Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Great Central Railway - Derailment
It's not very often that I post anything related to real life or preserved operations but I noticed this posted on a forum earlier. Very unfortunate.
What amazed me was that despite the relatively low speed, the weight of the train has so much momentum once it has derailed on the trap points.
What amazed me was that despite the relatively low speed, the weight of the train has so much momentum once it has derailed on the trap points.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Saturday, 27 April 2013
DPSimulation Scenario Pack 03 - Manual Preview
I have now completed the first draft of the manual for the upcoming scenario pack, it can be downloaded by clicking this link and is in .pdf format. It details what you can expect from the pack along with any requirements needed.
Feel free to let me know what you think.
Feel free to let me know what you think.
Attention Beta Testers
Good afternoon beta testers. Scenario pack 03 is now available in the beta section for testing.
Thursday, 25 April 2013
Train Simulator 2013 - BR Class 4MT 2-6-0 Tender Loco
Digital Traction have released the next in line of their fabulous products, this time the BR Class 4MT 2-6-0 Tender Loco.
Featuring a custom cab and soundset, fully featured and authentic scenarios and quick drives, accurate physics, light effects, a working headcode system changeable on the fly and TS2013 effects, the locomotive is available for £9.99 and can be purchased by following this link.
Featuring a custom cab and soundset, fully featured and authentic scenarios and quick drives, accurate physics, light effects, a working headcode system changeable on the fly and TS2013 effects, the locomotive is available for £9.99 and can be purchased by following this link.
Train Simulator 2013 - EWS & Freightliner Class 08 Pack
The EWS & Freightliner Class 08 pack has now been released for Train Simulator 2013. The addon can be purchased via Steam by following this link. As an introductory offer, the pack is available with 25% off.
The following is taken from the Steam description page for the pack.
The following is taken from the Steam description page for the pack.
Once one of the most common sights on the British railway network, the Class 08 diesel shunter is now available for Train Simulator in the modern EWS and Freightliner liveries.
The Class 08 was the ‘go to’ locomotive for general purpose duties, with almost any shunting required in yards and at stations carried out by a ‘Gronk’. Over a ten year period from 1952, almost 1,000 models were built at British Railways’ Derby, Crewe, Darlington, Doncaster and Horwich Works, making it the most numerous of all BR classes.
The Class 08 was based on the LMS 12033 series, later classified by TOPS as the Class 11, and is fitted with a English Electric six cylinder, four-stroke 6KT engine and low gearing for a top speed of 15mph. Models with higher gearing were classified as Class 09s.
With the privatisation of the British railway system and the introduction of multiple units and fixed rakes of wagons and coaches, the Class 08 soon became obsolete and many were withdrawn from service. However, around 100 locomotives remain in service for the likes of EWS/DB Schenker, First Great Western, Freightliner and Virgin Trains, and more than 60 examples are preserved on Britain’s heritage railways.
The Class 08 for Train Simulator is available in EWS maroon/gold livery and Freightliner’s famous green livery, and features TSX effects, new locomotive physics, detailed cab interior and accurate driving controls, plus MEA and MFA wagons.
The locomotive is also Quick Drive compatible, giving you the freedom to drive the EWS & Freightliner Class 08s on any Quick Drive enabled route for Train Simulator, such as those available through Steam. Also included are scenarios specifically for the Edinburgh to Glasgow route (available separately and required to play these scenarios).
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Screenshot Of The Day (2) - 23rd April
I've already done the screenshot for today, but I am really fond of this one.
Announcement - DPSimulation Scenario Pack 03
With two scenario packs recently released, I am pleased to announce the third pack in the series which is now around 70% complete.
Pack three is based on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route and features eight scenarios set in between 2003 and 2010. In the pack you will drive several different types of traction including the HST, Class 170, Class 150 & Class 156, with all scenarios based on fully realistic timetables guaranteeing there will be plenty of AI to see and interact with on this busy corridor.
Pack three is based on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route and features eight scenarios set in between 2003 and 2010. In the pack you will drive several different types of traction including the HST, Class 170, Class 150 & Class 156, with all scenarios based on fully realistic timetables guaranteeing there will be plenty of AI to see and interact with on this busy corridor.
