Cresston V4 Update - Railworks 3

Another small batch of screenshots showing Cresston V4.

AP23: Portsmouth Direct Scenario Pack - Railworks 3

Armstrong Powerhouse have just released their latest scenario pack for TS2012, this time featuring Slam Door stock on the Portsmouth Direct route. The following is taken from their website where more information can also be found.

Armstrong Powerhouse presents a scenario pack for the excellent Portsmouth Direct route and more specifically, the class 421 slam-door electric multiple unit. This pack contains six scenarios which focus on when these units were operating in the post-privatisation era between 1997 and 2005. These scenarios really will immerse you and take you back to this period with the help of two new liveries for the class 421 (Connex & South West Trains) and one new livery for the class 455 (South West Trains). On top of this, projected light from the headlight has been added to the class 421 liveries so as to improve night-time driving.

In these scenarios, we've strived for realism in all areas. For example, each scenario uses the timetable of its relevant year to create an as realistic experience as possible. As well as this, all have their time of leaving, origin and destination so you can see which train is which!

Each scenario has been made to try and be as interesting as possible whilst retaining realism.

Cresston V4 Update - Railworks 3

Just a few new shots showing some of the newer areas from Cresston V4.

Donner Pass: Southern Pacific Out Now! - Railworks 3

The latest route addon, Donner Pass: Southern Pacific has this evening been released via Steam with an excellent opening deal comprising of 50% off for a limited period.

The following is taken from the RailSimulator.com website.

Happy Thanksgiving! What better time of year for our biggest release ever – the 140-mile drama and majesty of Donner Pass: Southern Pacific! Available now with 50% off!

Set in the early 1990s during the later days of Southern Pacific operation, Donner Pass: Southern Pacific is the longest route we have ever created for Train Simulator 2012, and puts you in the cabs of 5 different Southern Pacific diesel locomotives (including the SD40T-2 Tunnel Motor) as you test your driving skills on this demanding route. Running from Roseville Yard, CA to Sparks Yard in Reno, NV, the route takes you high up into the Sierra Nevada range and along the infamous Donner Pass itself, complete with its tunnels and snow sheds and of course magnificent scenery. With hours of driving pleasure – and a few tough challenges along the way – Donner Pass: Southern Pacific is a ‘must-have’ for all fans of North American railroading. Includes Southern Pacific Dash 9, SW1500, SD40-2, SD40T-2 and GP9 and scenarios with good weather/bad weather variants.

Class 33 Locomotive (RSC) Out Now! - Railworks 3

The Class 33 locomotive (RSC) has this evening been released via Steam.

The following is taken from the RailSimulator.com website.

Out now! The Class 33 (or ‘Crompton’ as it is popularly known) is a classic British Rail Southern Region diesel locomotive which first appeared in 1960 in the south east. The first British Rail locomotives to be fitted with a modern electric train heating system, the 33 quickly spread across the whole Southern Region and could occasionally be seen much further afield, mostly running passenger services but also turning its hand to freight operations. A total of 98 examples were built, fitted with 1,550-horsepower Sulzer engines, and 40 survived in service up to the privatisation of the network and continued working for their new owners, EWS. These have now been withdrawn from service, and a number survive in preservation today. The RailSimulator.com ‘Crompton’ comes complete with Sea Lion ballast wagons and 7 authentic liveries.

Iron Horse House - Class 33 Upgrade - Railworks 3

Iron Horse House have announced the next of their stock upgrades to take account of TS2012 technology, the Class 33 pack. Even more exciting is that for a limited period, the price is £5.99 + VAT, excellent value. The following is taken from their website.

Further TS2012 upgrades, the class 33 Is now ready and released later today, the pack has been expanded to include the 33/1 variant ( sometimes you just can't leave some folks enough room :-) ).

Liveries are :-

33/0 in green, green small panel, green full yellow

33/0 BR blue, 33/1 BR Blue, 33/0 NSE, 33/1 NSE

33/0 in Dutch, Grey , Sector Construction, Sector Distribution.

I have also included a pre release model of the class 73... this will be for a limited time only

Yes, you did read that right, a pre release model of the Class 73 Electro-Diesel, a screenshot of which is below.

VDA Vans Expansion - Available Now - Railworks 3

It's several weeks since they were released, but just in case anyone wasn't aware, Fastline Simulation have released an excellent pack of VDA Vans.

The VDA Vans are the second release in the Project East Coast range of add-ons for Railworks and were seen in most parts of the UK rail network during their lives. These vans come in a staggering 132 different versions and are available for the absolute bargain price of £3.

Go and pick up a bargain now here!

Class 325 EMU - Released 1st December - Railworks 3

RailSimulator.com have today announced the release date for the forthcoming Class 325 postal EMU. The following is taken from their website.

