Polling has now ended with 148 votes for scenery and 120 votes for gameplay (55% vs. 45%)! The result is quite even but the small lead for scenery means that it'll be the next major update, after the small controls update which is currently under beta testing. The gameplay update will be done after the scenery update.

Beta version of the controls update is now available! If you wish to test the new version, 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).

This update improves input handling and has better support for various controllers like gamepads and joysticks, without having to resort to Joy2Key or a similar program. RailDriver levers and buttons are probably supported, but its speaker and LED are not.

When using mouse, the camera is turned and moved ("unlocked") by holding down the right mouse button, just like in the earlier versions. This is the default setting and can be changed to another key or button. In addition there's a new separate camera lock toggling function that switches between locked and unlocked modes, instead of having to hold down the key or button. This is the default behaviour for gamepads, the mode being changed from the left stick button.

This beta version should also fix the "sticky" or "stuck" keys problems: 1. Key repeat rate is now independent of the Windows keyboard settings. 2. Cab controls again respond to keys when the camera is unlocked (moving or turning).

The old style of vacuum brake handling with separate keys (E, D, C) for releasing, lapping and applying brakes has also been restored. Free movement of the brake handle is still possible with keys T and G.

What's the difference between "+/-" and "notch +/-" in the controls configuration screen? The "notch +/-" inputs move the throttle/brake/etc. handle in either direction while you hold down the key. Note that the movement is not necessarily "notched". The other +/- inputs move the handle to the maximum or minimum value when you hold down the key and return it to zero when the key is released (simulating a joystick axis with a keyboard).

• Made signal and distant maximum AI sighting distances editable in route editor
  
• Added option to disable undo in route editor in order to speed it up
  
• Other smaller fixes and optimisations

• Controls configuration screen fonts, colours and translations
  
• Correct label for camera unlocking input (now says "lock" instead of "unlock")
  
• Key helper translations for new inputs like gamepad controls
  
• Various optimisations

Routes and trains saved with this beta version are incompatible with the current release version.

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

The next update will be a small one focusing on optimisations and expanding controller support. After that there will two major updates to gameplay and scenery, but which one would you rather have first?

• ːsteamthumbsupː Vote this post up ːsteamthumbsupː if gameplay should be prioritised over scenery
  
• ːsteamthumbsdownː Vote this post down ːsteamthumbsdownː if scenery should be prioritised over gameplay

Voting ends on 11th of April (new votes are still possible after that but will not count). You may vote even if you don't own the game. Up/down voting semantics do not reflect developer preference; they are just the technical means to conducting this poll.


Each update will take approximately 4-8 months to complete. The main features are outlined below, but the final set of features may be different:

Gameplay update

• Career mode
  
• Steam leaderboards
  
• Steam achievements
  
• Improved scoring
  
• Chaining services to make multiple runs with the same train in one session
  
• Conventional tutorials

Scenery update

• Better terrain textures
  
• Fields and dense forests
  
• Grass and bushes
  
• More realistic roads
  
• Better fences
  
• More house/building models
  
• More realistic and detailed track models
  
• Uneven track 3d-models to match rails to wheel movement
  
• Improved and more flexible bridge models
  
• Better station platforms, buildings and props
  
• Water (streams, river, lakes, seashore)
  
• Tunnels

Please see the first post in the updated development plan discussion thread for a wishlist, feature dependencies and prioritisation.

The trend in DRS development process has been towards smaller and more frequent updates, but this is actually the wrong direction. Small updates are rarely interesting enough to attract new players. Instead, from now on, there will be fewer but larger updates.

The next update will still be a small one, the fourth part of the user interface updates, focusing on optimisations and improvements to controls and input handling. After that, the following two updates will be large ones: a gameplay update and a scenery update.

A poll will be arranged soon to let users have a say on which of the two large updates should come first (gameplay or scenery).

See the full plan post and discussion

This version improves the user interface of the train, route and timetable editors. Some new features are also included, like liveries, static trains, join orders and combined main/distant signals. Please see the updated editor guides for instructions on how to use the new features. In addition the update fixes several bugs and has other minor improvements and optimisations.

• Changed zooming in 2D-views to zoom where the mouse pointer is rather than the centre of the screen
  
• Added side panel to all editors which makes editing easier. You can left-click on things in the main view to show their properties in the panel
  
• Fixed length and position fields to accept comma as the decimal separator if the operating system is set to use it
  
• Added undo (CTRL+Z) and redo (CTRL+Y)
  
• Routes, trains and timetables are now uploaded to Steam Workshop from the main menu instead of the editor
  
• Added Workshop preview picture selection for timetables and languages when uploading (routes and trains work as before)

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1668734729

• Fixed node elevation and pitch calculation when branching off from a non-level node
  
• Added missing new ModelNode creation option for custom 3D-model template editor
  
• Added min curve radius and max gradient soft constraints (track section is shown in red when it exceeds the constraints, but can still be placed)
  
