Steam, Smoke, Snow, and Simulation: Century of Steam Devlog

Merry Christmas everyone! As an extra treat, we're releasing this early for you all to enjoy on this lovely holiday. In this video, Mark shows off some of the things he has been working on - namely, all things Steam, Smoke, and Steam Simulation, and how they tie into the global weather system!
studio346.net/
s.team/a/2517940/ - Steam Page
/ studio346
/ _studio346
/ centuryofsteam
/ discord
/ studio346games

[@brillbusbootcamp2320]

My reaction to seeing the compressor push puffs of smoke higher: “Mark, I say this in the most affectionate way possible… NEEEERRRRRRRRD!”😝

[@Stooltoad5017]

I mean, we are following a train game about narrow gauge, so as far as the wider non train enthusiast public goes, I’d say we are all nerds.

[@Strasburgfan]

@@Stooltoad5017 that is so true mate.

[@gundamwarrior]

I also noticed water dripping from the pistons cylindercocks too early on in the video. A little detail that most probably won't notice at first. But the effort and coding going into all the details of this is astronomical.

[@nononat7579]

It scales by how “wet” the engine is and how long it’s been sitting at idle. So the more it sits the more condensation you’ll see leak from the cylinders

[@Streaky100001]

I spotted that too! I had to rewatch it, as my first thought was "Surely they didn't model that....." but no, no it was definitely dripping a bit.

[@lordwunglerbeckett]

Things like the steam going "chuff" when the reverser is moved are something one never really thinks about, but when it's pointed out, one's mind immediately goes "oh, right, it *would* do that, wouldn't it". And that's exactly the kind of thing I'm here for

[@GamingCraftTeam]

Well it's still running regardless so it should still go Chuff Chuff

[@Robostrike1]

This game is going to end up more realistic than real life

[@ostlandr]

I am SO looking forward to this. An accurate steam locomotive sim.

[@Ben31337l]

@@ostlandr There are diesels, I wonder what diesel configurations and customisations it will have.

[@humblepinecone]

Speechless. Absolutely incredible, from the smoke subtly kicking left and right based on the exhausting cylinder, to the steam chest sim. Even just the cylinder cocks on their own. And the responses to weather… You guys are nuts! This will be a dream to play. I might also mention the reflection of the passing scenery in the cab window when viewed at a glancing angle. Looks very nice and natural. I’m expecting that icicles will slowly form over time on the tender sill when it’s cold. To those not having seen these devlogs, the experience will be organic, but seeing all the effort to cognizantly put in all these insanely subtle and esoteric details, thank you. This will be an incredible experience.

[@UmoadoGaming]

Thank You for releasing this early! Merry Christmas! I love that green on the ten-wheeler, and those flying train numberboards. I love how the snow gradually gathers on the ground. 12:20 I love how pronounced that echo is. 12:55 Today I learned something new about Stevenson’s valve gear I always enjoy these videos!

[@Rclassprod]

I regularly work on Baldwin tank engines over here in Australia (Victorian Rallways NA class 2-6-2s to be exact) so I can really appreciate the level of detail in the driving physics you guys have implimented into CoS, and to have Mark, a qualified steam driver (Engineer in the States) explaining, particularly about linking up the reverser and how the chest and valve ports are modelled into the sound design, is stunning. Well done guys! The level of effort being showcased here is making this become the most anticipated sim for the future - Keep it up!

[@ayayaybamba3445]

I genuinely hope this game gets VR support.

[@trainsandstuff1021]

You know i wasn't that hyped up for railroader as it seems to focus more on operations rather than driving. But this in the other hand, exactly what i've wanted for years! I don't actually know how to operate a steam engine properly but i hope that this game teach me and others about how do you actually operate these things on a very rudimentary level. Operating a steam engine is a whole art of its own and i find that its often overlooked and hopefully this game can bring a bit more light to it.

[@XxAdminChllaxX]

I think on fully realistic settings the level of this wont be so rudimental after all :D

[@Bassalicious]

Man, hearing the whistle properly bend the different pitches with the shift in speed of sound in air vs steam is just glorious and totally justifies all the bickering about lacklustre whistles in other games. I love this.

[@gearandalthefirst7027]

This game is already looking better than I think ANY animation on youtube or anywhere else. Terrified of the system requirements but I bet it'll look great even at .5 fps :P merry chrysler y'all!

[@michaelmoses8745]

Same. Threadripper with 5090ti and 256 gb ram as minimum. ;)

[@cyclicmusings2661]

I was waiting to upgrade almost everything in my PC prior to GTA VI coming out on PC (2026 maybe?), but Century of Steam might push up the upgrade.

