Revisiting Spirit of Steam and Peak Forest ~ The only Steam-Era routes in Train Sim World 4

From what I gather, Dovetail recently confirmed that their putting steam locomotive development (for TSW4) on indefinite hiatus, instead of trying to improve the current state of steam in Train Sim World. What a joke!
I thought this was a suitable time to revisit Spirit of Steam and Peak Forest, so this video is essentially a double review. These add-ons both fail in pretty much the same ways; similar lengths (between 35 and 40 miles), both set in the boring and overdone British Railways era, spartan timetables and reused motive power in the case of Peak Forest.
(The idea for that Asdfmovie meme randomly came to me while I was editing this video. Full credit for the original Asdfmovie shorts goes to Tomska).
(TheTrainGuy4's video about the steam situation):
• Steam abandoned (for n...

[@StrikeEagle78]

Typical DTG. Release half passed content, lie to customers about fixes and feature improvements, then abandon. Still waiting to see if Focus props up this dying pig for the long term.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

That's a good point. I swear, very little (or even nothing) appears to have changed at Dovetail despite Focus buying the company.

[@MM-fz2qn]

Only thing I can see - many many more sales to improve selling figures for focus, not a single improvement. Routes are becoming worse - smaller, shorter, with even less diversity - just check if you dont believe me. Do you remember how you were filling cargo wagons in Tees valley from TSW1? How such a features slowly disappear from new routes

[@darthvater2087]

​@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga In their announcement message they stated that Focus leaves much freedom for their child companies or something like that.

[@jwrailve3615]

Personally I liked peak Forrest but SOS is a literal joke. I still have no idea why the shunter Fowler wasn’t layered to SOS considering not once so you get to shunt cars in the yards yet there’s three massive yards on lack of spirit of steam. Another pro of peak Forrest is it is the ONLY TSW ROUTE that had a true road switcher. One scenario had 8 separate industry and one yard set and pick up beyond that once again it’s pick up a string set out a string and end of run. Very annoying. tSW is a joke they claim that “steam is too difficult to model” explain the several recent steam rail simulators that literally come with 5-20 steam locos with base game. As for flying Scotsman the ECML is the worst route I’ve ever ran. Boring as hell felt like I was going through a 1980’s super Mario bros scrolling scenery screen. They just charge way too much underdeliver and when you call them out mr. Park which is either a bot account or a undercover dev/ambassador will address any comment in any KZbin channel that covers TSW and gives the same bs corporate like response.

[@jwrailve3615]

Tired of the copycat locos you pay several times over for because all TSW devs seem to think is everything has to be British or German and if it’s US content it’s late, 1-3 locos already recycled from previous routes, no extra liverys dozens of rail served industries never served or the ability to make a custom scenario to serve them, and more excuses as the why they “can’t obtain the liscense” I’ll wait for David to once again respond to me or any other person in any comment section who does anything other than praise TSW. Durango & silverton could’ve been a gold mine for TSW sales but no that’s just tooooo much to ask for

[@nathanchan4653]

As I stated before, if DTG stops making new steam routes for TSW or improve any faults on their existing steam routes in TSW; then players will refuse to play the game. According to a steam engine driver from “Beyond The Sunset” directed by Chris Eden Green and Sam Brown, he stated that the reason why new volunteers and children never seen a steam locomotive before is because since their withdrawal they never saw a steam locomotive in traffic. Meaning they have no idea what a steam locomotive is and simulator are the only computer based experience to teach them alongside with a heritage railway. Kuju’s Microsoft Train Simulator knows how a steam locomotive works as they put tons of research which is something that DTG fail to do for steam locomotives That’s my input as I like steam locomotives (alongside with diesel and electric)

[@pwk879]

I agree with some of your criticisms. The routes are, generally, way too quiet and lacking traffic. And it's almost criminal that shunting services for the 4F weren't added to SoS once that loco was released. But - you're doing something wrong with the driving if you're having that much trouble with speed/power. Scotsman will run nearly the whole of the ECML very near or over its nominal 75 mph limit easily. The Staniers can be touchy to keep steam pressure up under load, but if you're getting the 6P up to nearly 80 mph, that's basically its top designed speed irl, so that's about right honestly.

