Fife Circle Line (and Class 170) Review ~ Train Sim World 4

Rivet Games are back with a new route add-on, and it's the third Scottish route in Train Sim World. Still waiting on a Welsh or Northern Irish route over here, but I guess those two parts of the UK are conveniently less important to the devs than yet more English routes.
Regardless of my bitterness, the Fife Circle route runs from Edinburgh to Markinch via Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy. The iconic Forth Rail Bridge is on this route (specifically, between Dalmeny and North Queensferry), and as for motive power, only the ScotRail Class 170 Turbostar is included with this route.

[@rhwinner9001]

I’m surprised you rated this quite highly. Considering the other ratings I’ve seen that have quite literally thrashed this route. And I’ve always thought were the most critical

[@OneTrackMinded]

When I saw "finally a decent rivet games route" in the thumbnail, I almost fell out of my seat with shock

[@trainskitsetc]

To be fair about the passengers walking onto the track at cowdenbeath. This is an accurate feature, I've seen many a ned swap platforms by crossing the track in fife. 😅

[@floha978]

I need to say that i am very impressed by the effort you put in your reviews. For example searching the correct numbers just to mention them in this review. Thank you for that!

[@lukethomas.125]

Been looing forward to this video, i wasn't sure what to make of this route, but you put everything up front, thank you

[@TB76Returns]

I agree that it is decent, well not half bad. I have heard that Rivet are working on expanding the timetable (like the services that only go to Cowdenbeath), hopefully add some freight services too, and the 158 will make the route a lot better. Looking forward to that too. It does have potential IMO, and I think I will enjoy it more once the post release stuff comes.

[@AnAutisticGamer]

15:12 incorrect, trams were running to the airport well before gateway's construction was completed.

[@Andrew-rd4ig]

If we get any more ScotRail services in the game, we will get the Maryhill route, because if you get the 158 that is a train runs via Glasco Queen Street that will be very good for the game and also the 170 runs on the line too, so it will be perfect for the game

[@julianschuhmacher2922]

I would really appreciate the class 68 with MK3 coaches for the route

[@potatoman451]

From what i've gathered from forums and members of the community, it is set after the 68s were withdrawn from scotrail, so it would be kinda anachronistic

[@NorthWestRailways]

one thing i noticed with this add-on was its incredibly realistic tunnel echo.. I noticed it was loud when i sent a 170 through there for the first time, so i quickly decided to try out a class 40 through them and its the best thing I've ever done!!

[@kieranstravels]

I was taken aback by this review - I thought you were going to tear this route to shreds, But I'm glad there's some decent aspects to this version of the route (in comparison to the TSC one). Oh yeah, and by the way, the timetable is actually correct when it comes to Glenrothes. Like here in Liverpool on our loop line, services just simply change their headcode, and become a new service when they get to Glenrothes - I don't believe there's any scheduled through running services, because they all do anyway.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I don't have the Fife Circle in TSC, and completely forgot to mention that old version in this review.

[@kieranstravels]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga Ah, that explains the lack of footage from it then! I know you are usually very on the ball with footage like that, was surprised that there wasn't any.

[@droge192]

Great video and wholesomely on-point.

[@basstrip73]

Purchased this route (albeit for PS5) last week and the 170s motors just scream so maybe the weak engine noise issue was a PC thing or perhaps DTG fixed it in a recent update. The cab still seems too quiet however. I agree that this route is not bad, all things considered, particularly given it’s a Rivet product. Much better than some of their other offerings e.g. the Arosa line and that horrible Swiss S-Bahn route with the Stadler FLIRT. Although the Bernina line is not that bad either so maybe River are actively working at improving their game. Nice review as always, cheers.

[@OperatorMitch]

Your pronunciation of Glasgow is funny 😃

[@whitworthlime8793]

I had low expectations but having played it for a good few hours I am really enjoying it. Looking forward to the 158.

[@XNick291X]

The Class 170 sounds... off. Where's the throaty bass from the engines? Well I suppose I better ride the real things considering 2 a day serve where I live.

[@perrieguilfoyle4390]

Atleast the criminally overused class 66 isnt included in this route im getting so bored of seeing that loco in every uk route dlc i want more freight variations more than anything

[@KirillShore]

I don't think the 66 would even be able to carry freight seeing how low some of the bridges are.