Available for Train Simulator 2012 from 1 December! Looking like a freight version of the familiar ‘Networker’ classes, the Class 325 is a purpose-built electric mail train capable of running on 25,000-volt AC overhead lines or 750-volt DC third-rail lines. It is based on the Class 319 dual-voltage EMU and was introduced in 1995 to carry parcels on electrified lines, and intended to replace the older generation of locomotive-hauled mail trains. Visually, the most striking feature is the presence of roller-shutter doors instead of sliding passenger doors, and of course the lack of windows! Commonly seen operating along the West Coast Mainline, East Coast Mainline and Edinburgh-Glasgow line, the Class 325 can carry up to 12 tons of mail in each car at speeds up to 100mph. Complete with parcel trolleys and working shutters doors, and the dual-voltage pick-up systems the Class 325 is available from 1 December.

Armstrong Powerhouse - Station Lighting Enhancement Pack 2 - Railworks 3

Armstrong Powerhouse have recently released their second station lighting enhancement pack for Railworks 3. The following is taken from their website.

Armstrong Powerhouse presents an enhancement pack for the station lighting on two of the most popular UK DLC routes for Train Simulator 2012. These routes are Bristol to Exeter & Portsmouth Direct.

Whether it's flying through the suburban stations of Portsmouth Direct or arriving under the great canopy of Bristol Temple Meads on Bristol to Exeter, this pack is sure to greatly enhance your night-time driving experience. Much care has been taken to ensure the colouring of the lighting is realistic in relation to each station in reality with the orange glow of tungsten lights being apparent as well as the whiter looking fluorescent ones.

Woodhead Line - Released 8th December - Railworks 3

RailSimulator.com have today announced the release date for the forthcoming and highly anticipated Woodhead Line. The following is taken from their website.

A superb Northern England line for Train Simulator 2012! The Woodhead Line will be available, complete with Class 76 locomotive, from 8 December. Running from Sheffield to Manchester via the rugged landscape of the Pennines, the Woodhead Line was electrified way back in 1955 with the Class 76 electric locomotive being built especially for the job. 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. Closed to traffic since 1981, the Woodhead Line and its tunnels will once again provide hours of pleasure for rail enthusiasts in Train Simulator 2012.

Moving North - Railworks 3

Did this shot earlier this evening and was rather impressed with how it turned out. Bonus points for anyone who can guess the location of the distant hill......

DT OTA Wagon - Railworks 3

In case anyone wasn't aware, along with the recent release of the Digital Traction Wagon Pack 2, they have also made one of the wagon variations available for free download.

An excellent gesture and very nice it is too.

More information and download here.

HIA Aggregate Hopper Wagon - Railworks 3

Introduced in 2005 these 90 tonne capacity hopper wagons come in green and white as used by a major UK rail freight company.

Available now from the Waggonz website.

General Electric GG1 - Railworks 3

RailSimulator.com have today announced the forthcoming release of the General Electric GG1 locomotive. The following is taken from their website.

The fantastic, futuristic shape of the GG1 is instantly recognisable to rail fans around the world, and it will soon be available for Train Simulator 2012!

The GG1 (so named because it ran on an articulated pair of 4-6-0 frames or ‘G’ frames) was built by General Electric in Altoona, PA and entered service with the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1935. The GG1 was a truly impressive locomotive, measuring over 79 feet long and weighing in at 475,000 pounds (215 metric tons), and capable of 100mph on lines such as the Northeast Corridor. 195 were built for the PRR, eventually passing into new ownership and continuing to work for Amtrak, Conrail and Penn Central with several remaining in preservation today. Complete with P70 passenger coaches, the fabulous GG1 will be available from December 8.

Just Trains - Class 67 Out Now! - Railworks 3

Just Trains have now released their eagerly anticipated addon, the Class 67 locomotive "Advanced" which also includes IPA car carriers.

More information available here.

NSTPE "Transitional" Class 158 Pack - Railworks 3

Now available from the DPSimulation website.

Donner Pass Release Date - Railworks 3

RailSimulator.com have made an announcement regarding the upcoming "Donner Pass" route for Railworks 3. The following is taken from their website.

November 24 is Thanksgiving, and what better time of year for our biggest release ever – the 140-mile drama and majesty of Donner Pass: Southern Pacific!

Set in the early 1990s during the later days of Southern Pacific operation, Donner Pass: Southern Pacific is the longest route we have ever created for Train Simulator 2012, and puts you in the cabs of 5 different Southern Pacific diesel locomotives (including the SD40T-2 Tunnel Motor) as you test your driving skills on this demanding route. Running from Roseville Yard, CA to Sparks Yard in Reno, NV, the route takes you high up into the Sierra Nevada range and along the infamous Donner Pass itself, complete with its tunnels and snow sheds and of course magnificent scenery. With hours of driving pleasure – and a few tough challenges along the way – Donner Pass: Southern Pacific is a ‘must-have’ for all fans of North American railroading. Available from November 24.

Class 50 Locomotive Now Available! - Railworks 3

The iconic Class 50 locomotive, developed by Meshtools and published via Steam by RailSimulator.com has now been released for Railworks 3. The following is taken from their website.

‘Hoovers’ at the ready! The Class 50 diesel locomotive is now available for Train Simulator 2012, with 9 liveries and scenarios for Oxford-Paddington and Newcastle-York, plus free roams for the West Coast Main Line (available separately).

