My new PC arrived today, and I headed straight for Euro Truck Simulator 2. I'd also treated myself to a used Logitech G27 wheel and it's proving to be a great investment - having done the first mission using a keyboard just to test the game and performance, it's a big improvement using a good wheel.
I've not bought my own truck yet, I'm trying to get around 50k in the bank before taking out a loan so it's less saving to get a second truck (or that's the plan!) so I'm enjoying testing out the various models. I must say the basic Iveco trucks are terrible - I've done Grimsby to Carlisle and Grimsby to Amsterdam in them and it was an interesting experience going up hill. I've also enjoyed a couple of runs in a Mercedes and it was a pleasure. Does anyone have any reccomendations for when I do get around to getting my own truck? So much choice!
Yes, the Ivecos are just awful, they lack in power so much. I have actually replaced my Ivecos with a Peterbilt 379 that I found on ets-2.com (a great site if you are ever after some mods). It still has the Iveco handleing files so it is still down on power but it looks so much nicer.
As for recommendations for your first truck I would have to recommend a Scania, the top end one might not be as powerful as a top end Volvo but they do look a lot less like a box on wheels and handle better than the Volvos too (well in my opinion anyway).
I am a little biased though for a couple of reasons.
1) My Father drove a Scania M114 and I had several rides in it in my younger days.
2) I spend 5 to 6 days per week behind the wheel of a Scania R420 Topline.
So it kind of makes sense for me to stick to what I know in ETS2. I know that there are some who think ' He drives a truck for a living why go home and do your job on a computer?' my answer....I'm sure there are a few train drivers that enjoy TS13 or pilots that enjoy FSX I'm just the same. And the community behind ETS2 is fantastic.
A few sites in case some of you wern't aware of the large community support:
www.truckpol.proboards.com
www.trucksmods.boards.net
www.crockettshouse.org.uk
also search 'Euro Truck Simulator 2' on facebook and see the amount of pages that pop up, some better than others. Some seem to be dominated by 'Swift Haulage' a VTC that is a bit 'ooooh look at me', but hey ho that's what happens sometimes.