[@funnygallie7863]

@@KirillShoreThe tunnels on this line are all C3 which lets most rolling stock pass

[@declangaming24]

​@@KirillShore it could tow some trains along

[@170ScR]

The April 2024 roadmap for TSW 4 has been officially released today and Rivet Games said that there going to do some improvements to the Fife Circle Line, add 33 more services, up to 8 layer rail tours, and they said there committed to adding the Leven Branch

[@JamesCampbell-vf3vb]

You're right for Dalmeny, the bus models are suppose to be Gemini 3s (the ones that look like Streetdecks)

[@chbmckie]

In regards to the lack of a finished timetable, although not-ideal, the Cowdenbeath, Freight and Railtour services will all come in the next patch.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I forgot about the services that terminate at Cowdenbeath. That's why I didn't mention them in the video.

[@MrElderScrolls]

the yellow buses are Swiss Buses in "Post" Livrerie

[@WhisperingWiltshire]

10:58 That Rollback reminds me of cartoons when they go back and then run Edit: Don’t worry about being late, as basically most of british train services get delayed.

[@170ScR]

Ans there's also a brand new Cargo Line Volume 2 : Aggregates Pack (Also released by a 3rd party developer). Including the BR Class 104 & Peak Forest Expansion Pack.

[@IDKovers]

Now all we need is a Voyager and we can do some modern NTP fun

[@170ScR]

And Edinburgh Gateway is the closest train station to the Airport, but it's not actually at the Airport. And No you will not see any airplanes flying overhead nor landing nor any airplanes on the ground. At All. Like literally.

[@DKS225]

Perhaps i can help you with what MTU stands for. It's loosely translated to Motor & Turbine Union. The company was a former subsidiary of The Chrysler/Daimler Tie-up. The engines that MTU have are of the 6,12,16 or 20 cylinder configuration and like Napier's Deltic engines they also have marine versions available and also come as straightforward electricity generators.

[@Transportviews]

Ive heard a 170 leave at Peterborough from the other side of the station It screamed

[@ludwigtails]

Like others I am also kinda surprised that you rated this route as a okay. I feel like this is a VERY nitpick but I personally think they shouldve cover this route from Edinburgh via the fife circle to Perth instead of ending in markinch. As Perth is a bigger station and that would be a more reasonable to terminate your driving there. And I think there are trains that ends there too on the TSW fife circle route. What do you think? Do you agree on this?

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Yes, I think extending the route to Perth would be a good idea. Apparently Rivet are looking at adding the Leven Branch to the in-game route once the real line opens. Sure, it's not Perth, but any route extension is still fine by me.

[@HonestMan112]

They shouldve just extended it to dundee

[@adamkhaliq5572]

I know quite a lot of people ask this but which modern commuter routes are the best quality. I don’t mind paying full price and I already own Birmingham cross city, SEHH, TVL, Dresden to Riesa and ECML

[@intercity234]

You allready own many of the better modern commuter routes in TSW. The one's I'd recommend that you don't have would probably be Manchester to Glossop, East Coastway or London Commuter. I've also heard that Cathcart Circle is also supposed to be a really good route but I don't own it. My personal favourite of the three would probably be East Coastway.

[@ThePeteW]

@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga I think I agree with everything you say. In fact because if the shodiness at release, I never buy a route full price and wait till it gets to a reasonable level and buy in the sales. This route was the one I was waiting for as local. But not bought it! The airport, lack of other services, repeating scenery, rubbish long distance scenery… need I say more. Finally some pronunciation tips. Generally much better than normal. I hear what you are doing with Glasgooooo. But sounds weird! I can’t give a better phonetic version! Dunfermerline is Dunfermline. Kirkcaldy is something like Kirk-cod-e. And finally, the biggy… it’s the Forth Bridge. Why would it be a Rail Bridge when it was the only one there when built.

[@steveaustin4118]

surprised you got this one though i'll probably wait for it to get the 70% sale

[@MOHAirborneFan]

Where was that last shot of Te Huia taken? Never seen that place before

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

That was at the Logan Road crossing in Buckland. It's around 4.6 kilometres south of central Pukekohe.

[@JamesCampbell-vf3vb]

ScotRail uses the 43 HST and Mark 3 Carriages on their Inter7City routes

[@declangaming24]

You can download the created livery it looks cool

[@jordanperosiel-williams7236]

Regarding the cab front... According to the locals that's how it is in reality im afraid. I'm pretty sure it's not a pleasant experience driving the 170 irl

[@matei5929]

Also Rivet gets more points from me because they will add the 5-mile Levenmouth rail link for free when it reopens

[@funnygallie7863]

It was released on the 26th of March in most time zones :)

[@droge192]

N-o. C.

