Hi, sorry for the delay,
Ok,. so here are my thoughts (my thoughts may not reflect those of DTG)
Q - What about several Japanese routes? I have already suggested the Odakyu Line to Hakone (as in original KUJU MSTS), this will be awesome because there are now 4 tracks between Machida and Shinjuku. And having a single line from Odawara up to Hakone only about 6km with Mt Fuji in the background
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn2756ieVSw (honestly you can't see it from Hakone-railway station anyway-but half way between Shinjuku and Hakone you can) in TSW would be magical. It will enable you to capture many in the Japanese market (Japan's economy is doing great right now compared to everywhere else) through people building other lines, because it is almost entirely 3'6" gauge (1067mm) as there would be a host of buildings done for the line.
A - There are many hurdles and challenges to consider when investing into new content and in new locations
1 - Working with dedicated people with local knowledge which is key to giving an authentic experience.
2 - Licensing and working with TOC to get their support and access.
3 - Users and game play experience.
4 - Understanding the business model, research/access and effort over returns etc.
5 - How many TS users in that location do we currently have, can we build?
5 - Sustaining content to keep up interest and build a large community.
6 - Language/communication. - important to have an open dialog as we expand.
So while we are interested we need to make sure the infrastructure at DTG is in place to sustain the above. I personally want to make a routes in every country. I want the adventure and variety and as an artist the challenge of representing those areas and rolling stock, but it is not easy.
Q - And what about the Throttle-Ammeter issue in TSW currently? You did comment in another thread, and after testing the AC4400 yesterday I quickly turned it off (the throttle-power issue still not sorted-can you do a quick fix please?). It looks so good and you have got almost everything right! After looking at Trainz today I think you are spot on target, TSW will do EXTREMELY WELL! I'd just like to have the realistic operation of a locomotive sorted. From 27 to 30MPH in Notch 4 the AC4400 went from about 250Amps down to 97AMPS or less. This is not how it happens. It does reduce but it would probably get to 120Amps at 55MPH and not 29MPH!!! In Notch 4. I know in Notch 8 it will give you about 800 Amps at 30-35MPH (contact CSX if you haven't got some information already on how the Amps changes between 0-75MPH) and about 400AMPs at 55MPH. At 5Mph in Notch 8 you will probably get 1200-1600Amps. In the AC44. But in the SD40 it will be similar but a bit less.
A - I am unsure if the fix for these issues are in the content set up or in the core sim code. code updates will be worked on over the summer in time for our next content release. All feedback and comments to DTG please. These certainly help push through the updates.
Q - I hope to see an Australian route too (one I suggested is South Australia between Port Augusta and Peterborough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiR5nube33E(junction of Crystal Brook in the middle)) and possibly a branch line to Adelaide. You could have the Indian Pacific, Ghan and freight trains. This is a very unique track and you would capture Australia perfectly without having to go to extreme lengths to model Australian buildings. AT least you could put a few Kangaroos and Emus in it! Not only are these two creatures on our coat of arms, but they are very common downunder! Trains actually often hit skippies (Kangaroos) at night. Cars too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMB93SV4BNsA - See Answer number 1
Q - One thing you could do is to add several vehicles that can be driven on the roads to the sim. You can walk around now but what about crew changes and in the depot where cars are well used? It would be nice to drive a car along the railway line and 'spot' your train. It is something different and adds an operational feel for the sim. Congratulations TSW is amazing and I am sure will get better performance from it (I am happy anyway) as time goes on and as new video cards are released.
A - Nice idea and one that may get done in the future, but as soon as you put in another type of vehicle the sim changes into something else. However rule nothing out and keep an open mind is how I approach suggestions.
Q - Now I know this isn't playing (you can for real)the chicken in ARMA2 but in TSW you walk up to a skippy, or a sheep or emu and have it run off or in the case of a 'boxing' kangaroo get a bad bruise. What you guys have done is great and excited to see the future. I hope you can put that Japanese and Australian content in the game. By the way the Australian main line is standard gauge same as Britain and USA but old parts of SA, WA and QLD have 3'6" gauge, but I think this won't need to be modeled in TSW with the line I have suggested.
A - DTG and the teams involved always do their due diligence and contact as many people as they can to help them answer the questions needed to be confident about producing a credible and authentic experience. We are not perfect and we do make mistakes from time to time , but what we get right far outweighs those times we got it wrong.
I thank you for your kind words and hope that over the coming months and years you enjoy where we take TSW. HOwever in the meantime TS20XX is there for and supported by DTG for a few years yet. Many of us still play/enjoy and create for it and will do for a long time to come.
The key is to enjoy our hobby in whatever form/software you choose.
cheers
d