[@Electricfox]

I think they would definitely have been better off developing a steam locomotive for the WSR route first, get the locomotive physics and simulation right and then try to make a steam era route and locomotives to go with it but they bungled it and basically killed off UK steam outside of TSC for a while. Maybe we'll get lucky and someone will do a UK version of Century of Steam if that turns out as good as it looks right now.

[@spyfan62591]

I used to think spirit of steam was passable, as in I liked it. I loved the steam engines, and it got me back into train sim world, but now, after watching the raw footage of the Liverpool crew mainline from the gandy dancer productions footage from when he was a young lad, I know look at the pack and say, spirit of steam was WAY TO AMBITIOUS.

[@flavioriper1]

I was """"lucky"""" to get the Spirit of Steam DLC when my dad bought the deluxe version of TSW 3, and there it is, untouched by my hands, just for decoration in my collection. And that's how I learned to always look at what DTG offers in its deluxe versions. And being a 13 years old person, I'm definitely not interested in driving locomotives, just watching them.

[@Gideonsmythe]

DTG's former Director once said his vision for TSW was to "stand on the platform at Crewe in the 1950s." He ticked that off and sold the company to Focus. Personally, I love the design of steam engines but have no interest in driving one. I'd rather TSW just stuck to modern.

[@trainskitsetc]

Start by saying I've not played a train simulator in years, but back when I did I got the impression that dovetail even back then were more about putting out a fairly bare bones basic game then letting third parties do the leg work to flesh it out to the point that most of the stuff I actually enjoyed back then was 3rd party. Maybe they're still up to the old tricks only the 3rd parties aren't getting involved for some reason. Either way it was always a bit annoying as a business model.

[@phillipdunn7486]

Well besides the safety’s popping off constantly wich isn’t realistic

[@bendavis7233]

Good video. I agree with who. People would be more into steam if they did not only do BR green and black. Should done 1 steam loco pack per first on WSR. Give them more time to get it right. Packs should be done on the WSR (1.7F in SDJR Blue plus LMS ETC. All normal steam train work on the line.) Talking about pre-grouping misses a good chance to do the Swanage railway line with the new T3 number 563 in LSWR green plus SR and with U class in Br but With all SR livery plus BR. (Pack Swanage 1.M7 in all LSWR, SR, BR liveries 2.T9 in all LSWR, SR, BR 3. ETC) Like could do the North Norfolk railway with GER Y14 in GER blue plus Grey and ETC.

[@karlack2682]

I bought TSW2 and Spirt of steam in July 22, thinking it would be a product improve over time. thy had a roadmap and every thing. The thing they never bothered to mention on that road map was that TSW3 was coming out in 2 months. SOS got like one update for TSW2. 2 game versions later and 2 dlc and steam still dose not work. i did eventually buy TSW3, i got it for like 25 bucks on s steam key reseller. to get some fixes for steam. I try to give DTG as little money as possible.

[@mrmemerguy6360]

If I were to choose certain steam engines in the game, it be the more popular ones that most enjoy like popular express engines and well known goods engines such as the 9f ( I know it’s from the BR era, but it would fit more with that era) and add some tank engines for push pull services for fun

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I would give DTG a pass on the BR-era stuff if they added some Standard range engines like the 9F and 6MT 'Clan'.

[@GBRf66715_]

The aggression at @10:16 had me howling 😂

[@jazzdub4958]

You watch that change when DTG offers him some valuable sponsorship to review their crappy add ons.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I don't want to be sponsored by Dovetail, no matter how much they might offer me.

[@GBRf66715_]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga I don’t blame you 😂😂

[@napsbrickrailways2290]

For the boiler pressure issues, have you tried using the dampers/blowers. Have dampers on while accelerating and if you still need pressure close the regulator and open the blower to gain some pressure.