[@VD4454_Transportandgaming]

I heard that Rivert making a class 68 and MK2f coaches for this route

[@chbmckie]

where on earth did you hear that?

[@potatoman451]

In your dreams yeah. The 68 also didn't exist when this route is set from what I've seen from other people

[@TB76Returns]

Even if Rivet did, I wouldn't be getting that to stay true to the time setting. One telltale indication that the route is set post their withdrawal is Dunfermline City, as it only was granted City Status in 2022, and was renamed from Dunfermline Town.

[@170ScR]

You forgot to mention that in the Forth Bridge that you won't see ships going up or down....

[@FoxtheRailfan-iv9ij]

Has anybody noticed that when you pass another 170 it makes a very weird sound as it passes?

[@JillValentineLF]

Would you recommend it at £29.99 or wait till a sale? Or wait for the class 158 aswell?

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Wait for a sale; this route isn't worth thirty pounds. As for the 158, I would recommend waiting until she's released, then buy the route and 158 at the same time.

[@JillValentineLF]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga also since the first TSW (2017) I’ve always been waiting for dovetail to bring out an West coast mainline route, Preston to Carlisle. Do you think we will ever get that route? Or does dovetail still never listen to what as us (the players) want.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

No, I doubt Dovetail would ever do something as cool as Preston to Carlisle. That'd require real effort, and the inclusion of the Avanti Class 390 and TPE Class 397, although I remember hearing that Dovetail doesn't have a TPE license (because of course that's the case).

[@potatoman451]

@@JillValentineLF If it's not on the roadmap... you get the drill. Also depends on licenses and the scope of the project and a lot of things. All you can do is wait

[@170ScR]

And for you drive the whole circle in one shot. It's and I repeat 1 scenario. Only. That's it. If you want to do that in timetable mode. It's either one way or another. Unfortunately.

[@potatoman451]

From what ive heard from other people, that is real life. It's either 1 way or the other. Circle services are quite rare or don't exist from what I've got from other people, but idk anything about the real thing either

[@Right_Rails]

​@potatoman451 As someone located close to this line IRL, I can confirm that there are no services that do full loop.

[@darksars3622]

"It's ok" - critic

[@emil_olt6478]

There's quite a lot of more laughable things I found along the route, such as Glasgow Queen Street signage at Burntisland, Edinburgh Airport scenery, and the missing Cowdenbeath (at least 33 of those) services.

[@potatoman451]

Rivet are adding additional services in the future, but it's not something they can release soon

[@Right_Rails]

You can go via Cowdenbeath. The timetable map is just bugged out for any west side route and shows that you go via the East Side instead of the West. The routes that do go via the west are any towards glenrothes.

[@isleofwighttransport]

The turbo star is quiet in side the train in real life

[@perrieguilfoyle4390]

Do any of you guys reckon that we will be getting train sim world 5 later this year how likely do you think that is i reckon it will release late september or early october

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I have no idea if TSW5 will be an actual thing, unless Dovetail officially announces it themselves. For the longest time, I've been thinking that the idea of TSW5 is just a meme.

[@perrieguilfoyle4390]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga thats what i have been thinking is that its just a meme

[@jazzdub4958]

As soon as DTG moves onto Unreal 5 engine, then TSW5 will get underway. They can't release a new title on this current aging games engine in use.

[@declangaming24]

TSW5 might happen in 2025

[@ianmalcolm7782]

Rolling stock is pretty to look at so its the usual TSW big mac meal fare on offer here. I'ts the poor track side assets, lazy and repeated texturing and questionable lighting effects which get me. How they still can't/wont sort tunnel lighting/train headlights is baffling. 50% positive reviews on steam say wait for a sale before expecting any update. I do like the mosaic.

[@clairehislop5873]

Wee heads up, Dunfermline is pronounced Dun-ferm-lin & Kirkcaldy is Kir-cod-ay 🙂

[@ElmtreeLine]

The least they could get away with to pass whatever DTG's standard, or lack of, is.... Another slapdash DLC from Rivet. We get fantastic routes like Blackpool Branches and Goblin, then this half finished product.

[@CraftyUnknown]

So, I am asking once again. Which DLC would you reccomend? Niddertalbahn (it's really short), Blackpool Branches or Fife Circle Line? Cheers.