• Added option to make automatically added track end buffers invisible
  
• Added option to make a platform invisible
  
• Added option to enter node position and direction numerically (node properties)
  
• Removed route deletion button from route properties
  
• Added refresh key (F5) for reloading models and scenery
  
• Added combined signal/distant. Works for a single-arm signal only. The signal and distant also need to be placed at the exact same location (zoom in until you can move the signal or distant in 1mm steps)
  
• Increased default AI signal sighting distance to 300m. Does not apply to existing signals until they are "touched" e.g. by flipping twice
  
• Added key for switching editor infra/scenery mode (default: space)
  
• Adding a new tree/building circle or a street grid now uses previously edited values as defaults for the new thing

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1492526313

• Fixed test runs to actually run
  
• Added options to disable one or both scenario types for a template. Disabling both scenarios makes the template AI-only
  
• Removed timetable deletion button from timetable properties
  
• Renamed order "dwell" to "stop"
  
• Added support for static services
  
• Added join orders

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

• Clarified vehicle tare and axle mass calculations
  
• Changed axle definition positions to be displayed relative to the centre of the vehicle rather than the front. This makes it easier to get the axles right since the majority of vehicles are symmetrical
  
• Added refresh key (F5) for reloading all models
  
• Added livery support

• Fixed camera movement when "hold RMB to move camera" is disabled
  
• Fixed Siphon G tare and adjusted brake performance
  
• Fixed disc signal animations sometimes not working
  
• Updated signalling in Mountain Pass and added missing Little Bartby distant in down direction
  
• Possibly fixed missing speed curves in run evaluation graph when using a high screen resolution
  
• Removed separate "force constant GUI pixel size" checkbox from settings and added it as an "off" option in GUI zooming instead
  
• Fixed player role to make it possible to drive Harbord F401 service again
  
• Changed sim start procedure to make sure that trains that should be running at start will be running, at the expense of making the start take longer in some cases
  
• Added timetables tab to main menu
  
• Changed AI to not sound horn when approaching stops (waypoints) that have both "stop on left/right" boxes unticked

The next version is planned to focus on improving the controls (keyboard, mouse etc.)

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Wyvern server

The editor UI update is now ready for beta testing! Participate by opening 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).

This version is intended to improve the user interface of the train, route and timetable editors. Some new minor features are also added.

Timetables, trains and routes saved with the beta version are incompatible with the current release version.

Please first make backups of any files you're going to work on using the beta version!

• Changed zooming in 2D-views to zoom where the mouse pointer is rather than the centre of the screen
  
• Added sidebar to train and timetable editors (but not to the route editor yet). You can now left-click on stuff in the main view to show its properties in the sidebar
  
• Fixed length and position fields to accept comma as the decimal separator if the operating system is set to use it
  
• Added undo (CTRL+Z) and redo (CTRL+Y) for train and timetable editors (but not the route editor yet)

• Fixed node elevation and pitch calculation when branching off from a non-level node
  
• Added missing new ModelNode creation option for 3D-model template editor
  
• Added min curve radius and max gradient soft constraints (track section is shown in red when it exceeds the constraints, but can still be placed)
  
• Added option to make automatically added track end buffers invisible
  
• Added option to make a platform invisible

• Fixed test runs to actually run
  
• Added options to disable one or both scenario types for a template. Disabling both scenarios makes the template AI-only

• Clarified vehicle tare and axle mass calculations
  
• Changed axle definition positions to be displayed relative to the centre of the vehicle rather than the front. This makes it easier to get the axles right since the majority of vehicles are symmetrical

The following translation keys were added (if translators wish to update their language files):

• KeyRedo
  
• KeySaveChanges
  
• KeyUndo

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

This update adds support for translating the user inteface into different languages. The first time you start the game you'll see a menu for selecting the language. You can access the same menu later by clicking on the globe icon in the main menu.



Currently two languages are included: English and Finnish, with more languages in the Workshop. Please see the translation guide if you wish to make your own translation and upload it to the Workshop.

For now, editors remain in English only because of the enormous task of preparing the translation tables and translating all the pieces of text.

This update also includes improved ambient occlusion to add better shadows under trains and bridges and within trees.



The railcar underframe components are also now modelled in detail:



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

Other changes:

• Added HUD opacity slider
  
• Added brake setting notch percentage to HUD helper
  
• Added some (undocumented) debugging options to timetable editor test runs
  
• Changed brake lap key to set running position if there's no lap position
  
• Fixed cab change keys to work properly for some failed formations in rescue
  
• Fixed mismatch in positions of some signals (near stations) in the minimap vs. the real position

• Fixed AI insisting on driving from the wrong loco in a formation with multiple Class 03 locos if the leading one is running cab first
  
• Fixed AI not returning to the previous signal after SPAD in some cases
  
• Improved AI to ease throttle before reaching target speed to prevent speeding
  
• Improved initial speed calculation when spawning at speed to prevent immediate SPADs
  
• Fixed signaller to properly clear signals around spawning place in case it's divided in multiple blocks
  
• Fixed pathfinder to make sure that reversals have enough space to reverse the train
  
• Fixed pathfinder to find valid reversals in some cases

• Fixed dragging brakes in some failed formations in rescue
  
• Fixed some potential crashes
  
• Added asset packing tool

The purpose of the new asset packing tool is to bundle files together in a format that is not easily accessible to the regular user. This is a requirement for using many commercial 3D-models licensed from sites like CGTrader and TurboSquid. The tool is described in the route editor and train editor guides.

