First beta version of user interface update is now available! Get the beta by opening your Steam client and right-clicking on the game, then selecting 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 main focus of this update is to improve usability and aesthetics of the user interface. The layout and colours of the GUI are not final yet.

HUD helpers are now enabled and disabled from the HUD itself, rather than from the "Tutorials" button in the old version. Press Esc during the simulation to open the pause menu and click on the checkboxes to show or hide each helper.



Error reporting is semi-automatic. The crash screen has a separate button for sending an error report over the internet. The report includes the error message visible on the screen and your IP address.

• Changed zooming to work by holding down the left mouse button (instead of clicking on/off). The camera now zooms towards the mouse pointer.
  
• Changed all camera modes to remember their own zoom setting instead of using a shared one
  
• Improved lineside observer camera mode to look higher at the vehicle, instead of track level, and changed key shortcut to reset the camera position if pressed many times
  
• Fixed camera drift in free train camera mode
  
• Fixed AI sometimes trying to accelerate in wrong gear or fiddle with the shifter while waiting for brakes to release
  
• Added signaller messages for SPADing or getting lost from the intended path
  
• Fixed crash when trying to import some custom models
  
• Fixed tooltips going vertically off screen
  
• Fixed sim sometimes stuttering or going backwards
  
• Fixed possible missing vehicle body or bulkhead
  
• Added new DMU bogie model

Runs saved with the earlier version may be incompatible with this one, so you may get an "error loading saved run" message when trying to continue your last run.

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

A small patch has been released with the following important fixes:

• Fixed gearbox sound system to make it possible to add gearbox sounds in the train editor
  
• Improved AI braking behaviour to take track gradient into account when computing braking target speeds
  
• Improved Class 03/37/brake van brake performance and adjusted volumes
  
• Fixed various LOD problems in vehicle bodies
  
• Fixed pathfinding bug causing the sim to crawl to a halt on Frisia Western Lines map
  
• Fixed crash when adding a custom scenery model template without name and then trying to add it
  
• Fixed custom scenery models getting mixed with built-in ones

Runs saved with the earlier version are incompatible with this one, so you may get an "error loading saved run" message when trying to continue your last run.

This is mainly a quality of life update intended to improve the simming experience, but also has a couple of new features.


Your run is saved automatically when you exit the simulation from the HUD menu (Esc). The run can be continued later from the main menu (first item in the list). Saved runs might not be compatible across different versions, so a run saved with an earlier version may fail to load if the program is updated.

Restarting the simulation after continuing a saved run restarts from the saving point. The save file is deleted upon successfully completing the run.


It's now possible to import and use custom 3D-models for scenery in the route editor. The supported formats are the same as in the train editor.

In order to use custom 3D-models for scenery right-click on empty space in infra editing mode and edit custom 3D-model templates. Model nodes are set up the same way as in the train editor, except that each node is just a template (or a "prefab"). Custom models are placed in the scenery the same way as other single buildings or tree models.

Custom 3D-models need not be imported models. You can also use models (like vehicle parts) from the built-in library, in addition to the predefined infra/building/tree models in the earlier versions. It's also possible to animate models. For instance, try prev + 0.01 as a rotation function (frame rate dependent).

Custom models can be used creatively, for example to create a river: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2217092092


The new version has been compiled with a newer version of Unity and should run slightly faster with less stuttering. Memory consumption might be smaller and the game more stable. Imported models and textures are now loaded asynchronously without blocking the program.

The small starting popup with resolution and quality options has been removed (by Unity). Graphics quality can be changed from graphics settings and screen resolution from general settings.

The whole post-processing system has been updated. The overall look of the sim might be slightly different because it wasn't possible to directly migrate all the effects with identical settings. On the other hand, the new effects seem to run at a higher frame rate.

Shadows have also been updated to a new system. For some objects, like trees, shadows are drawn all the way to the horizon.

DirectX12 is no longer supported. The feature was experimental and turned out to be unstable, caused graphics glitches, and in some cases was even slower than DX11.


It's now possible to limit the number of semaphore arms for each signal, to prevent too large and unrealistic gantries at some locations. By default, the number of semaphore arms is limited to 2 on each side of the main arm. Right-click on a signal and choose signal properties to change the values. The x-position (distance from track centre line) of each signal can also be changed from the properties.