[@ethanpicken6992]

Given that (from memory of what Hyce/Mark has said) it runs on Unreal engine 5 which is a very nice looking engine while not being too system heavy, I'm hopeful that it won't be too hard to run. It does look very nice, I agree.

[@TrainMedia00]

11:55 This 4-6-0 and with the winter weather is perfect for every Christmas year i love it

[@charseraph9175]

Absolutely gorgeous. I love the UI outline on controls inside the cab, and the weight and sound on the levers and doors. Your laughter and audible smile are contagious. I can both hear and see how much you love this project.

[@Stooltoad5017]

Impressive work. I am surprised it was possible to simulate the different stacks! The valve gear sounds fun as well. I’ll have to join the patreon at some point.

[@Northweasterner]

Gosh, I am at a loss for words. Just a wonderful job everyone!

[@katies6426]

You punks. This is absolutely brilliant… would love to see track-laying and industries sometime soon. Can’t wait.🙂

[@FuelFire]

Considering the Class 125 used to be a locomotive that is "covered in steam" when it's cold out, I can't wait to see how it will look like in the game when it gets real cold.

[@randywise5241]

Awesome work.

[@J.M.Savage]

I can't get used to that voice saying "hi this is mark".... no sir you are hyce 😂😂

[@Hyce777]

Allegedly.... :P

[@Stooltoad5017]

What are you talking about? I know they sound similar but they are two distinct people.

[@awildjared1396]

no, they're identical twins, one just screams like a cockatoo

[@An00b1s]

Wow…this is incredible! Great work guys!

[@Valensiakol]

Really great improvements! Truly a labor of love.

[@Ricovandijk]

THANK.. YOU!! Finally after decades of disappointing trainsims some one who understands how a locomotive works ánd can make a sim. I’ve got my cash ready reserved for release date boys! Well done and thanks again!! This is going to be great!

[@Naviss]

Love all the small little details, makes it all look and feel amazing!

[@jimyeetast9335]

I LOVE THAT Whistle soOOOOO much

[@InsanePacoTaco]

I am very impressed. Great job and keep up the fantastic work!

[@BurnedBaconGaming]

Glad to see another update from ya'll. Been forgetting to check the patreon so was so happy to see this appear.

[@vFreeze]

The game looks incredible! Great job 346!

[@rjc0234]

10 years ago digital train sims seemed to be dying, or held on by a few monopolies not willing to do much development, and help up by passionate fans. It seems we are starting to get a huge variety of railroading games, likely due to the negligence of the 3 big players.

[@The_New_IKB]

Competition keeps the market fresh! Evolve or be replaced!

[@s16100]

That is sweet. Nicely done.

[@elliotcarpenter7343]

It looks amazing. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it is released.

[@Frisco1355]

Best Christmas present ever.

[@catfish552]

So good! Reminds me of the video from last winter about railroading in the snow, and how majestic 491 looked in the cold weather. It's all the little things, like the trails of steam everywhere and how the smoke and steam drift away all realistic-like, which make the locomotives come alive. Best thing is, even to a player who doesn't know what every last thing on the locomotive is, all this detail being present and correct will make thing *feel* right.

[@railwayjade]

Fantastic! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Studio 346!!

[@bluescrew3124]

This looks so amazing & the smoke is spectacular & realistic. Job well done!

[@rapcreeperproductions3269]

What a Christmas gift

[@QuincyO5b]

i really enjoy the smoke going with the wind, and the big plumes too! merry christmas :]

[@NicholasAdkisson1025]

So amazing all the different sounds, and simulations that you all have been able to create for this game and we haven’t even seen the final product yet. You all keep up the amazing work and can’t wait to see what you can come up with next. You all had my money before for this game but you continue to keep me ready for the final product. Keep up the amazing work

[@Orffen]

Wow, that looks fantastic. All of it!

[@steveh1594]

You guys are hitting it right on the nail with the realism with the effects glad to see such detail :)

[@Perplexion_]

Merry Christmas!

[@the_darkgameryt]

Dude this looks awesome! I can't wait for preorder cause i'm 100% gonna buy it as soon as I can!

