little Red Studuios and published by Rondomedia. It is rated PEGI 3 and is not currently available in the UK although you can still purchase it online.

Thanks to Tony from Little Red Studios for taking the time to answer our questions.

For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

GWR 56XX Coming Soon to Train Simulator 2014

RailSimulator.com have just announced this via their page on Facebook.

For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

West Somerset Rail Out Now for Train Simulator 2014!

The West Somerset Railway  is now available to purchase on Steam for £19.99. Included with the route are three of  locomotives - Class 7F ‘No. 88’ in Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway livery, GWR Hall Class ‘Raveningham Hall’ and BR Green Class 33 ‘D6575’. Accompanying these locomotives are appropriate BR Mk1 coaching stock and GWR/BR freight wagons.

SDJR 88 stands at Minehead

It is of much high quality than the freeware Train Simulator 2014 and payware MSTS renditions of the route.


Also available both as a stand alone product or in a combined pack is 'WSR Diesels Locos Add-On' Including BR Class 03 and BR Class 47 with scenarios for the WSR which Armstrong Powerhouse's packs ave been updated to be compatible with. The combined pack costs £24.99 meaning it will be only £12.49 in the next Steam sale not bad for RSC.

The Class 47 and Class03 included with WSR Diesels Locos Add-On

For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

Trainz A New Era Update

After less than 24 hours, the Trainz: A New Era Kickstarter project had raced out of the station (there are just so many rail analogies, I can't stop myself). But a good first day doesn't mean the destination has been reached just yet.


The new version entitled Trainz: A New Era and official shortened as T2 promises to deliver highly improved graphics and physics if the target of  £95,980.03 is met. Including: Full World Shadows, High Dynamic Range Rendering, Native Multi-Threading, Real-Time Per-Pixel Lighting, Unlimited Seamless Streaming, Optimization for Panoramic and Close-Up Views, 64-bit Processing, Backward Compatibility and Advanced Graphics Shaders.

 Trainz (or Railway Simulator) has not proved that popular in the UK in recent years mostly because of competitors such as Railworks and lack of new content. Howether the UK is listed under new routes a content. But also Trainz has also (rightful) faced criticism for unrealistic sounds and simulation and  a World Editor which makea difficult to accurately model real routes.



There are also plenty of rewards to donating ranging from Digital Wallpapers to the opportunity to design your own special feature/function to be included in the final product! For more information and to donate click here.


For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

Two Versions Of Anglia Class 321 coming soon to Train Simulator

Well RailSimulator.com has officially announced the Class 321 add-on on Facebook. This comes as no surprise considering they posted a picture of the cab a while ago. But Armstrong Powerhouse are also working on a Class 321. The RSC is official and comes on Steam with a passenger view. The AP one is unofficial, has no passenger view and does not come on Steam but comes with highly realistic sounds and multiple liveries. Take your pick, personally I'd go for AP. Comparison below:

The RailSimulator.com product

The Armstong Powerhouse product.

For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

Class 455 Sound Pack from Armstrong Powerhouse Released

The long awaited Class 455 Sound Pack for Train Simulator 2014 was released today,which despite AP's posts on Facebook several months ago (which appear to have now been deleted!  it is nota "pro" sound pack. Not to fear though it still is of the same high quality you can expect from AP. It also includes 45 minute scenario for the London to Brighton route which sees you drive two Southern liveried class 455s between Selhurst Depot and London Victoria Also available free are high quality Southern re-skins for the class 455.
For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

Over Shap

Another Train Simulator 2014 route announcement, this one's from Keith Ross published by the money grabbing RailSimulator.com.And will feature the section of the West Coast Main line from Preston to Carlisle and Dumfries passing through the scenic Lake District entitled 'WCML Over Shap' (not shortened by me) When this route will be set has yet to be announced although it's probably modern day unlike West Coast Mainline North (which is set in the '90s) as it was not mentioned what year. Meaning that we're likely to see Virgin Class 390 Pendolino, Class 185 and First Trans Penine Express Class 350 add-ons following shortly.



 For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

London-Peterborough coming soon to Train Simulator 2014 on Steam

Yet another route has been announced by RailSimulator.com. This one as you may have seen in the title is a route from London-Peterborough officially named East Coast Main Line London-Peterborough. Included with route it would seem is a class 91 electric locomotive.


Combined with Newcastle to York Modern and Scottish East Coast Mainline will make up a fair chunk of the East Coast Mainline., it is also rumored that JustTrains are developing Edinburgh to Newcastle. Perhaps one day we will have the entire ECML (with a lot of multiple part scenarios) although I doubt anyone will drive in one go.







 For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

West Somerset Railway Not Created by TAA Developmets

Just a quick post that the (now confirmed) West Somerset Railway coming soon to Train Simulator 2014 on Steam is not the version created by TAA Developments they posted the following statement on Facebook:

"We are would like to make a statement regarding the West Somerset Railway.

At present we have not decided what action to take regarding publication of this route, however it certainly will not be published in the form of a preserved railway.

Development on the WSR has not proceeded for some time, as we were fortunately made aware that Rail Simulator were working on the same project.

At present we are still working on the Prairie locomotive.

In future we will not be making any publications regarding what projects we will undertake."
 The most disappointing part is the last sentence which I think is a slight over reaction.






 For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.

West Somerset Railway coming soon On Steam?

Anyone who has been looking at RailSimulator.com's page on Facebook in the past few days will have noticed two pictures posted with the line "Coming soon to Train Simulator....actually you tell us. Where do you think this is? Find out on Sunday only here on Facebook." The first one is not so obvious although a brief look at comments showed some correct guesses nonetheless.



It seems almost definatley to be the West Somerset Railway. The second picture was obvious for anyone who's ever been on the railway (comparison below) and if you're still doubtful Steam achievements for Train Simulator 2014 referring to the WSR were leaked yesterday. The West Somerset Railway is the longest preserved line in the UK and will be the first one from RailSimulator.com in a long time.


Above: Screenshot from RSC's "mystery route"
Below: Bishops Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway.


All this is very interesting but just as interesting a few months ago the WSR was announced as TAA Developments (the creators of the Mid Hants Railway for Railworks)  next route, meaning they have probably partnered with RSC. They are currently working on the GWR Large Prairie and the South Western Mainline meaning it is quite probable these will be released on Steam.
 For all your latest rail and bus simulator news check back on RailSimulationUK.blogspot.com.