In addition to semaphore signals, there's a new ground disc signal type that can be changed from signal properties. The disc is just an alternative visual representation for the signal and will otherwise function the same way as a semaphore signal. The disc is automatically raised to canopy level if placed next to a platform (even if there's no canopy on the platform at that place).

AWS magnets now have an optional direction setting which can be changed by right-clicking on the magnet and editing its properties.

• Fixed crash in timetable editor test runs
  
• Increased AI braking performance maximum value to 150% in timetable editor
  
• Fixed vehicle drop-downs when editing fixed formations in train editor
  
• Fixed new gearboxes added with the train editor not transmitting any torque
  
• Fixed minimum values for shaft angular mass and output ratio to prevent divisions by zero
  
• Fixed crash when removing an axle in train editor
  
• Fixed various crashes in train editor
  
• Added window and door type cloning
  
• Added missing "metals" material for exhaust pipes
  
• Fixed missing stripes in some levels of detail (LOD) for vehicle bodies made with the integrated modelling tool
  
• Fixed stripe colouring in vehicle body end corners
  
• Fixed bug in the train editor where removing one vehicle definition would cause removal of all vehicle definitions that share the same physics device
  
• Fixed various crashes in route editor
  
• Limited 2D-overlay drawing range to speed up infra editing mode in route editor
  
• Limited automatically generated Steam workshop item title length to prevent error when submitting
  
• Route and train workshop submissions now also support "workshop_preview.jpg" as the preview picture

• Fixed Class 03 LODs to display repaints correctly
  
• Fixed Class 126 narrow cab brake handle to not turn inside the wall
  
• Prevented wheels from getting blurred when using motion blur
  
• Sparky's industrial buildings: added new storage tank models, applied some geometry fixes and fixed orientation of the buildings when used with automatic building placement
  
• Added new AWS bell sound by Ron Hess
  
• Improved handbrake performance and sounds
  
• Fixed dragging vacuum brakes in wagons that are not directly connected to the loco
  
• Fixed AI driver sometimes not accelerating after changing cabs
  
• Fixed some "path not found" problems
  
• Prevented spawning a train if one of its vehicles is missing (e.g. not downloaded from workshop) to prevent spawning a rake of wagons without a loco
  
• Fixed bug and possible crash in LOD generation
  
• Fixed possible crash when trying to start a rescue scenario
  
• Fixed possible crash when changing camera views

First beta version of small maintenance update now available! This is an additional update that was not in the original plans. Development and testing is intended to take no more than a couple of weeks.

Get the beta version by opening your Steam client and right-clicking on the game, then selecting 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).

Planned features include improvements to signalling, custom scenery models, saving a run and continuing later, Unity update, small bugfixes and optimisations.

• Added configurable limit to number of semaphore arms for each signal
  
• Added support for custom 3D scenery models
  
• Fixed missing stripes in some levels of detail (LOD) for vehicle bodies made with the integrated modelling tool
  
• Fixed bug in the train editor where removing one vehicle definition would cause removal of all vehicle definitions that share the same physics device
  
• Optimised memory use in pathfinding to reduce stutter

The number of semaphore arms is limited to 2 on each side of the main arm by default. Right-click on a signal and choose signal properties to change the values.

In order to use custom 3D-models for scenery right-click on empty space in infra editing mode and edit custom 3D-model templates. The model nodes are set up in the same way as in the train editor, except that each node is just a template (or a "prefab"). Custom model are placed in the scenery the same way as other single building or tree models.

Custom 3D-models need not be imported models. You can also all use models (like vehicle parts) from the built-in library, in addition to the predefined infra/building/tree models in the earlier versions. It's also possible to animate models. For instance, try prev + 0.01 as a rotation function (frame rate dependent).

Routes saved with the beta version are incompatible with the current release version because of changes to signal and scenery object data. Please make backups of any routes you're going to work on with this beta version.

The first version of the train editor is ready!

Left-click on "Train editor" in the main menu to start making a new train from scratch, or right-click to open one of the existing trains. (It's easier to make a new train by modifying an old one.)

In the editor, right-click on empty space or parts of the train to change the graphics, sounds and physics of the vehicles. See the guide for more details:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2128160094

You can download more trains from the workshop. In order to use trains from the workshop, they first need to be assigned to a timetable. More information in this thread. There will be more timetables designed for the new trains and repaints in the future.

