DRS: Thoughts On Latest Version

[NorthernWarrior]

It had been a while since I looked at DRS, but with the Class 03 and 37 now available, decided it was time to re-acquaint myself.

Well this has come a long way in a very short time. The routes are looking much better and more realistic and it is nice to see the traction also has good cabs. Sounds are also excellent as for the most part are the physics - though I have to say the DMU's especially the single Class 122 are still a bit quick off the mark in 1st gear.

A few constructive thoughts and suggestions going forward:

1. Some sort of save game is pretty much essential particularly if we eventually get longer routes and/or the ability to stay in the game after finishing one run and start another - similar to TSW Timetable mode.

2. Not sure if I mentioned this one in testing but while I find the LHS HUD info very useful, the constant key prompts which accompany it become... irritating. Particularly when a bit inappropriate, e.g. a distant signal at caution so in go the brakes, but it is prompting me to accelerate potentially towards a signal at danger. There needs to be a way to keep the useful info but disable the key prompts, please.

3. Diurnal cycle and seasonal/weather effects would greatly enhance the experience.

4. This sim is crying out for some decent prototype routes, whether it's the Bridport branch or Barrow to Workington. However that does need an editor which can read real world DEM and mapping data in addition to an overhaul into something more akin to what we work with in Trainz or DTG TS. I know that would be a huge undertaking but definitely worth the effort.

Can't think of anything else other than to repeat I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience and look forward to more great things to come.

[haverfordwest]

Point 1 Vern you can already do that. Keep on playing at the end of a run.

Longer routes try my Cymru on Workshop. Miles and miles of main and branch lines all super flat

Had 118 subscribers the last time i bothered to look.

Mike.

[NorthernWarrior]

I'll give that a look Mike. And I'll certainly keep trying to get my head round the editor, even if I just scale up a miniature railway plan, like I did for Coate Water with Trainz.

[seagoon]

4. This sim is crying out for some decent prototype routes, whether it's the Bridport branch or Barrow to Workington. .....

Or Canberra to Cooma, a line which did use diesel-powered railcars, albeit somewhat different to the type(s) in DRS.

[haverfordwest]

I'll give that a look Mike. And I'll certainly keep trying to get my head round the editor, even if I just scale up a miniature railway plan, like I did for Coate Water with Trainz.

Vern if i can use the editor, you will be able to with your eyes closed buddy.

Mike.

[NorthernWarrior]

Or Canberra to Cooma, a line which did use diesel-powered railcars, albeit somewhat different to the type(s) in DRS.

Some great curves on that line. looking at the old course on Google Maps.

I wonder if anyone has done it for MSTS or Trainz?

Vern if i can use the editor, you will be able to with your eyes closed buddy.

Old dog, new tricks but as I said Mike, when I get a spare hour or two I fully intend to sit down and have a play with it.

[haverfordwest]

Top man Vern, the only thing i do not understand is gradient creation.

Which is why "Cymru" is subtitled "The flat earth railway"

Mike.

[seagoon]

.....I wonder if anyone has done it for MSTS or Trainz?....

I was thinking of it for Trainz, Mike......just about when I did the Potash route. Never got around to it.

[haverfordwest]

White Australian man speak with forked tongue.........................

Mike.

[Lapioware]

A few constructive thoughts and suggestions going forward:

Thanks Vern! Some of these features get requested quite often. Saving is something I'm going to investigate after the train editor update. Hopefully it'll turn out to be a few days' work only.

You can disable the key prompts from the "driving settings" screen -> tutorials button -> untick "show which key to press".

The Steam Workshop has a couple of good prototypical routes (prototypical within the capabilities of the sim/editor); try the "most popular" filter.

[NorthernWarrior]

Ah, I forgot they were hidden away there.

Thanks Oskari.

Oh and one other item to sneak on the would be nice list... tunnels!

[seagoon]

White Australian man speak with forked tongue......................... .

Ooops! Sorry.
I meant "Vern".

[metalangel]

Is there possibility for lit gauges and such on the desk, or is that not prototypical? If I do one of the last runs of the day at around 10pm, it's very hard to read them.

[seagoon]

Vern, try Newbury and also Cumbria. They are apparently nice representations of real-life routes.

[NorthernWarrior]

Is there possibility for lit gauges and such on the desk, or is that not prototypical? If I do one of the last runs of the day at around 10pm, it's very hard to read them.

Second this - also need the signal aspects to be lit so you can spot them on approach.

However the atmospherics driving in twilight are very nice, I did a run with the 37 last night and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Vern, try Newbury and also Cumbria. They are apparently nice representations of real-life routes.

Got those downloaded and had a quick drive on the Cumbrian one. Looks nicely done but no gradients - there is a steep climb out of Windermere something like 1 in 90 or 1 in 100 on the prototype, not there on the route. Not a criticism just illustrates why we need an editor that can incorporate DEM data and map or marker overlays to use as a template.