DPSimulation - New Reskins Added
As the scenario packs take shape, I am trying to make sure that I can make easier access to the requirements, particularly for reskins on upcoming packs. With a huge thanks to startours (Daniel) and rfletcher1972 (Richard), they have allowed me to host their work at DPSimulation.
The first batch of uploads include a First ScotRail reskin of the Class 156 DMU, a National Express ScotRail reskin of the Class 170 and ScotRail reskins of the Mk2 and Mk3a. I guess this first batch gives a clue as to what the next scenario pack is!
The first batch of uploads include a First ScotRail reskin of the Class 156 DMU, a National Express ScotRail reskin of the Class 170 and ScotRail reskins of the Mk2 and Mk3a. I guess this first batch gives a clue as to what the next scenario pack is!
Train Simulator 2013 - Locomotive Database Updated
I have made a new update to the locomotive database which has been very well visited since it's conception, I hope you have found it useful!
Updates include revisions to the original diesel locomotive list, along with the addition of a DMU/DEMU section which may hold surprises for some users. For instance, did you know that there was a freeware Class 143 available for the sim?
The database can be found by clicking here.
Updates include revisions to the original diesel locomotive list, along with the addition of a DMU/DEMU section which may hold surprises for some users. For instance, did you know that there was a freeware Class 143 available for the sim?
The database can be found by clicking here.
Saturday, 20 April 2013
DPSimulation - Timetables
As I am always looking to make DPSimulation a useful resource for all aspects of simulation, I have created a new section on the website to which I shall be uploading timetables for people to use when creating their own scenarios. After amassing a collection of timetables over the years, I will be uploading portions of some of the older content I own but this will take time, both to scan and then create a suitable document for people to use.
The section can be viewed by following this link.
The section can be viewed by following this link.
Friday, 19 April 2013
Train Simulator 2013 - Scenario Pack 02 Released
I am very pleased to announce that the second scenario pack from
DPSimulation has now been released. It can be downloaded by following
this link.
Dedicated the Class 142 "Pacer" DMU, scenario pack 2 features six all new scenarios based on the Bristol to Exeter and Newcastle to York "Modern" routes.
Covering two areas of operation, passenger runs and empty stock workings, this pack is intended to provide an interesting and realistic experience that requires the user to take a different approach to their driving depending on the type of scenario driven.
To add to the immersion of these scenarios, all new "Scenario Specific Scenery" has been created and placed within the scenarios in order to add more colour and atmosphere to the routes. More on this process is documented within the manual.
Attention Beta Testers
I have posted new information in the beta section for you to look at. A public thanks for all of your help so far, you have excelled once again.
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Screenshot Of The Day - 18th April
A busy view out of the cab window on a summers evening at Edinburgh Waverley.
Train Simulator 2013 - New Scenario Released
Although I have been trying to stay away from releasing single scenarios recently to concentrate on the packs, I have decided to release this, it was originally intended for the workshop and was just sat on the hard drive doing nothing.
Called "Airshow Shuttle", it is based on the GARL route and puts you in charge of a hired in Class 67 to work between Glasgow Central and the airport, quite similar to another scenario I released several years ago. It's only half an hour or so long, but may as well be available to others rather than sitting gathering dust.
It can be downloaded by following this link.
Called "Airshow Shuttle", it is based on the GARL route and puts you in charge of a hired in Class 67 to work between Glasgow Central and the airport, quite similar to another scenario I released several years ago. It's only half an hour or so long, but may as well be available to others rather than sitting gathering dust.
It can be downloaded by following this link.
Train Simulator 2013 - Southeastern Class 465
The Southeastern Class 465 EMU has now been released for Train Simulator 2013. The addon can be purchased via Steam by following this link.
There seems to be a lot of excitement and rumour regarding sounds for this unit, even condemning the sounds before they were released. However, I have it on good authority that the sound set is quite impressive.
The following is taken from the Steam description page for the Class 465.