Featuring a highly-detailed cab and realistic ‘weathering’ to the exterior, the ‘Hoover’ (so called because of the sound made by the loco’s air filtration system as first produced) was first built to haul passenger services on the non-electrified part of the West Coast Main Line, which it did for many years until electrification was extended. The Class 50s then found themselves in the Western Region and occasionally further afield, until reliability became a problem in the 1990s and multiple units were introduced in their place.

Recreate the days of loco-hauled passenger services and enjoy the detailed cab with opening windows, functioning wipers, instrument lighting and more. The Class 50 is available now priced £11.99.

The Class 50 Locomotive is available here

FTPE Vinyl Class 158 Pack - Railworks 3

Now available from the DPSimulation website.

Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith - Railworks 3

Today has seen the release of Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith, an excellent freeware route from author Ben Yates.

It recreates the 30 ¼ miles of the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway in Cumberland (now Cumbria), England suitable for the period between 1930 and 1966.

A short section of the West Coast Mainline from Penrith to Clifton & Lowther, and the Eden Valley Railway from Eden Valley Junction to Weatheriggs, and the section of the
Cockermouth & Workington Railway from Cockermouth Goods Station to Brigham are also included for operational interest

It is available for download now at UKTrainsim

Getting Dirty

Further to the post yesterday regarding the FTPE Vinyl reskin, I have now proceeded to add a weathered effect for enhanced realism. They were never very clean.

Just Trains - Class 67 "Advanced" Videos - Railworks 3

Just Trains have recently released a selection of videos which show some of the advanced features available in their upcoming Class 67 for Railworks 3.

FTPE Vinyl Class 158 Reskin - Railworks 3

Should hopefully release this soon barring no issues. Will possibly be part of a pack including the Regional Railways variant that used the same vinyls.

Q1 Locomotive - Railworks 3

Did you know?....................

That there is a Q1 Class Steam Locomotive available for free on DPSimulation? Created by Pete Gillam, the author of the excellent 56xx, the Q1 was designed by Oliver Bulleid for use during the war on the Southern Network and the first member of the class, C1, is a member of the national collection based at the NRM, York.

Download it now here

Iron Horse House Updates - Railworks 3

Rolling stock provider Iron Horse House (IHH) have now started to roll out their programme of updates to incorporate TS2012 features.

Visit IHH now for details on how to upgrade.

Class 150 DMU Now Available! - Railworks 3

An excellent collaboration between Thomson Interactive and Oovee Entertainment, the Class 150 DMU has been released.

Available now from the Steam store.

SGGRSS 80' Articulated Container Flat Wagon Available! - Railworks 3

Capable of carrying 20',30',40, and tanks upto 120kph the SGGRSS 80' is widely used on the continent for rapid distibution of shipping goods

Available now from Waggonz

Cresston V4 - Screenshot Showcase

Cresston V4 - Pre-Release Information

With the release of Cresston V4 coming ever closer, I thought I would share some pre-release information about what to expect and what is included in the release. As the previous incarnations of the route have always seemed to be very well received, hopefully this information will be of interest.

It's worth noting once again from the outset that the payware "WCML North" route is required to run this final version of the route. There are various reasons for this which provide a benefit to me and to the route itself. Naturally, as the core of Cresston V4 is an electrified main line, the catenary from WCML North has completely transformed the visual feel of this particular line and coupled with the wide range of LED signalling, this also provides operational benefits.

Other features include:-

• Over 200 route miles, ranging from the 100 mile electrified main line, to various freight and passenger branches of differing sizes.

• Over 30 passenger stations, all with custom signage and varying amounts of realistic clutter.

• Multiple points of industry, from power stations, container yards, a mail depot, steelworks, logging yard and even a Tesco distribution centre.

• Many community suggested improvements have been implemented, such as an electrified traincare facility to extend scenario functionality.

• Parts of the original dated areas of the route have been improved/rebuilt ro reflect the improvement of route building standards since the release of previous versions.

• Over 100 custom assets with permission for them to be used and packaged with any freeware route.

• The route will come in a single package with all required assets included. Apart from the requirement of WCML North, no further downloads will be required to run the route.

• TS2012 features including custom night lighting utilised over the whole route in several variations with day/night cycle enabled and no shadow casting to improve efficiency. Certain portions of the route have also had track properties modified to reflect differing uneveness of track to help take advantage of the "cab sway" feature.

• 4 engaging scenarios included that utilise default stock alongside the WCML North (required) stock to enable users to run the route "out of the box".

• Further scenarios to be released either alongside the route or shortly afterwards which utilise available payware stock for a more realistic and immersive experience.

• Cresston V4 should continue from previous versions in being able to run on a wide array of systems and specs with the route having been built with efficiency as a top priority.


I still don't have a firm date on release at this moment in time due to the project being completed stage by stage, completely in my spare time. Despite this, I envisage that the route should hopefully be released either shortly before Christmas or early in the New Year at the latest.

Feel free to leave any questions/comments.

"National Express" Scotrail Class 158 Reskin

Now available from the DPSimulation website.