Getting started with Train Simulator 2014 Steam Edition

[sn1975]

Hi all,

I've just bought Train Simulator 2014 Steam Edition and looking for any tips to get me started and recommendations for free downloads or inexpensive paid-for add-ons.

Many thanks.

 

[ModernRailways]

What do you like to drive? Freight, Passenger? Modern, old? High Speed (FAST services), slow services (Stopping services)?

Take a look through the Steam Store DLC list and then whatever jumps out at you we can tell you how good it is.

The only routes I would recommend for all users (in reverse order) are 'ECML London to Peterborough', 'London to Brighton' (you should have) and 'GEML London to Ipswich with AP Class 321'.


A few websites:

• JustTrains.net
• DPSimulation.org.uk
• ArmstrongPowerhouse.co.uk

 

[SpacePhoenix]

You might want to hang on before getting any DLCs as Train Simulator 2015 comes out in September

 

[Domh245]

TS2015 won't change anything, it just means newer software and newer engine, all the previous DLCs and addons will work fine with it, much the same as the original railworks addons still work with TS2014. If you are going to install addons for TS2014 that aren't from steam, make sure you keep some backups, as steam may well destroy them when it upgrades your core game.

 

[alex17595]

I wouldn't bother buying anything that comes with 2015, unless you can get it on offer. I wait until the whole game on sale and buy it to get the routes (a keep the ones from previous versions you own)
Also look for the packs on steam and you can get a more reasonable deal.

 

[ModernRailways]

You might want to hang on before getting any DLCs as Train Simulator 2015 comes out in September

Train Sim 2015 will still be compatible with all previous DLC packs. Just as TS2014 is compatible with all TS2013/Railworks/RailSimulator DLC.

I wouldn't bother buying anything that comes with 2015, unless you can get it on offer. I wait until the whole game on sale and buy it to get the routes (a keep the ones from previous versions you own)
Also look for the packs on steam and you can get a more reasonable deal.

Definitely do this, if you have a look at what you want then add it to your wishlist then every day or so check your wishlist and see if they are on offer and if so buy them!

You can also get some serious savings on some bundle packs!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Gamefly are currently having a sale, visit here: http://digital.gamefly.co.uk/?stop_mobi=once&cid=tsuk072814#!/promotion/739

 

[alex17595]

Interesting sale, shame I don't enjoy the North American routes. And I'm getting the Ipswich route with the Portsmouth direct line, class 66 and 90 for £25. The seems to save a bit even if the routes are half price.

 

[GB]

TS2015 won't change anything, it just means newer software and newer engine, all the previous DLCs and addons will work fine with it, much the same as the original railworks addons still work with TS2014.

While this is true for TS2015, it won't always be the case. Dovetail Games are already working on the next gen version of Train Simulator and will be using the unreal 4 engine as a basis. That means that current gen stuff is very unlikely to work with it. That's probably at least 18 months away so still plenty of time to enjoy what we have.

 

[carriageline]

I'm fairly sure I read on the press release for the unreal engine that old DLC will still work, not sure how!

 

[Darandio]

I'm fairly sure I read on the press release for the unreal engine that old DLC will still work, not sure how!

Yes, on the current engine, as it will be a separate entity. It wasn't stated that the old DLC will work on the new engine.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The only routes I would recommend for all users (in reverse order) are 'ECML London to Peterborough', 'London to Brighton' (you should have) and 'GEML London to Ipswich with AP Class 321'.

I'd also recommend picking up the original ECML Newcastle to York route, it's fairly inexpensive. If you buy that and take the advice of buying GEML above, it opens up a completely free route called East Coast Mainline: North East.

No shameless self promotion to be seen here!

 

[ModernRailways]

Yes, on the current engine, as it will be a separate entity. It wasn't stated that the old DLC will work on the new engine.

I believe it was stated by Paul Jackson that we would be getting two copies of the game essentially. One would be the legacy simulator to play all of your old content on and the other would be the new upgraded Unreal Engine. If they could get old DLC to work under the Unreal Engine then I will be amazed!

I'd also recommend picking up the original ECML Newcastle to York route, it's fairly inexpensive. If you buy that and take the advice of buying GEML above, it opens up a completely free route called East Coast Mainline: North East.

No shameless self promotion to be seen here!

It's amazing that route! Shows you just how much the simulator and your skills have improved over time! The original Newcastle to York Modern was amazing but has aged fairly poorly if I'm honest, but your new version is just, WOW!

 

[Darandio]

I believe it was stated by Paul Jackson that we would be getting two copies of the game essentially. One would be the legacy simulator to play all of your old content on and the other would be the new upgraded Unreal Engine. If they could get old DLC to work under the Unreal Engine then I will be amazed!

Yes, but I'm not so certain that means you automatically receive the new game, the word 'upgrade' has been used many times.

Effectively, the current game continues and will still be supported for a period of time once the new one arrives. People then have the choice to continue using the existing game with all of the items they have accrued over the years.

Or, they can take the plunge on what will be effectively a new game, most likely with a cost to buy. Considering the financial cost of creating an all new program on the new engine, this wouldn't be unreasonable. They can then of course use both games separately.

And thanks on the ECML comments.

 

[jon91]

I have to echo what ModernRailways says and that the effort that has gone into your reworking of the ECML: North East really does show. It compares favourably with a lot of payware offerings.

Its also good to see you still persevering with the train sim community considering the debacle that happened on that forum that shall remain nameless.

Hopefully I'll have a decent PC by the time Train Sim appears on the unreal engine, chance would be a fine thing!

 

[Iskra]

A couple more 'must have' routes are West Coast Mainline over Shap- BR/modern, excellent just for the scenario scope, it also includes the Morecambe branch and Carlisle-Dumfries, there is a free workshop addition of the Furness line too. The second line I'd recommend is Western Lines of Scotland, it's a BR steam/diesel network from Carlisle-Stranraer which has everything from mainline running to single branch-line running and everything in between.

These are both stunning from a scenery point of view.

Darren, can I request a small project from you please. I know it's outside of your usual sphere, but would you consider adding scenery to the Windermere line on the WCMLoS. It's only 5 miles but would increase the scope for the route. Thanks

 

[SpacePhoenix]

When TS2015 comes out will it download as an upgrade to TS2014 or as a separate game?

 

[Class 92]

It will update you to TS2015 as an upgrade.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Is there anything that I need to make a backup copy of before hand so I don't loose any progress in the game?

 

[Iskra]

Personally, I'd back up everything. These things have gone wrong before...

 

[ModernRailways]

When TS2015 comes out will it download as an upgrade to TS2014 or as a separate game?

As an upgrade, so you will lose TS2014.

Is there anything that I need to make a backup copy of before hand so I don't loose any progress in the game?

Only backup third party stuff you have. So things from UKTrainSim, AP Sound packs, Just Trains scenario packs etc.