There seems to be a lot of excitement and rumour regarding sounds for this unit, even condemning the sounds before they were released. However, I have it on good authority that the sound set is quite impressive.
The following is taken from the Steam description page for the Class 465.
The Class 465 EMU is a popular sight across the south east of England on commuter services, and this modern four-car unit is now available for Train Simulator.
The Class 465 ‘Networker’ replaced the ageing Class 415 (4EPB) EMUs that were previously in service across the southern rail network. Construction of the units was split between three manufacturers, GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell) and BREL between 1991 and 1993, and ABB Rail between 1993 and 1994. Generally, the different manufacturers’ units were the same with some minor differences, which includes overhead air vents, external dot matrix displays and different traction motors.
The Networkers entered service in 1992 and were operated by British Railways until 1997, transferring to Connex, South Eastern Train and latterly to Southeastern as privatisation of Britain’s railways developed. In total, 147 four-car trainsets were built, and can today be seen on suburban routes serving the south east of England.
The Class 465/2 for Train Simulator is available in Southeastern yellow/grey livery and features passenger view and driver reminder appliance (DRA).
The locomotive is also Quick Drive compatible, giving you the freedom to drive the Class 465 on any Quick Drive enabled route for Train Simulator, such as those available through Steam. Also included are scenarios specifically for the London-Faversham High Speed (available separately and required to play these scenarios).
The Class 465/2 is officially licensed by Southeastern.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Screenshot Of The Day - 17th April
Hired in to work a special shuttle service between Glasgow Central and Glasgow Airport, a Class 67 stands at Paisley Gilmour Street.
IHH - WLOS/Port Road Steam Chapter 2
I think this one has slipped under my radar.
Following on from the diesel and steam chapter 1 packs, Iron Horse House have now released a chapter 2 steam pack.
Again, the pack offers fantastic value for money and can be obtained by clicking this link.
Following on from the diesel and steam chapter 1 packs, Iron Horse House have now released a chapter 2 steam pack.
Again, the pack offers fantastic value for money and can be obtained by clicking this link.
Digital Traction - Spring Sale
Just noticed this morning that Digital Traction have announced a spring sale.
You can view the Digital Traction site by following this link.
For a limited period, you can get huge reductions on our wagon and coach packs. Priced at just £2.99 each per pack you can pick up a bargain now over on our products page!
You can view the Digital Traction site by following this link.
Train Simulator 2013 - Southeastern Class 465 Video
RSC have posted a video this morning of the upcoming Southeastern Class 465 EMU with a message to say that it is being released later today.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Screenshot Of The Day - 16th April
Now ready to be returned to Northern Rail, two Class 142 units await departure at Exeter TMD.
DPS Scenario Pack 02 - Manual Preview
I have now completed the first draft of the manual for the upcoming scenario pack, it can be downloaded by clicking this link and is in .pdf format. It details what you can expect from the pack along with any requirements needed.
Feel free to let me know what you think.
Feel free to let me know what you think.
Monday, 15 April 2013
Train Simulator 2013 - SWT Class 159 Released
I am pleased to announce the release of my latest reskin, the South West Trains Class 159 which requires the original payware Class 158 from Steam in order to work.
This skin has been created at very short notice as an AI requirement for the upcoming Class 142 scenario pack and therefore has minor errors on the front, particularly on the roofline but is perfectly acceptable and will be updated in the future. This reskin will also automatically generate Class 159 numbering in white.
It can be downloaded from the DPSimulation website by following this link.
This skin has been created at very short notice as an AI requirement for the upcoming Class 142 scenario pack and therefore has minor errors on the front, particularly on the roofline but is perfectly acceptable and will be updated in the future. This reskin will also automatically generate Class 159 numbering in white.
It can be downloaded from the DPSimulation website by following this link.
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Announcement - DPSimulation Scenario Pack 02
Following hot on the heels of the release of Scenario Pack 01, I am pleased to announce that the forthcoming pack 02 is now approaching the testing phase.
Dedicated solely to driving the Class 142, the second scenario pack covers operations on both Bristol to Exeter and Newcastle to York "Modern", again featuring six scenarios and around six hours of driving in total.