• Railcars now have a working handbrake. Don't forget to release it before moving off!
  
• The vacuum brake for the railcars has been changed to work by holding down the release or application key instead of a single press. You can control the rate of brake application or release by how much you move the handle. (The brake is still manually lapped instead of self-lapping like the Class 37 train brake.)
  
• Friction characteristics of cast-iron block brakes are now modelled correctly (brakes are stronger at low speeds)
  
• The default keys for changing vehicle and panel are now Shift+V and Shift+P respectively (avoiding accidental cab change when trying to brake)
  
• Gear might no longer engage properly unless throttle is closed before shifting
  
• Class 03 throttle handle moves faster and the right-hand side cab position faces backwards by default
  
• Class 37 loco brakes have been strengthened

• Fixed signaller bugs that caused it to clear some signals incorrectly
  
• Fixed trains that span multiple signal blocks to spawn correctly
  
• Improved train routing to reduce waiting times and prevent going through slow tracks for no reason
  
• Fixed signals to update properly when editing the track they're on
  
• Changed rescue scenarios to use Class 37 instead of 03 for heavy trains

• Added regency townhouses and Victorian factories by Sparky66 to the buildings library
  
• Fixed missing rail joints between some pairs of turnouts
  
• Fixed sounds sometimes not playing properly
  
• Fixed AI driver sometimes having problems starting uphill with a Class 03
  
• Fixed route editor making changes to the old route after saving as new
  
• Fixed timetables not being shown in the menu for a particular route, even when the timetable file is placed in that route's folder
  
• Various physics, graphics and audio improvements to the trains
  
• Fixed several crashes in editors and driving sim
  
• Small performance optimisations

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 contest, use the beta version to post one or more screenshots to the community area.

The theme for this contest is custom trains or repaints made by players, but the main subject of the picture should still be one of the stock trains included with the game. Otherwise players may get confused, expecting the custom train to be part of the core package, when it actually needs to be downloaded from the workshop separately. The custom train should appear somewhere in the background or be part of the stock formation as a trailing unit.

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 to leave space (like plain ground) to the bottom-right corner for the menu
  
• Sunlight is most pleasing between 6-10 in the morning and 15-19 in the afternoon

The first beta version of the train editor is now ready for testing! Get the beta version by opening your Steam client and right-clicking on the game, then selecting 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).

Left-click "train editor" in the main menu to start making a new train from scratch, or right-click to open one of the existing trains. (It's easier to make a new train by modifying an old one.)

In the editor, right-click on empty space or parts of the train to change the graphics, sounds and physics of the vehicles. More instructions to follow.

Features missing from the first beta

• Submitting trains to Steam workshop Done
  
• Importing custom meshes, textures and sounds Done
  
• Tooltips for all the train properties that can be edited Done
  
• User guide Done
  
• Graphical improvements to existing trains Done

Problems

• Some of the new code is unoptimised, which may cause low or unstable FPS and stuttering Fixed
  
• AI doesn't handle the new DMU brakes very well Fixed
  
• Trains may get routed poorly (e.g. down express trains along the slow line in North Landen) Fixed

Other changes

• Added handbrake to railcars
  
• Changed railcar wheel and joint sounds
  
• Changed vacuum brakes to two-key operation (no more separate lap key)
  
• Fixed crash when removing all speed limits of a particular speed but leaving a corresponding sign in the map
  
• Fixed overestimation of train running times and inefficient routing in some cases
  
• Fixed unnecessary red signals in some cases
  
• Fixed train spawning if the train spans multiple signal blocks
  
• Fixed Class 37 weak loco brakes and erratic sounds
  
• Fixed Class 03 vacuum brake animation
  
• Fixed tread brake friction behaviour (brakes are now stronger at low speeds)
  
• Fixed a particular vehicle physics bug (the performance of Class 37 and other trains may be slightly different temporarily)
  
• Fixed route editor making changes to the old route after saving as new
  
• Fixed signal not updating properly when changing track

There will be multiple beta releases to fix problems and add missing features before the update is officially released

