A 64-bit version of the game is now officially released! All previous versions have been 32-bit only, but now you can choose which version to start when clicking the Play button in Steam. By default Steam launches the 64-bit version using DirectX11, with additional options to start the 32-bit version. If your system doesn't support 64-bit programs you'll only see two options, both 32-bit. The 64-bit version can be more stable than the 32-bit version especially when running multiple routes and service without restarting the game.
The download for this update is large because the data folder had to be rearranged in order to make both versions work.
Other fixes in this version:
Fixed throttle and shifter HUD helpers to display correct values
Fixed incorrect "moved while at booked stop" penalties
Fixed railcar horn sound fadeouts
Fixed sounds being cut off too early when fading out
Fixed station to be skipped only if the whole train passes the next clear signal (instead of just the front of the train)
All future fixes and new features will be added to both 32 and 64-bit versions. The next update will be the Class 37 locomotive as planned.
A 64-bit version of the game is now available in the beta branch! To test it, open your Steam client and right-click on the game, then select Properties from the pop-up menu. From the properties window go to the Betas tab and choose beta from the drop-down menu (no password required).
All previous versions have been 32-bit only, but now you can choose which version to start when clicking the Play button in Steam. Using the 64-bit version is recommended because for most systems it's likely to be more stable and performant than the 32-bit one. The default launch option in Steam starts the 32-bit version for backwards compatibility since some very old systems are incompatible with the 64-bit version. If your system doesn't support 64-bit programs, the option to start one won't be visible. You may also need to restart Steam in order to see the new launch options.
The download for this update is large because the data folder had to be rearranged in order to make both versions work.
Other fixes in this version:
Fixed throttle and shifter HUD helpers to display correct values
Fixed incorrect "moved while at booked stop" penalties
Fixed railcar horn sound fadeouts
Fixed sounds being cut off too early when fading out
Fixed station to be skipped only if the whole train passes the next clear signal (instead of just the front of the train)
All future fixes and new features will be added to both 32 and 64-bit versions. The next update will be the Class 37 locomotive as planned.
Class 03 locomotive update is now ready! Many thanks to all beta testers!
The new locomotive has a 5-speed gearbox and three different brake systems. All the built-in routes have been updated with some coal traffic and light loco movements. Rescue runs now also use the 03 if the broken train is near the depot.
Freight trains have a brake van at the rear to assist in slowing down the train, since the wagons do not have brakes that could be operated while the train is running. An AI guard in the brake van operates the van's handbrake automatically. When using simple controls, the guard will directly respond to the control setting. Under realistic controls the AI has a mind of its own and will use the brake when suitable. The AI can't be turned off.
Note the new keys to operate the handbrake (default: [H] to apply, [Y] to release) and the loco air brake in the 03 (default: [F] to apply, [R] to release). Unlike the vacuum brake, the loco air brake has no lap position: braking force is proportional to how much you turn the handle (handbrake works the same way).
Remember to use the Class 03 filter at the bottom of the service selection screen to easily find services hauled by the 03.
Other changes
Scenery
Fixed bridge support placement in some bridges
Fixed gap between trackbed and bridge side in some curved bridges
Fixed platform furniture orientation on some island platforms
Fixed switch rails not moving properly after restarting sim
User interface
Fixed camera being fully zoomed in when starting sim
Fixed HUD helper positioning when using GUI zooming
Fixed simple controls slider in some trains
Fixed doors sometimes being open in service screen train picture
Changed view menu popup to open only if RMB is held for less than one second
Changed view menu popup to close if it's already open when pressing view menu key or RMB
Added station skipping advice to service screen stopping info
Clarified wording of some signaller messages to remove ambiguity
Reduced vehicle vibration in some camera views
Traffic
Fixed signaller to properly remove a terminated train under some circumstances, preventing deadlocks
Fixed signaller clearing conflicting train paths in some locations like north of Eastle Harley
Fixed signaller to properly clear signal after train changes direction at a station (fixes rural roundtrip service in workshop "Track construction" timetable for Westfords)
Fixed signaller to properly hold signal at danger at some junctions until train has reduced speed (loaded coal train approaching Haverford West triangle)
Fixed starting time of first Haverford West ECS so that it's at the station before the first passenger service starts
Fixed some rescue scenario starting problems
Physics
Fixed Class 127 wheels crawling and squealing during engine start-up
Fixed incorrect head movement under potato quality
Made physics more robust especially in collisions and other corner cases
Smoothed out some sudden movements or jostling in train/camera springs
Reduced air drag to make the trains run more prototypically at higher speeds
Changed speedometer to show axle speed instead of the true speed of the train in order to correctly show wheelslip
Timetable editor
Added freight train type to timetable editor and run menu filters
Added slider for choosing the loading percentage of a freight train in timetable editor
Added slider for adjusting AI braking behaviour in timetable editor
Fixed possible crash in timetable editor when the stopping place of an order no longer exists
Fixed station name tag highlighting
Fixed timetables made for workshop routes disappearing from timetable list
Route editor
Fixed scenery being out of date in driving sim compared to route editor
Fixed route editor speed limit removal to remove all instances of the same limit in the same location
Fixed automatic speed limit generation in route editor
Fixed embankment gaps being incorrectly applied throughout the whole track when splitting a track
Fixed embankment gaps to not let track sink under ground
Other
Fixed possible error when trying to submit stuff to the workshop
Fixed several crashes in the menus and driving sim
Fixed missing ambience sound in some external views
Added guard whistle sounds (useful for 03 which doesn't have a buzzer)
The next update is ready soon so it's time to find a new picture for the main menu! If you're interested in a small competition, use the beta version to post one or more screenshots featuring the new Class 03 locomotive (and possibly other trains too in the same image).
