Updated NWM Released

Just in time for Christmas the folks over at Trainsim-Stuff released an updated version of the very popular Network West Midlands route. I actually expected someone to have already mentioned it here but alas I shall instead

The route has seen some tweaks to it but for me the best bit is the inclusion of an earlier era (2001-2005), so there are plenty of 47s, 37s, 60s, 86s, 87s and 90s knocking around.

I've already driven some 500 route miles since it's release just before Christmas

The route still has some challenges such as "that" hill just after Quarry Bank (Where I've just ground to a halt in a 60 hauling a loaded MGR). OpenBVE's ability to select the traction for routes allows even more fun as it's possible to change the train (my aforementioned exploit in an MGR 60 was booked as a 47 freightliner), just like it can be enjoyable switching some of the stoppers over to a 37 or 31.

As for what the future holds? Well they have already shown us that they are making extensions to the route with a WIP extension from Clifon Greenbridge. I'd love to see an 80s or early 90s version with much more loco hauled stuff, especially as there is a new 56 in the works and the fantastic 58 which goes nicely with the 60.

I'm not connected in any way with them but I'm currently going through the basics of train building so that there will be electrics to run on this great line. It's a bit hard to get hold of sounds from 86s & 87s now though :/

Seriously though, keep up the great work guys.

Phil

Is there a problem with the NWM site cant seem to get on to check out the update

Seems ok for me, NWM changed development teams last year so has moved websites - perhaps you were using an old bookmark?

http://www.trainsimstuff.org/network-west-midlands

New link above, happy driving

Phil

Are you also experiencing some signalling issues with the routes via Salford Bridge? I keep getting stuck at reds at Frankley Junction and have to quit.

Scaramanga said:

Are you also experiencing some signalling issues with the routes via Salford Bridge? I keep getting stuck at reds at Frankley Junction and have to quit.

Click to expand...

That's a known issue with some of the routes via Salford and Frankley Jct.

A simple way around it is to press the Page Down key to isolate the TPWS etc to pass the signal and press it again once you have to reset.

It can also occur if you arrive at Frankley Jct a bit early...

Great stuff cheers. Wondered if it was my file that was corrupt.

Yes I've had the TPWS take over at Factory Crossing (just south of Salford Bridge, where the electric line joines briefly) and at the signals where the Salford Bridge line rejoins the main line just south of Frankley Junction. The last one was a corker, passed at 34mph on a green and it still popped, just treated it as a malfunctioning TPWS, crawled into the station and terminated there, after all may as well sim an failure

Glad to know it's a known issue with the route, I must admit I've only had the problem on the Class 37s so had previously thought it was an issue with them.

I think I will go and thrash a 47 for a bit now

Phil

I isolated the TPWS etc and sailed past the red signal, only to be met with the end of the planet! Just continued on straight track for ever. Ive reloaded all the route and object files but still the problem. Shame as a few nice freight runs via SB.

What was the diagram?

Falling off the end of the world should only happen if proceeding past Ludgate Hill or Hammerwich, both of which have red signals protecting the end of the line as the route does not currently continue beyond those stations.

There was a special diagram on the second to last release which was a WIP and the route diverged from the main line at Clifton Greenbridge and continued on for quite a distance before ending abruptly. It was really just an example of what new routemiles were being added - I would guess as I am not part of the team.

Phil

It occurs on the SB - Kings Head sidings and the early morning 60 diagram via SB. Get a red at Frankley and end of sports.

Scaramanga said:

It occurs on the SB - Kings Head sidings and the early morning 60 diagram via SB. Get a red at Frankley and end of sports.

Click to expand...

That's because you seem to have a copy of NWM that is not the version released just before xmas.

Most likely you have downloaded it and not removed the old version beforehand.

So you end up with a mix of both that does not work correctly.

There's not a 60 route file to Kings Head in the latest version.

It's now the 57005 KEA scrap steel train at 12:47.