The next update focuses mainly on improving the user interface of the editors.

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Youtube channel
Discord server

The translation update is now ready for beta testing! Participate by opening 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).

This update adds support for translating the user inteface into different languages. The first time you start this version you should see a menu for selecting the language. You can also access the menu through the settings screen if you need to change languages later.

Currently two languages are included: English and Finnish. Please see the translation guide if you wish to make your own translation and upload it to the workshop.

For now, editors remain in English only because of the enormous task of preparing the translation tables and translating all the pieces of text.

In addition, this update fixes one potential crash and has improved ambient occlusion (more shading within trees, under trains and bridges).

There will be at least one more beta version before the official release, intended to address these issues:

• Possible problems with the translations
  
• Minor user interface improvements
  
• Traffic deadlock problems
  
• Asset packing in editors

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.

The main focus of this update is to improve the usability and aesthetics of the user interface. The layout and colours may still be changed in future updates.

The user interface is now scaled to remain roughly at the same size regardless of display resolution. You can change the size at any time (except in editors) by pressing the shortcut keys CTRL & Numpad+/-. If you prefer the unscaled interface of the earlier versions, you can enable it by ticking the "constant pixel size" checkbox from the settings.

The old keys for changing cabs ("change vehicle" and "change panel") have been replaced with simpler "move to next panel in front/rear" keys. The keys are insert and delete by default.

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 (see image below).



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.

Detailed list of changes below:

• Restored old target speed calculation
  
• Added station stop waiting time helper
  
• Fixed camera drift in free train camera mode
  
• 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
  
• Removed restrictions on camera placement when in driving mode and using full controls
  
• Fixed "continue last run" to restore camera in the right cab if it's not in the first or last cab in the train when saving
  
• Fixed key helper to not spam with keys that have no effect
  
• Fixed taking control of an AI train where the driver is not in the first or last vehicle of the formation
  
• Added "Saving scenery" text to top-right corner when scenery is being processed (frame rate might be erratic while scenery is processing)
  
• Fixed tooltips going vertically off screen

• Fixed ground signals to clear properly
  
• Fixed invisible vehicles when clicking "Drive" or "Watch" before the train picture has finished loading
  
• Fixed missing failed train in rescue scenario if it takes more than 20 minutes to reach it
  
• Fixed target speed dropping too early when running light 37 in rescue
  
• Fixed brakes getting stuck on Class 37 when changing cabs before brake pressures have normalised
  
• Fixed AI to change panels correctly in some situations
  
• Fixed AI sometimes trying to accelerate in wrong gear or fiddle with the shifter while waiting for brakes to release
  
• Fixed incorrect energy consumption for Class 03 in some runs
  
• Fixed sim sometimes stuttering or jumping backwards
  
• Fixed possible missing vehicle body or bulkhead
  
• Added signaller messages for SPADing or getting lost from the intended path
  
• Added tread shine to some wheelsets
  
• Added new DMU bogie model
  
• Optimised sound clip loading

• Fixed crash when trying to import some custom models
  
• Fixed crash when entering negative or too high length values in editors
  
• Fixed possible crash upon division by zero in custom bus data source functions
  
• Fixed "isAlwaysUsable" controller property to work for all types of controllers
  
• Fixed door window positioning in some doors
  
• Added pipe get.pressure sound variable
  
• Added optional exhauster counterpart ("input") pipe
  
• Added invisible model colour
  
• Increased max AI brake performance slider in timetable editor to 200%
  
• Added separate checkbox to template properties in timetable editor to enable the downhill-aware AI target speed only for services where it's useful
  
• Added max speed to template properties in timetable editor, for limiting the speed even further from what the vehicles are restricted to
  
• Added node/section heading angle to route editor

The next update will be the second part of the user interface updates, adding support for translating the game to different languages.

The forthcoming new user interface needs some fresh background images, so it's time for a small screenshot contest!

There's no particular theme for this contest. You can take screenshots of custom Workshop routes and trains if you wish, or just stick to the stock content.

A number of the best screenshots (as chosen by Lapioware) will be used as background images for various screens in the user interface (such as the loading screen), and the authors get their Steam username in the credits.

Opt-out: if you don't wish your posted image to take part in the contest, 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 top 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 6-10 in the morning and 15-19 in the afternoon