[@lxs1990]

You mentioned best German route, best UK route...and the fife circle. That should tells you something.

[@lxs1990]

Ok fine I'll try to help since I own all of three. Nidertalbahn is not short cause you driving slowly max 60 kmh so it takes almost 1 hour anyway and it's beautiful probably still most beautiful route if you like 80s village landscapes, Blackpool got some love from just trains there's also big attention to details, pacer is great, sounds are great and you even have the announcements in pacer. It's really depends on set which fits you most both of these dlcs are one of the bests. Fife circle is just a promise. If river improve it just like skyhook improved MML it would be great but honestly I doubt they'll do it.

[@CraftyUnknown]

@@lxs1990 Thanks

[@ME-wy9jg]

Hi just a heads up it's just the forth Bridge not forth Bridge

[@malique1418]

Tbf I’ve watched a few of your reviews they are spot on I think dovetail are missing the ball on a lot and are quite lazy and I could go on but you get the point but rivet do try more than the devs in dovetail bring us announcements that we’ve been begging dovetail for

[@oldtechnobodycaresabout]

You can also get 4 coach 170s

[@Trainspottinkid]

As in two class 170s or 1 class 170 as I've always seen two or 3 car single units if that makes sense

[@danimonte7088]

Would you say that your opinion on Rivett Games has gotten a little weeny bit better?

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

No. My opinion on Rivet as a whole has barely changed, despite the decent quality of Fife Circle.

[@danimonte7088]

interesting... @@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga

[@intercity234]

​@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga Do you think you would revise your opinion on Rivet if you bought the Bernina line route in a sale? The route looks beautiful and a massive step up from the ugly toy like Arosaline. From what I've heard it has excellent reviews. I would have bought it I'd it wasn't so expensive! 😢

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I refuse to buy the TSW version of the Bernina Line, for the sole reason that you can't drive all the way to St. Moritz.

[@170ScR]

I'm going to pick this up for my PS4 on my TSW 4 game but ONCE the price goes down because it costs an URGENT £30 in British Pound Sterling😲😲😲.... The UK is unfortunately going through an unfortunate economic crisis and not everyone has that sort of money to waste on DLC's

[@Thundxr1]

Rivet did a rivet with this one

[@jasperjenkin6645]

I think that Rivet games are getting much better in terms of train detail. To be honest, the detail on some rivet models is otustanding, but the level or lack of scenery just lets down almost all of thier routes. Even Island line 2022 is very medioche with the level of scenery, but the length of it meant they could make it a bit more detailed that other parts.

[@jasonmoffat679]

This route was shocking im surprised you found it ok. In fairness though it might be mainly because it was a very good route choice. The forth bridge was underwhelming if you look closely at it you can see how badly the metal connects and if you drive in the rain there are floating orbs of light in the gaps probably to make it light when you are out of the shadows but it was really shoddy. The stations are generally good but as you showed could be better. Distant scenery was atrocious especially considering how easy it is to put in that foliage (Train sim tv who was a developer on blackpool branches and is a Just Trains and On Track Simulations developer said that the foliage tool is just a brush) so the fact that rivet couldnt be bothered to do it speaks volumes. Then there are also the same problems with the tunnels and lighting that plagued edinburgh to glasgow when it first released that still haven't been fixed. I had this route on my steam wishlist but im not so interested in it anymore after this display of laziness and a rushed poor product

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Regarding the poor distant scenery, I'm not as bothered by it now as I was before. I've seen so many routes with bad scenery that I've come to accept it at this point.

[@pilgrim789]

​@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga Before I begin I must say I love your videos and generally I agree with you for most of them. I don't want to get in an argument with anyone but here I disagree with you. Here's my view: we have customers paying 30 pounds or whatever your equivalent is for the following: crap scenery, 1 variant of a train, no variation in trains, no railtours, announcements can be argued are poor, edinburgh as you highlighted is a ghost town, forth rail bridge is shoddy when you look closely, seems like part of the timetable is missing as you highlighted, no freight, poor exterior sounds. I generally feel its not as bad but close to beig as bad as West Cornwall local (officially the worst route in the game from someone who lives locally, disgrace, piss off rivet for that). The only saving grace is it is a good route choice, with the two branches and service variation. Evidently gonna be another route that I would get bored paying so I will stick up for my wallet this time and leave it to the fan boys!! Sorry for my view just thought yours would be similar based off your previous videos and encounters with rivet. 😅

[@Mandolorian-ob9rk]

I’d kill for a Wales Route like Cardiff to Swansea or really any

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I wouldn't mind getting Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno (with a Class 197) or Wrexham Central to Bidston (with a Class 230).

