The next update is ready soon so it's time to find new pictures for the main menu! If you're up for a small competition, use the beta version to post one or more screenshots featuring the new Class 37 locomotive with Mk1 coaches (and possibly other trains too in the same image).

1 - 5 of the best screenshots (as chosen by Lapioware) will become the new main menu background pictures and the authors get their name in the credits.

If you don't wish your posted image to take part in the competition, please state it in the description.

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 and other parts of the HUD with F3
  
• 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
  
• Remember that the list of routes will be in the bottom-right corner
  
• Sunlight is most pleasing between 6-10 in the morning and 15-19 in the afternoon

Class 37 is now ready for beta testing! 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 existing timetables have been extended with some new express and semifast passenger runs for the 37, as well as a couple of early morning newspapers runs.

Remember to use the filter at the bottom of the service selection menu to find the new runs. Note how the "Class 37" is incorrectly sorted after the "1xx" railcar classes:



How to drive

• If you find yourself in the wrong cab at the start of the run, press (P) to switch to the other cab (but release the handbrake first)
  
• Use the (6) key to return to the number 2 cab from an external view
  
• Hold down the (B) key to raise the securing pin in order to release the train brake controller from the shutdown position
  
• Train brake release can be sped up by holding down the release key (E) (a spring automatically returns the controller to the "running" position)
  
• Enable the "show which key to press" tutorial if you're not sure how to operate the locomotive

• Fixed duplicated vertices and faces in railcar models for improved looks and faster rendering
  
• Fixed Class 03 physics bug that made its transmission and brakes 2-3x too powerful
  
• Fixed various service pathfinding problems
  
• Fixed signaller holding signals at danger for too long under some circumstances
  
• Improved distant signal placement in route editor to better adjust to different line speeds
  
• Fixed peak service generation tool in timetable editor to leave out seconds from service starting times
  
• Fixed door creaking sound
  
• Adjusted interior sound muffling properties to make high frequencies less audible
  
• Widened text field caret to make sure it's always visible in all GUI scale settings
  
• Fixed right-click view menu popup sometimes not opening

• BSK guard's door doesn't open
  
• RMB buffet vending stand is missing
  
• Siphon G doors don't open
  
• Sometimes you spawn in the wrong cab
  
• Wheel and rail sounds start clipping at high speeds when they're loud (this is also a problem with the Class 03 since the previous update)

Known Class 37 issues

• The loco uses hydraulic torque converter physics because diesel-electric traction is not supported yet
  
• The ammeter is only for decoration
  
• The spring loaded release position of the train brake controller might not engage properly under low frame rate
  
• The loco can't be used in rescue yet
  
• Cooling fan doesn't work yet
  
• The model and livery are not quite correct for the 60s setting
  
• Missing sounds: engine priming pump, turbocharger, compressor, exhausters, traction motors, various rattles

There will be at least one more beta version before the official release

The model of the actual buffet is not ready yet

A coach with four 2nd class compartments, a luggage compartment with opening doors and guard's office. The last three pictures show an experimental night-time lighting which won't be included in the next update yet.

The body has been modelled with a techique similar to the existing railcars, so it's not as detailed as the Siphon G parcels van for instance. Parts of the Siphon are also reused for this coach to save time. The other Mk1s will be a TSO, something with a guard's compartment, a buffet car and possibly suburbans too (feel free to suggest types)!

Another model by Paul Harper

Class 37 exterior model is almost complete! Modified from original model by Paul Harper.

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.