Below is an excerpt from the manual.
Dedicated solely to driving the Class 142, the second scenario pack covers operations on both Bristol to Exeter and Newcastle to York "Modern", again featuring six scenarios and around six hours of driving in total.
Below is an excerpt from the manual.
Dedicated the Class 142 "Pacer" DMU, scenario pack 2 features six all new scenarios based on the Bristol to Exeter and Newcastle to York "Modern" routes.
Covering two areas of operation, passenger runs and empty stock workings, this pack is intended to provide an interesting and realistic experience that requires the user to take a different approach to their driving depending on the type of scenario driven.
To add to the immersion of these scenarios, all new "Scenario Specific Scenery" has been created and placed within the scenarios in order to add more colour and atmosphere to the routes. More on this process is documented within the manual.
Farming Simulator 2013 - 50% Off
We all like a good simulator don't we?
Well, one of the current weekend deals on Steam is for Farming Simulator 2013 at 50% off for only £9.99. Despite what you may think, it's actually pretty good as well.
You can view the deal by clicking here.
Well, one of the current weekend deals on Steam is for Farming Simulator 2013 at 50% off for only £9.99. Despite what you may think, it's actually pretty good as well.
You can view the deal by clicking here.
Train Simulator 2013 - Gamersgate Sale
There is currently a sale on over at Gamersgate* with upwards of 50% off many addons for Train simulator 2013 along with the base software being available for only £5.00. You can view the sale by following this link.
*Gamersgate is a legitimate store which on purchase will provide you with a code that can be inputted via Steam. The product will then be added to your Steam account and download as normal, much the same as when buying directly through Steam.
*Gamersgate is a legitimate store which on purchase will provide you with a code that can be inputted via Steam. The product will then be added to your Steam account and download as normal, much the same as when buying directly through Steam.
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Train Simulator 2013 - Scenario Pack 01 Released
I am very pleased to announce that the first scenario pack from DPSimulation has now been released. It can be downloaded by following this link.
Based around BR Blue operations in the early 1980's on the East Coast, scenario pack 1 features six all new scenarios that utilise four different types of traction, the Class 43 HST, Class 47, Class 55 "Deltic" and Class 31.
Covering the three core passenger types on the stretch of the East Coast Main Line, Cross Country, Trans-Pennine and ECML express work, this pack of scenarios provides and interesting and realistic blend, with over 7 hours of driving in variable weather and difficulty.
To add to the immersion of these scenarios, all new "Scenario Specific Scenery" has been created and placed within the scenarios with the hope of increasing the realistic feel within the ECML route. More on this process is documented within the manual.
Attention Beta Testers
I have posted new information in the beta section for you to look at. A public thanks for all of your help so far.
Train Simulator 2013 - Marias Pass
Highly anticipated by the community, Marias Pass has now been released for Train Simulator 2013 priced at £24.99. The addon can be purchased via Steam by following this link.
The following is taken from the Steam description page for Marias Pass.
The following is taken from the Steam description page for Marias Pass.
Spectacular scenery and large sweeping curves through the Rocky Mountains are just some of the features of Marias Pass, available now for Train Simulator.
The 152 mile Montana route was first charted by the then principal engineer of the Great Northern Railway, John Frank Stevens, in December 1889. It proved to be an ideal route for a railroad with its wide valley and gentle gradient, meaning it would not require extensive excavation and multiple locomotives would not be required to haul freight up its incline.
The Pass reaches more than 5,200 feet (1,580 metres) at its summit and forms the southern edge of the Continental Ranges, a major grouping of the Rocky Mountains. Starting out at Shelby, the route winds up and through the flat farmland and open plains before heading into the mountain range through narrow canyons and vast pine forests alongside the Flathead River. Passing through Cut Bank and Browning, the route reaches the summit just after Marias, before descending through Essex and Columbia Falls to Whitefish.
The route is famous for its spectacular bridges, and these are accurately depicted alongside other features including mountain snow sheds, the silo ‘Dalek’ at Browning, Belton Lake, the concrete Penguin at Cut Bank, a large marshalling yard at Whitefish, industrial facilities throughout the route and the 13 mile branch line to Kalispell.