Even if you don't post any images, please browse the community screenshots to upvote your favourite ones. The screenshot that has the most upvotes by next weekend will become the new main menu picture and the author gets their name in the credits. (Downvotes don't count)
Tips
The easiest way to post a screenshot is to use Steam's built-in functionality, usually the F12 key
Use the maximum resolution that your system supports
Hide the timetable by pressing F2
Disable all other overlays on the screen by opening "Driving settings" via the ESC menu, and unticking all tutorials
Choose the highest graphics level from the bottom of the "Graphics settings" screen (via the ESC menu)
Use the free roaming camera mode to position the camera
Use the pause key to stop all trains while finding a good position for the camera
Sunlight is most pleasing between 7-10 in the morning and 15-18 in the afternoon
To participate, open your Steam client and right-click on the game, then select Properties from the pop-up menu. From the properties window go to the Betas tab and choose beta from the drop-down menu (no password required). The beta version has automatic error reporting (more information when you start the game).
The main new feature is obviously the Class 03 diesel locomotive with a 5-speed gearbox and three different brake systems. All the built-in routes have also been updated with some coal traffic and light loco movements. Rescue runs now also use the 03 if the broken train is near the depot.
Freight trains have a brake van at the rear to assist in slowing down the train, as the mineral wagons do not have brakes that could be operated while the train is running. An AI guard in the brake van operates the van's handbrake automatically. When using simple controls, the guard will directly respond to the control setting. Under realistic controls the AI has a mind of its own and will use the brake when suitable. The AI can't be turned off in this version.
Take note of the new keys to operate the handbrake (default: [H] to apply, [Y] to release) and the loco air brake in the 03 (default: [F] to apply, [R] to release). Unlike the vacuum brake, the loco air brake has no lap position: braking force is proportional to how much you turn the handle (handbrake works the same way).
Remember to use the Class 03 filter at the bottom of the service selection screen to easily find services hauled by the 03.
Route and timetable creators: please don't publish routes or timetables made with the beta version to the workshop until the official version is released, because they might not work for those who are using the old version.
Other changes
Adjusted head movement
Reduced vehicle vibration in some camera views
Added guard whistle sounds (useful for 03 which doesn't have a buzzer)
Added freight train type to timetable editor and run menu filters
Added slider for choosing the loading percentage of a freight train in timetable editor
Added slider for adjusting AI braking behaviour in timetable editor
Made physics more robust especially in collisions and other corner cases
Fixed Class 127 wheels crawling and squealing during engine start-up
Fixed route editor speed limit removal to remove all instances of the same limit in the same location
Fixed automatic speed limit generation in route editor
Fixed possible crash in timetable editor when the stopping place of an order no longer exists
Fixed incorrect head movement under potato quality
Fixed missing ambience sound in some external views
Fixed doors sometimes being open in service screen train picture
Removed extra joint sound being played when a train is spawned
Other small fixes and optimisations
Known beta issues
Class 112 engine revs too early in first gear
Class 03 cab vacuum brake handle rod moves incorrectly when moving the handles
Class 03 cab horn levers move simultaneously when sounding the horn even though only one should
Class 03 and brake van cab windows are opaque under potato graphics settings
Simple controls direction may be opposite of what it's supposed to be when in brake van
Target speed tutorial may show incorrect direction
There will be at least one more beta to fix the known issues and a number of other problems related to signalling, route editor and platform furniture.
Work in progress shots of the next update! Class 03 hauling a short freight train with 16ton mineral wagons and a 20ton brake van. Models by Paul Harper. The next beta is still a few weeks away
