Kent High Speed Coming Soon to Train Sim

[Bungle73]

It’s a new year here at RailSimulator.com HQ and what better way to start it than with an exclusive first look at a new route currently in production. Come join us for as we explore Kent High Speed.

Kent High Speed combines two of the UK's most well-known routes into one fantastic experience. Starting from the grand St Pancras International station in London, the first half of the line encompasses the northern end of the UK's most advanced railway - High Speed 1 (originally known as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link). Built as an extension of the TGV network from France it allows trains to race from the Kent coast through to London at speeds up to 300Kph. Intermediate stations are located at Stratford in North London, and Ebbsfleet just south of the River Thames in North Kent. At Ebbsfleet, a connecting line allows trains to disembark the high speed route and join the 'classic' UK railway network. From here, the experience takes on a more sedate but no less interesting pace. This part of the route through to Faversham is known as the Chatham Mainline, built by the London Chatham and Dover Railway company in the 1860s. Winding its way through the Medway Valley including such towns as Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham and Sittingbourne, the Chatham Mainline is a vital artery for Kent commuters working in London.

With such contrasting railway lines joined some unique features appear in Kent High Speed for Train Simulator 2013. Both Overhead 25kV and 3rd Rail 750V electrification systems are present, defining the history of the separate route sections. In addition, due to the speeds involved along the London section, different signalling systems are also present. Colour Light Position and LED signalling feature along the classic Chatham Mainline, while ultra modern in-cab TVM430 signalling features for High Speed 1. Trains are required to switch between the two critical systems of power and control, while making their regular stop at Ebbsfleet International Station.

In order to cope with all this interchangeability, a new train was developed in the form of the Japanese built Class 395 Electric Multiple Unit. Manufactured by Hitachi, the train was born from Shinkansen technology back in homeland Japan for their world famous 'Bullet Train' services. Consisting of 6 vehicles, the trains can operate up to 140 Mph on High Speed 1, but are limited to only 100 Mph on the more classic lines.

For more details and information about the forthcoming Kent High Speed route for Train Simulator keep an eye on our social pages such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and of course this very blog. In the meantime while not leave us a comment and let us know what you think of the project so far.

Sittingbourne....my "local"!

Rochester

http://www.engine-driver.com/2013/01/kenthighspeed.html

This is my local line so I'm really looking forward to this!

 

[ert47]

Looks interesting! If I read this correct, you wil be able to use two forms of power in one scenario. (You know, with the pan in the correct position when changing from wire to 3rd)
Wonder if that feature will be introduced to the 377 and the 325 (and the 375 if they model that).

 

[Bungle73]

I'm wonder how up to date Sittingbourne station, and the area around it will be. They're currently constructing a new supermarket on what was the site of a paper mill right next to the railway line, but it isn't finished yet. And a brand new footbridge was installed at the station last year, along with a new waiting "room" thingy on platforms 2 & 3.

 

[jnjkerbin]

I wonder if they've remembered the submarine between Rochester and Strood...

 

[Bungle73]

I wonder if they've remembered the submarine between Rochester and Strood...

Indeed.
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More pics!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151206197828091.454394.258680273090&type=1
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[ainsworth74]

That's a terrible model! It's missing the wheels!

But seriously now, it looks good so far. I'm quite looking forward to it.

 

[jon91]

I have to say, regardless of how much of HS1 this route will cover, I'll be putting some money aside for it. It's got good promise from the pics so far and I'm quite looking forward to seeing St Pancras in the game, even if it is from the SouthEastern platforms...

The switchover from overhead to third rail will be an interesting addition to scenarios too.

 

[Darkedriver26]

Looking forward to this (I still have to buy myself the London to Brighton package with my 'Christmas money)...

 

[GatwickDepress]

Looks pretty good. Those screenshots are immensely promising, and the 395 is pretty good-looking too.

 

[Bungle73]

Apparently it's out "later next month".
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[atomicdanny]

I'm sure it would be a good route from the picture, although personally I wish they had chosen a better picture than one of Gravesend station at that angle! There are better angles of the station to see that an unfinished side!

 

[Skimble19]

Must admit that picture does show a fair amount of differences (include missing platform buildings), however, as it still a WIP that's to be expected.. Aside from that, looks like a great route - just hope it doesn't cost too much!

 

[jon91]

I'd imagine it'll cost the standard £24.99 as per other RSC routes.

 

[Clip]

Looks canny good that but why did they use the Medway towns route rather than via Ashford and either to Margate or Dover which would show HS1 more in all its glory. A cynic in me would say its because they maybe have the Medway route already built from other programmes....

 

[Bungle73]

They just posted a load of new images on their FB page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151206197828091.454394.258680273090&type=1

 

[crabandwinkle]

Once the High Speed bit is done, can we please have the Kent Coast route? Ramsgate to Victoria was a stamping ground of mine when I was younger, living as I did in Whitstable. Would be good to drive the route...

 

[Bungle73]

Sittingbourne again!

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/843067_10151265903753091_175835283_o.jpg

And what looks like part of the HS line:

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/819141_10151263554003091_1273793379_o.jpg
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RSC now have a section on their FB dedicated to the route: http://www.facebook.com/railsimulator/app_291341537622639
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RSC keep posting screenshots on FB, and the 3rd rail has now appeared, so I suspect release is imminent.

 

[richw]

Theres a high speed test scenario on my updated version, it did an update last weekend. Scenario is to Take a high speed train to the test track, and have to achieve 150mph in 2 laps. The train looks better than it does above!

 

[Bungle73]

Better?

 

[atomicdanny]

Theres a high speed test scenario on my updated version, it did an update last weekend. Scenario is to Take a high speed train to the test track, and have to achieve 150mph in 2 laps. The train looks better than it does above!

That scenario was included with the original release of 2012 with the Hitachi Super Express Concept though which is a different train to the Class 395 ?

 

[Bungle73]

Oh that. Yes, it's a completely different train.

 

[Bungle73]

St. Pancras:

Should be ready for release soon...hopefully.
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They posted a few more pics just now. 395 cab:

I can't wait for this to be released! It must be soon!
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Video!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Xhzh4Hclrwg

 

[christopher]

Hope they add some more 'texture' to the cab, It looks quite like MSTS quality!


Certainly a must buy for me though, Just for the 395

 

[Bungle73]

Breaking news! It's out tomorrow! :grin:

Hope they add some more 'texture' to the cab, It looks quite like MSTS quality!


Certainly a must buy for me though, Just for the 395

It's a bit dark to see it properly though.
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Must be my iPad.

 

[atomicdanny]

Hope they add some more 'texture' to the cab, It looks quite like MSTS quality!

No offence but you can't really compare a flat picture (MSTS Cab) to a fully 3d cab!

 

[CC 72100]

Breaking news! It's out tomorrow! :grin:



It's a bit dark to see it properly though.
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Must be my iPad.

I'm pleased we have passenger view, I must admit that I find passenger view quite important for some reason. (Despite the fact that everyone has the experience in real life to be a passenger, unlike driving!)

 

[Bungle73]

Manual: https://shoutlet-files.s3.amazonaws.com/8134/603475.pdf

Out in a few hours!

 

[brad465]

Manual: https://shoutlet-files.s3.amazonaws.com/8134/603475.pdf

Out in a few hours!

Is there a specific time as I've just looked and it's not there yet.

 

[Bungle73]

Is there a specific time as I've just looked and it's not there yet.

Apparently it was on there a few hours ago, but taken off again. I missed downloading it then in case there was some kind of problem. People are saying some time between 6 and 7pm, but RSC themselves haven't given am exact time.

 

[jnjkerbin]

It's on there now! Enjoy!