Class 105 In Development - Railworks 3

It has just been brought to my attention that IHH are now developing a DMU, the Class 105 built by Cravens Ltd between 1956 and 1959.

More information about this class can be found here.

Batten Down The Hatches! - Railworks 3

Tomorrow evening at roughly 19:00 UK time, there will be a core software update to Railworks 3. It is important that you back up any of your work to be on the safe side. The following is taken from the RailSimulator.com website.

Train Simulator 2012 will be updated on Steam around 19:00 (UK time) on 8 February. This will be an automatic update for all TS2012 users as soon as you next go online.

We have worked hard to ensure that this is a trouble-free migration with full backwards compatibility - however, if you make content, make sure you have backed up before the upgrade starts. (See below for details of how to backup)

This update fixes a number of reported problems with TS2012 and should improve the performance for many of you.

We hope you will continue to enjoy Train Simulator 2012. Thanks from everybody at RailSimulator.com.

Content creators - hints for backing up

1) Backup your source assets: In the TS2012 Launch Window, click on “Tools & Docs”. Click on “Open the Source Folder”. Copy everything to a backup drive or directory

2) Backup Content: Use the Package Manager to create packages (*.RWPs) of all of your key routes, scenarios etc. Save this to a backup drive or directory.

Key change list-

Fix for floating grills

Digital Clocks illuminate at night

Less GPU stalling at high frame rates

FXAA replaces MLAA

Brake pipe pressure gauge fully working in HUD

Fix for mixed double head steam running out of fuel

Fix for facing double head steam fighting

Particle optimisations (e.g. exhaust effects)

Multicore improvements

Superelevation works on 3D track

Smoothed ‘dirty network building’ to stop stutters

FXAA less blurry when SSAA enabled

Electric power on 3rd rail with no pantograph

Scenery decals are correctly lit

Seasonal lighting up times

Anti-Aliasing issues with precipitation fixed

Smoothness improvements in scenery streaming

Woodhead Line - Out Now!

The Woodhead Line has been released and is available here.

Running from Sheffield to Manchester via the rugged landscape of the Pennines, the Woodhead Line was electrified way back in the early 1950s with the Class 76 electric locomotive being built especially for the line. A major feature of the route is the Woodhead Tunnel system, comprising three tunnels (the third being added specifically for the electrification of the line) to enable the line to run through the hilly landscape of the northern Peak District. The Class 76 electric locomotive was first produced as a prototype (6701) in 1941, with full production beginning in 1950 in Manchester. Under British Rail, Class 76s hauled freight and passenger services along the Woodhead Line until 1970, after which they handled only freight workings. Now closed to traffic since 1981, the Woodhead Line and its tunnels are still a regular destination for rail enthusiasts and hikers, and they have now been brought back to life in Train Simulator 2012. Download size 842 MB - please check your ISP download restrictions before purchasing.

* 60-mile Woodhead Line route from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield Victoria including Wath branch and Woodhead Tunnels

* Class 76 electric locomotive

* Class 08 diesel shunter in BR Black

* 8F Steam Locomotive

* Mk1 coaches in crimson livery

* 7 scenarios, including career and standard, plus 4 free roams

LMS Period 3 "Stanier" Passenger Coaches - Railworks 3

Long time creators and publishers for Microsoft Train Simulator, Making Tracks have now made the step into Railworks 3 content with the LMS Period 3 "Stanier" Passenger Coach Pack. Developed by Gordon (aptly nicknamed Gopher on UKTS), a prolific freeware developer who has created some much needed period stock for the program and published by MT, this pack is very reasonably priced at £6.99.

The following is taken from the Making Tracks website, where you can find further information, screenshots and the facility to buy this fantastic pack.

The LMS Period 3 "Stanier" coaches were built in large numbers by the LMS from 1933 the P3's could be found all over the LMS system. They were used in all types of train, from express to local stoppers. After nationalisation they could be found all over the BR system, not just the Midland Region, until the mid 1960's when they were removed from passenger operations. After withdrawal many took up duties as departmental stock.

What’s in the pack:-

The stock is supplied in LMS standard livery, BR Crimson & Cream (Blood & Custard) and BR Maroon.

Coach types included:

BR designation:

Brake Standard Corridor (BSK)
Composite Corridor (CK)
Standard Corridor (SK)
Restaurant Standard Open (RSO)

LMS designation:

Third Class Corridor Brake (CH)
Composite corridor (CC)
Corridor Third (CT)
Restaurant Third (RT)

All stock have passenger and non-passenger versions selectable in the scenario menu.
There is a BR SK without passengers and lighting for night static consist use.

All stock is supplied with Railworks controlled tail lamps.

There is a passenger view provided in the BR Composite Corridor(CK)/LMS Composite corridor(CC).

There are six scenarios included to get you going, set on the default Somerset&Dorset route using the P3 set and default stock.

A PDF manual is included with comprehensive details and instructions, including how to use the set in your own scenarios.

Armstrong Powerhouse - Class 37 Pro Sound Pack - Released Tomorrow - Railworks 3

Armstrong Powerhouse have this evening announced the latest in their line of quality sound packs for Railworks 3. Recorded using state-of-the-art equipment at an especially organised recording session, the Class 37 pro pack is designed to maximise the experience of using the Class 37 on Railworks 3. The following was taken from the AP website where the download will be made available from tomorrow.

Starting from tomorrow (20th January), our first Pro sound pack will be released. You're probably wondering though,what's so different about a Pro pack compared to our previous releases? If a sound pack is classed as being Pro, it means that most, if not all, of the sounds used have been recorded using state-of-the-art equipment at an especially organised recording session. This allows us to acquire the exact kind of sounds we require to create the best experience possible within the simulator. As well as excellent audio quality, Pro packs will include separate cab and exterior sounds because as anyone whose been in the cab of a locomotive knows, there is really quite a difference! Finally, all efforts have been made to make the sounds are as realistic as possible. Whether that's the slight audible change in engine note when a field divert kicks in or the subtle hum of the traction motors in the cab.

Without further a do though, we are very pleased to announce that the first locomotive to receive the Pro treatment is the popular class 37 which owes its popularity to the sheer racket it makes. Released tomorrow, this pack will be available for the standard £4.99 which, we're sure you'll agree, represents excellent value for money. Please note though that due to the time and investment that is required to create a Pro pack, we are unable to supply a free update to the standard Class 37 Sound Pack which will be discontinued from tomorrow.

Digital Traction Winter Sale - Railworks 3

Digital Traction currently have a winter sale in progress which lasts until 25th January and offers 75% off all products. These savings mean that you can pick up items such as the well used Mk2e coach pack for only £1.06!!!

More information can be found here.

Woodhead Line - Released 26th January! - Railworks 3

RailSimulator.com have now announced the official release date for the Woodhead expansion pack for Railworks 3. The scheduled release is now for 26th January. The following was taken from the RailSimulator.com website.

The Woodhead Line, complete with Class 76 electric locomotive, will be available as an expansion pack for Train Simulator 2012 from 26 January. Running from Sheffield to Manchester, the Woodhead Line was a vital link across the Pennines for the transportation of coal, and of course passengers. Electrification of the line in the 1950s saw the introduction of the Class 76 (as it later became known by British Rail), which hauled trains over the viaducts and through the famous Woodhead Tunnels alongside the steam locomotives of the day. Traffic reduced in the 1970s and the line finally closed in the early 1980s.

Now sadly missed by many who remember this wonderful scenic line in its glory days, the 60-mile Woodhead Line will soon be alive once again in Train Simulator 2012. Complete with the Class 76, plus 8F and Class 08 locomotives, the Woodhead Line will be available from 26 January.