Drive vintage diesel trains, shifting gears manually and trying to reach a perfect score. Create new routes, trains and timetables. Share your creations and download new content from the Workshop.
All Reviews:
Very Positive (244) - 94% of the 244 user reviews for this game are positive.
Release Date:
Mar 5, 2018
Developer:
Publisher:

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Early Access Game

Get instant access and start playing; get involved with this game as it develops.

Note: This Early Access game is not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“The simulator has been in development for many years. It's time to get feedback from a larger crowd of players, be they experienced or beginning trainsimmers, to get the details right and see if the base concept and features could be turned into a new serious contender on the trainsim market.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The simulator is expected to be in Early Access for a few years.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“Planned additions and improvements:
  • More trains and routes
  • More gameplay elements (leaderboard, achievements)
  • Sound improvements
  • Graphics improvements: lighting, terrain texturing, grass and bushes, fields and forests, roads and fences, more detailed track models, better signal models, better station platforms, improved train textures...
More detailed plans in the Steam discussions forum.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Most base features are in place and functional. The collection of routes and trains is still somewhat limited but offers hours worth of driving. Physics and sounds are quite good but can still be improved. Visuals need a lot more work but are good enough not to distract.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The price may be raised with some of the updates.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“Feature requests and other suggestions will be considered for implementation if they are technically feasible and sufficiently small in scope. All ideas are still welcome even if they don't make it to the simulator.

If the community feels an important feature is not prioritised high enough, the order of the updates may be changed. The players may also have access to test versions in advance of the official releases.

Communication takes place mainly through the Steam discussions forum.”
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Reviews

“Via a stream of dynamic input recommendations the sim will tell you when to slow, pick up pace and change gear, quietly encouraging fuel-efficient driving all the while. It’s one of the simplest and best-integrated tutorial systems I’ve ever encountered.”
Tim Stone (Rock, Paper, Shotgun)

About This Game

What is it?

Diesel Railcar Simulator is a train driving simulator modelling the passenger diesel multiple units, or "railcars", and other trains of the 1960s British railways.

How does it play?

The goal is to drive a train from A to B with safety, comfort and timekeeping in mind. You can choose from hundreds of Inter-City, semifast, stopping, freight, rescue and empty coaching stock train services. The gameplay is mostly sandbox: there's no need to earn points or money to unlock any of the runs.

Where's the replay value?

Your driving style and timekeeping are evaluated upon completing a run. Try the same run again to reach a higher score by braking more accurately or driving more economically. You'll still need to prepare for suprises as traffic conditions and delays may change from run to run.

Is it realistic?

  • Physics are simulated in detail: individual components of the transmission are replicated to ensure realistic behaviour. The suspension of each vehicle is also modelled to make it bounce and sway over uneven trackwork
  • Sounds are mostly authentic: many of the most important sounds used for the railcars are recordings of the real trains
  • Computer-driven AI trains occasionally make human-like mistakes
  • Graphics are good enough not to distract, but will still be improved in the future

Is it easy to learn?

Yes, the game has optional integrated tutorials that show helpful data on the screen while you're driving, such as the current target speed or which key to press. There's also an alternative simplified control mode where the train is operated with up/down keys only, while the actual throttle, shifter and brake levers are computer-controlled.

How do I control the train?

You can use a keyboard or drag the cab controls with a mouse. The game also supports a wide variety of other controllers like gamepads, joysticks and the RailDriver controller (RailDriver LED and speaker unsupported).

Can I just relax and watch the trains run?

Yes, you can choose to spectate and watch the computer drive the train from any viewpoint. You can also change trains at any time.

What routes are included?

There are three fictitious routes with different characteristics, totalling over 150 miles: 4- and 2-track main lines, short urban and suburban lines, mountainous rural single track lines. There are more routes in the Workshop, including ones based on the real world.

What trains are included?

  • Four British Railways diesel railcar classes with manual gearboxes: 112, 117, 122 and 126
  • Class 127 railcar with torque converters (no need to change gears)
  • Locomotives: Classes 03, 37 and 40
  • Mineral wagon, guard's van
  • Mk1 coaches and Siphon G parcels van
  • More trains and liveries available for download in the Workshop

Can I make my own routes and trains?

Yes, in-game editors are included for creating new routes, timetables and trains. All existing routes and trains can also be edited. Please see the guides in the community section for more detailed information.

Anything else worth mentioning?

  • The game is still in development and missing some features. For instance, passengers only stand still on the platform
  • The first trailer video shows outdated graphics. Please see the screenshots for up-to-date examples of the visual quality

System Requirements

    Minimum:
    • OS: Windows 7 or newer
    • Processor: Dual core 2GHz
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible video card with 512MB
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 2 GB available space

What Curators Say

6 Curators have reviewed this product. Click here to see them.

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