Stuff going on in the video:
0:00 Removing the other car
0:20 Repainting
0:30 More repainting
0:45 Removing and simplifying some passenger windows
1:30 Changing nose side geometry
2:00 Changing nose top geometry
2:30 Changing nose front shape
3:00 Removing headcode boxes and buffers
3:25 Changing side and roof cross sections
3:50 Changing rear shape
4:10 Editing windscreens into headlight holes
5:00 Adding headlights/marker lights
5:30 Editing headcode hole into windscreen
6:10 Adding and editing nose colours
6:30 Changing side shape and adding cab window
7:10 Adjusting body height from the wheels
7:15 Replacing wheelsets and bogies
7:50 Adjusting cab positioning
8:00 Removing unnecessary cab elements
8:20 Moving wiper, AWS and engine panel
8:40 Changing interior colour
8:55 Changing bulkhead windows and colour
9:05 Removing unnecessary interior elements
9:15 Adding new seats
9:30 Replacing solid luggage wall with meshed one
9:40 Adjusting final drive gear ratio
9:45 Changing engine torque curve
9:55 Adding turbocharger sound
10:15 Test drive

The built-in modeller is the feature most prominently demonstrated in the video, but the editor will also allow importing 3D-models made in external general-purpose programs like 3DSMax, Blender etc.

For those stuck indoors

The first official version of the Class 37 locomotive with Mk1 coaches is out! Timetables have been expanded with new express passenger, semifast passenger, and early morning newspapers runs hauled by the Class 37. The loco is also used for some rescue runs if the failed train is lengthy and far away from the depot. Remember to use the filter at the bottom of the service selection menu to find the new runs.


The current version of the Class 37 uses hydraulic torque converter physics because diesel-electric traction is not properly supported yet. Physics, graphics and audio will be improved in future updates as new features are added to the sim.

Driving tips

• Enable the "Show which key to press" tutorial to quickly learn how to operate the locomotive
  
• 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)

You may also find this video interesting, although the start-up procedure in DRS is greatly simplified:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faxC4Rqb0I8

To ride in the passenger coaches, choose watch mode when starting the simulation and move the camera to the rear end of the train (key [3]). Riding in the coaches is not possible when driving yourself.

This update also includes a number of other fixes and improvements. If you're a route creator, this is a good moment to make backups of any routes you might be working on.

• Fixed "reverse already exists" crash when removing nodes from a self-intersecting track
  
• Fixed two other possible crashes
  
• Fixed platform buildings, canopies and furniture moving about when changing the track from the low end
  
• Fixed signals, speed limit signs and other infrastructure not reappearing after making changes
  
• Added placement of single trees and buildings
  
• Improved automatic distant signal placement to better take different line speeds into account

• Fixed possible crash when trying to add new orders
  
• Fixed possible crash when using peak service pattern generator
  
• Fixed peak service generation tool to omit seconds from service starting times

• Adjusted all volume levels to prevent clipping and distortions
  
• Adjusted interior sound muffling properties to make high frequencies less audible
  
• Fixed outside sounds being too quiet in cab and other interior views
  
• Fixed door creaking sound
  
• Changed audio clips to be loaded on demand, which makes the program start faster (sounds may have a small delay before they play for the first time)
  
• Optimised CPU and memory consumption (especially when using time acceleration on a jointed track)

• Optimised building, tree and railcar rendering
  
• Added more trees at varying heights to create impression of dense vegetation
  
• Fixed wheelsets veering off rails in superelevated curves

• Fixed line filter in run selection menu to prune duplicates
  
• Fixed possible crash in service screen
  
• Fixed right-click view popup menu appearing for no reason after rotating camera
  
• Fixed right-click view popup menu sometimes not opening
  
• Changed (1) key to always change to the driving cab view (if possible), and (6) to the opposite cab in Classes 37 and 122
  
• Widened text field caret to make sure it's always visible in all GUI scale settings

• Fixed guard's van AI key presses to not count as computer key presses in run evaluation
  
• Fixed AI to set correct brake pressure while stopped
  
• Fixed railcar AI to properly change gears in some rare cases
  
• Added AI-train self-destruct if it gets stuck for 10 minutes (or longer when waiting for signal to clear)

• Fixed possible crashes when starting simulation or changing terrain quality while the sim is running
  
• Fixed expected energy consumption to be independent of one's own driving style
  
• Fixed Class 03 physics bug that made its transmission 2-3x too powerful
  
• Fixed various service pathfinding problems
  
• Fixed signaller holding signals at danger for too long under some circumstances
  
• Raised mineral wagon max speed to 35mph