Also included with the route is a GE ES44 DC locomotive in BNSF heritage livery and a Burlington Northern EMD SW1500 switcher, along with new BNSF 50ft box cars and lumber cars, and several reworked freight cars in BNSF and BN livery.
Marias Pass is a stunning Montana route through some of the most picturesque mountainous settings with its unique challenges of driving long, heavy freight trains up and down the wide valleys and gentle gradients.
Cresston V4 - New Scenario
I have uploaded another scenario to the website for Cresston V4 courtesy of Phil (pjt1974). They are available in the
"Third Party" section of the website and can be found by clicking here.
A big thankyou once again to Phil for producing these scenarios.
A big thankyou once again to Phil for producing these scenarios.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Beta Testers - Final Call
Following an appeal I made last week for new beta testers, I got another fantastic response and had to sift through a larger pool of applicants to then choose six new testers. This leaves people disappointed and it is truly a privelege to have so many people that take an interest in wanting to be part of the process in releasing an addon.
Despite this great response and the addition of these new testers, I now find myself having to repeat this request because only one of the new testers has bothered to test and provide feedback about the newest scenario pack, other testers seem more pre-occupied with wanting to know where the next Cresston beta is which was not the intention.
I can completely understand if people do not test because they are too busy, beta testing is after all very low on the priorities of life. If this is the case though, all I ask is that you let me know so I can get people in who can do the testing and if you are too busy, it might not be a good idea to apply in the first place, you are just leaving myself and others in limbo. An enormous amount of work goes into addons, with conception and research along with the time it takes to actually develop and perform my own initial testing.
So, can I again appeal for new beta testers to apply for access to the beta program with a specific interest in testing the new line of scenario packs. If you had already applied and heard nothing back, please apply again for consideration. The same caveats apply, that you have experience in Railworks/TS2013 and are above all trustworthy and honest.
As before, if you are interested, then please complete a "Contact Us" form on the website and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Depending on response, we can then work together to get this first pack released and I will then re-start the work on the next packs. If there isn't a good response, or the new testers follow the same pattern as the last, then I will be left with no option but to just release the packs with minimal testing, something I don't really want to do but I will have little choice other than having them festering on my hard drive.
In terms of the existing testers, particularly the newest recruits, there is a message in the beta section for you.
Despite this great response and the addition of these new testers, I now find myself having to repeat this request because only one of the new testers has bothered to test and provide feedback about the newest scenario pack, other testers seem more pre-occupied with wanting to know where the next Cresston beta is which was not the intention.
I can completely understand if people do not test because they are too busy, beta testing is after all very low on the priorities of life. If this is the case though, all I ask is that you let me know so I can get people in who can do the testing and if you are too busy, it might not be a good idea to apply in the first place, you are just leaving myself and others in limbo. An enormous amount of work goes into addons, with conception and research along with the time it takes to actually develop and perform my own initial testing.
So, can I again appeal for new beta testers to apply for access to the beta program with a specific interest in testing the new line of scenario packs. If you had already applied and heard nothing back, please apply again for consideration. The same caveats apply, that you have experience in Railworks/TS2013 and are above all trustworthy and honest.
As before, if you are interested, then please complete a "Contact Us" form on the website and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Depending on response, we can then work together to get this first pack released and I will then re-start the work on the next packs. If there isn't a good response, or the new testers follow the same pattern as the last, then I will be left with no option but to just release the packs with minimal testing, something I don't really want to do but I will have little choice other than having them festering on my hard drive.
In terms of the existing testers, particularly the newest recruits, there is a message in the beta section for you.
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
New Beta Testers Wanted
I am looking for experienced beta testers to join the team. With a new range of scenario packs currently in production, the current team probably won't be big enough.
If you are an experienced user of Railworks/Train Simulator and want to help test new add-ons but are above all trustworthy, then please get in touch via the "Contact Us" form at our website.
If you are an experienced user of Railworks/Train Simulator and want to help test new add-ons but are above all trustworthy, then please get in touch via the "Contact Us" form at our website.
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