Railworks America

There is one nagging thing that needs to be brought to someone's attention. It is too late to fix it now, but maybe the next go around.

It seems that since the beginning of computer time, train games have done the same thing upon launch. MSTS did it, MSTS II would have done it, the company that inherited MSTS II (and later turned it into a Sea Turtle diving simulator) was going to do it ( I saw screen shots ), I think Run8 has done it, and now DTG has done it in this iteration of their train game.

Why in hell do we get the same three locomotives every time a new and improved game comes out - GP38-2, SD40-2, and something GE from around D-9 era. I mean really, there are hundreds of locomotive models out there, why do the same three keep popping up first and foremost?

Good question, the more since GP38 and SD40 are the same hp/axle and supposedly interchangeable. However, most RR prefer the GP38 for flatland and SD40 for mountain territory.
I'd rather like to see a SD70ACe instead of the GP38, or some other AC4400 competitor.

Are there commercial locomotive models in UE4 format available that could be textured, scripted, animated and emittered into TSW models?

I believe these three articles explain why the locomotives were viewed as both important for TSW and relevant to Sand Patch:

https://train-simulator.com/the-game-changer/

https://train-simulator.com/titan-of-a-generation/

https://train-simulator.com/the-do-everything-diesel/

Sure enough. Both the GP38-2 and SD40-2 make good base models for future DLC, IF remodelled to the railroad specifications, i.e. headlights, plows, roof top accessories etc.

_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha wrote:Sure enough. Both the GP38-2 and SD40-2 make good base models for future DLC, IF remodelled to the railroad specifications, i.e. headlights, plows, roof top accessories etc.

I'm just really jazzed that the SD40-2 is the same height as the rest of the locos now. Am I too easy to please? *)

The base model arguement doesn't really hold water. Each model is different in small enough ways that it justifies a new model to be built. For example, the C33-7's that BN rebuilt from C30-7's had differences in side vents, doors, and numberboards, enough so to warrant major body changes. Using the same locomotives for your base sim from game to game is laziness. There is enough information, sound, and technicals out there they could just have easily supplied a GP50, an SD50/60, and a new model ES44

JerryC wrote: Using the same locomotives for your base sim from game to game is laziness. There is enough information, sound, and technicals out there they could just have easily supplied a GP50, an SD50/60, and a new model ES44

Since CSX owns nearly 600 AC4400CWs, more than 300 SD40-2s, and more than 200 GP38-2, each of those choices seem quite appropriate for Sand Patch.

Interesting you would instead suggest the GP50 (of which CSX owns zero) or straight SD60 (of which CSX owns about 25 units).

JerryC wrote:There is enough information, sound, and technicals out there they could just have easily supplied a GP50, an SD50/60, and a new model ES44

Gotta get some return on the investment first, man.