[@tdurb0]

This is exactly the video I need to see. I see a ‘TSW4 compatible Peak Forest’ and I normal TSW3. And the TSW4 one is dearer. So I don’t know if DTG are taking the piss or what. A bit of a mare for me, I used to live in Ambergate. So, any difference really? Cheers

[@MM-fz2qn]

I m really surprised that you are still supporting them with yours purchases. For nice steam gameplay, or better train gameplay I strongly reccomend you try "Derail Valley" game, its what I play now instead TSW. Never purchased TSW4 and hopefully never going to. It is scam front to back.

[@denbaker7358]

Is that available on console though?

[@brproductions248]

I’ve heard rumours of Caledonia works making steam and I do hope so as the engines made by them is the same as ts if so we’ve got a treat

[@DKS225]

Much of that closed section you mentioned is now a walking/cycling/horse riding trail these days. That said i can think of at least half a dozen other steam locomotives DTG could have used in either in The UK or some Australian and New Zealand Locomotives I.E The C38 Class and K Class in Au to name a few or even The Naughty Nannies later C35 Class. Their nicknames came from their Pre-1924 Class designation of NN.

[@komandant_history]

So we need a 0-6-0 tank engine and more steam locomotives and a massive fix to them

[@kovzov7969]

Have you played the West Cornwall Steam Railtour? If so, what was it like?

[@runnerman1424]

I wished we could've gotten some more variety in steam Locos even as an LMS fanboy. Imagine some Bulleids like the Q1 or West Country Class. Even the Coronation or Royal Scott's and some fucking Tank engines like the Panniers, Jintys, Pugs, and Terriers.

[@WhisperingWiltshire]

Random Unrelated to this Question: When West Somerset Railway gets the remaster, will you consider buying it? I’m also only asking this since steam will layer onto WSR

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

No, I still have no intention to get the WSR. If anything, the updated timetable with steam services is just DTG rubbing salt in the wound.

[@WhisperingWiltshire]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga Oh ok.

[@Thattrainguy4334]

I have a question for you. If there would be a british railways steam era route you would want, what would it be?

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

The full Isle of Wight network (as in, Ryde to Shanklin and Ventnor plus branches to Bembridge, Newport, Cowes, Freshwater and Ventnor West). Included motive power would have to be the ex-LSWR 'O2' class 0-4-4 tank engine.

[@MrLentiscais]

Even the Great Central route, but that would mean having the use of several lots of motive power, Steam and Diese.l

[@denbaker7358]

When it comes to driving steam for me ive found that the jubilee and 8F are best on manual firing i just open the fire box doors open both dampers and i make all the pressure i ever need that way with the 4F and flying Scotsman auto firing allows me to get the most out of them but i do agree that the physics of steam needs a major overhaul because somehow an A3 express passenger locomotive has more power than the 8F. I took an 1000 train up through west cornwall and the A3 seemed to do better than the heavy freight locomotive 8F madness

[@badged5197]

welcome to dovetail

[@TB76Returns]

This was a total letdown. I do prefer Peak Forest to Spirit of Steam for one, as on a personal level, I did used to go on Holiday in the Peak District as a child. But yeah, Dovetail have really buggered the whole Steam thing for their own Gravy Train. I had hoped for a GWR themed Steam Route, ideally between Swindon and Bristol, where we'd get GWR Kings, Castles and Panniers (and it would take no time at all for someone to do a Duck reskin). But alas, it is not to be. I will be definately getting the 104 DMU (and NOT The Engineering Express addon by Rivet that was released today) to liven things up on the Peak Forest Route. Heck, even when the WSR upgrade comes, it will be Steam on there at last.....

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

You're not the only one who won't be getting Rivet's gameplay pack. They've lost a customer in me for a variety of reasons. As for the idea of a GWR route in TSW, that'd be awesome (it could've been set sometime between 1908 and 1923 and include 4-6-2 No. 111 'The Great Bear'). Sadly, that'll remain a dream.

[@TB76Returns]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga Indeed, I may get their upcoming UK Route, depending on what it is....I instead purchased the Dresden=Chemnitz route

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I believe their next route is Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside (complete with the Class 710). Because of course they had to choose a short route that'll be really easy to make.