[@dominiktuchowicz7680]

Swansea - Bristol Temple Meads would be excellent in lenght

[@nigel6446]

Considering that this route is in Rivet’s backyard, l would have expected better!!! It’s just another mess by Rivet improved by the Mods today.

[@cosmoreed9305]

could you do a Riesa Dresden review

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Not for a long time, unfortunately. There's already lots of videos on the queue.

[@True_NOON]

As in the words of dizzee rascal in his hit Bassline junky _'big dirty stinkin bass'_ wich has left its chat with the 170 , simply dissapointing Also the skyhook 158 shouldve been free for MML owners , full stop Also im not a local to the fourth bridge area but it looks WAY too clean

[@potatoman451]

It's not an identical 158. It's got modeling differences which still require a lot of dev time and they need to be paid somehow. It's probably going to be cheaper than normal but nothing is free these days unfortunately and they are still a business after all

[@170ScR]

And there will also be no extra services nor any layers nor anything else. At all. And you won't be able to drive the full circle either. At all.

[@potatoman451]

You realize you can edit one post instead of creating separate posts for every single concern you have. Just fyi. It just clutters the chat

[@declangaming24]

You aren't kidding not officially just play free roam or scenario planner edit those yourselves yeah there's effort but it's worth the work

[@maxr.3396]

Could you review Rosenheim-Salzburg?

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Not anytime soon, because I have no interest in that route.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

Not anytime soon, because I have no interest in that route.

[@Atrail_Mckinley4786]

This is a route that I will not be buying. Poor inconsistent scenery, an unrealistic timetable, unrealistic sounds of the Class 170 and Rivet's attitude to the criticisms of this route on the forums make me not want to get this route. I do feel like the issues that people have raised won't be addressed considering that Rivet games hardly go back and make improvements. Heck, even some DTG ambassadors didn’t recommend this. I am suprised that you rated this quite highly. I don’t think every aspect of this route is terrible but it just needed more development time in my opinion in order to have been a great route

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I don't go on the forums (assuming you're referring to Dovetail Live), but it's still not at all good to hear of Rivet essentially sticking their middle finger up at critics. Like I said in the video, they may have made a decent route this time, but they're not off the hook yet.

[@LincolnshireTrainSpotter225]

Dovetail need to let go of old gen consoles I feel like they are holding the game back from having actually decent quality content. The newer gen Consoles and PC can definitely handle much higher quality content and detail. That'll maybe give them the push to actually upgrade to Unreal 5 or whatever its called these days

[@declangaming24]

I get what your saying mate but many games including major companies EA, 2k ect even Dovetail will need the money so that's why there still making routes and stuff for old gen consoles its to do with money at the end of the day some people who are on poorer end of the spectrum can't afford upgrades to new hardware until there £250 each. The old gen consoles still draw a lot of moment in markets where newer hardware is expensive. I'm gonna say most Games will drop old gen around 2025 - 2026 I don't see TSW 5 being a old gen game I just don't. Same as I don't see EAFC 25 or WWE 2k25 for Xbox one /PS4. So what they have to do is scale back the amount of services on the older consoles.

[@nicholasmills6489]

Rivet game dlc. Sorry bitten before by third party dlc. Will not buy. Midland main line. Played once because it just feels wrong and poor. Other routes poor by third party.

[@potatoman451]

Midland mainline is actually really good now. It got overhauled in terms of scenery, timetable and different features. They are still working on big updates. Niddertalbahn is also really good. Iow 2022 is also good in terms of scenery. Not all 3rd parties are terrible. Bernina line was also alright.

[@Grumpy_Englishman]

Lol u know when u being ott when u start complaining about train numbers . Remember tsw is more for less train enthusiastic s...it's why they can get away with it.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I'm still going to speak my mind, regardless of who the game is intended for. Incorrect numbers for the specific variant modelled is not something to brush aside as if it didn't matter.

[@pbannon7088]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga Spot on - breaks the immersion.

[@Grumpy_Englishman]

Fair point but still ott

[@MrKosnikowy]

another boring route...

[@kingallstar6460]

17:30 I never actually knew there were Orion VII Next Gens in Europe. The MTA is retiring theirs within the coming months.

[@m34tgaming16]

NICE Bus NG CNGs are even more endangered than MTA's