[@TB76Returns]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga Actually that is DTG

[@170ScR]

​@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga I'm definitely getting the Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside Class 710 route because it's a very beautiful route and I love this route, I've been on this route many times and I also love the Class 710 EMU 😁, I'm 100% looking forward to this route and I'll be purchasing it on my PS4😁

[@POTC_Oscarandfriens2.0]

whenever i play TSW4, i can never get past the starting point, as i keep running red signals

[@mr.oliver_11]

On 10:28 I reached 120 with the 8F 2-8-0 with a heavy through freight.

[@CPTRailfan]

A Fowler 3F could've been made from recycled 4F model bits too

[@godzillafan2462]

I can’t believe how screwed over these steam routes are I was ecstatic only for the routes to have many issues I hoped we would be able to open the smoke box doors but we can’t when will we actually get justice for Steam Locomotives i wish we could’ve have gotten a steam engine for west Somerset but no never give the people what they want I have driven Flying Scotsman the most as it is my favourite steam loco currently in the game and I hope we get American steam locos like 4014,3985,611,4449 and 844

[@Frowny13]

Glad I’m not the only one that thinks that these steam engines are underpowered. It really feels like they just plugged in some numbers into Simugraph and were like “Yeah good enough”. Well it’s not good enough because they’re so slow!! But why fix the problems when you can just let the third party devs do it. While I do prefer to drive modern diesels and electrics, I do get a good kick out of driving Steam engines on a fast mainline from time to time. Just a shame that there are so few of them in TSW, and the ones that are there aren’t fun to drive. Luckily Simrail have got their own Steam engine coming at some point, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how that turns out. And I have a feeling it will be better than what Dovetail have made.

[@Zugdurchfahrt311]

I hope that SimRail, will really compete with DTG once it's out of early access. With the way things are going and the development behind SimRail and TSW, it's pretty safe to say, that DTG won't keep their monopoly for too long. The devs behind SimRail have an extensive list of updates and Add-Ons on their Roadmap, so DTG should get ready to actually work. I am not exited for Salzburg - Rosenheim the slightest cause lord know how badly DTG will f up the DB BR 111

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I don't care for Salzburg to Rosenheim either (not because I don't care for the BR111 - quite the opposite - I just don't find the route choice all that interesting). As for Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside (and the Class 710), I'm looking forward to that one, but it's still disappointing to see DTG chose yet another short and linear route.

[@Zugdurchfahrt311]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga I als othink it's a shame the overground route is that one, I'm not too deep into the topic, but I think there are defenitly some better options.

[@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga]

I'll give you an example of an Overground route DTG should've done; Highbury & Islington to West Croydon (plus the branches to New Cross, Clapham Junction and Crystal Palace). They would have to include the Class 378 with that route, and have the existing Southern 377 and Thameslink 700 layer in to timetable mode as they also run between New Cross Gate and Norwood Junction in real life.

[@Zugdurchfahrt311]

@@TheTrainspotterFromTauranga On the topic on Overgrounds: I think it's criminal somethig like The S-Bahn Berlin or S-Bahn Hamburg haven't been added yet. Both theses systems could also be made on routes, where non S-Bahn services run for more service variety

[@somerandomdude3810]

​@@Zugdurchfahrt311what routes do you have in mind?

[@CallumDoyle-mw1px]

i like the spirit of steam route and is good and isgot steam trains and ilike it and it itriyd it andits good

[@crazzykilla]

I was looking forward since TSW launched for the introduction of Steam, but also sorely disappointed. I don't see things improving unfortunately with the reception or progress of it.

[@TheRubberDuck]

I've always found DTG preformed a half arsed attempt at everything e.g the Cornwall route for TSW4 that just uses recycled class 47's and Mk2 cartridges... yawn, poor routes, lack of good sounds or simply recycled sounds for different trains, and bugs, yes, bloody buts in TSW4 and TS Classic they they clearly know of but can never be bothered to fix such as the random crashing in TS classic. Another issue I found with freeroam on TSW4 why is it so complicated to add a single cartridge or wagon instead of a complete consist that's so annoying

[@Championhaulproductions3672]

Bruh moment

[@AhmearClayIombo-dj6di]

Nice Train Gaming

[@Grumpy_Englishman]

Tell me all why the class 66 is the best train in TSW wrong answers only