[@creepei518]

This is so impressive and looks fantastic, beautiful! I just found this video and I'm so excited for this game

[@mostly-harmless]

this looks amazing, take my money

[@statelyelms]

I have no idea about ANY of the mechanical stuff but it looks SICK. The way the engine changes and how the steam chest I think you said works is beyond my understanding but it's obvious there is so much love and detail put into the locomotives. One teeny feature I think would be very cool.. different winds. Seeing snowflakes speed past in the same direction as the chimney would be so cool, as well as smoke going from being buffeted intermitted by more gusty winds to straight sheered off the top by consistent high winds. Of course, on the backburner, but I just think it'd be neat!

[@Hyce777]

The wind changes with weather and time already my friend. :)

[@OxfordStan]

Beautiful! This game is going to be awesome! It’s been on my wish list for a bit. Ultra-realistic!

[@SpaceyBrain]

I can't freaking wait for this to come out. So darn excited

[@connorjones6222]

Love the wind effects on the smoke. Looks incredible. Even if the wind direction is always the same, this just brings the engines to life

[@Hyce777]

The wind dynamically changes with weather and time. :)

[@connorjones6222]

@@Hyce777 I typed that at the beginning and saw it change. Looks awesome. Good luck with development and Merry Christmas

[@CrippleX89]

This *has* to be the most realistic steam engine sim in existence for a game, it's absolutely bonkers!

[@whatusernameis5295]

as a firefighter. wow I'm kinda surprised you did smoke color but good job

[@Bubbarain717]

I can’t wait to have to buy a new computer to run this game. Y’all have done an amazing job can’t wait to see what’s next in the making. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@22TwentyTwo]

it's really noticeable how this is a love project, and in turn, we love it. can't wait to play it when it comes out, specially the multiplayer!

[@xXturbo86Xx]

Wow.....that's impressive. Merry Christmas man. I wish you all the best.

[@krikcet-163]

This looks amazing. I can't wait.

[@ostlandr]

OMG! You can't fool us- that's Nevada Northern #40 in disguise! EDIT: Saw a program on a British locomotive that had air-operated cylinder cocks. They default to open, and you need air to close them. Nice safety feature.

[@CMCommie]

Brilliant detail on all the "little things" that add up! One thing games (of all genres) often struggle with is realistic looking smoke in the way it can blow around, hang and drift, but all the effort you've gone too in simulating all the components really make it look believable and react to everything that's happening. Awesome work!

[@wild_lee_coyote]

I love how it chuffs when it actually vents the steam and is not not a looped audio clip that is out of sync of the running gear.

[@Moodytr89]

This is truly amazing and I cannot wait to play this myself. I only worry that we will never see it as so much attention to detail is being put into it.

[@Pyrotrainthing]

I am so happy to see the smoke of the loco look like that. Some other railroad games don’t seem willing to put in the effort for something as important as the way the smoke exhausts. So I’m hyped to see a game that does, great work!

[@andycon1405]

Great job! Realy love how everything is coming together and im excited to see the end product. This just goes to show what can be done when you are truly enthusiastic about what you do and not willing to settle for seccond best. I know this might be too early to ask but please please please also make the game available for ps5

[@MrJMS814]

Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. It really takes someone as passionate and detail oriented as Hyce to develop a proper simulation like this. That combined with someone who has the ambition, patience, knowledge, and access to make it happen. An incredibly rare combination. I'm sure this will set a new precedent for simulators.

[@orin3039]

Merry Christmas 346!

[@szutok6]

Amazing work❤

[@wobblebee9575]

I can't wait to find out more about this game! I'm so curious about the gameplay loop

[@ostlandr]

Gameplay loop? We don' need no steenking gameplay loop! ;-)

[@marktownend8065]

This is exquisite. Jaw officially on the floor!

[@user-oi7ge4lc1o]

Looking awesome so far! I really dig the detailed steam simulation behind the ‚chuff’ - I am missing these things in a lot of other train sims. This here will fall or rise with the scale/scope of the size of the usable worldmap. I hope it will be real scale like!! Cheers!

[@seymoarsalvage]

Blind 1st driver? I remember Sierra #3 (no relation to this Baldwin other than wheel arrangement, for those that dont know) was originally built this way, but changed to a blind 2nd driver after her 1918 wreck

[@timbyrne829]

It is late but Merry Christmas Hyce and chat, this game is looking amazing

[@Rob1_5]

Man this kicks so much ass it deserves to have feet. well done on the progress made so far, this looks like it will be a great amount of fun.

[@PowerTrain611]

THEY WERE GREEN!!!!! Can't believe the level of detail you are all adding to this. Hearing the engines continue to chuff after shutting off in Railroader really tickled me, but this is a whole other level! Thanks for sharing this with us all, Mark. Keep doing what you guys do, this is really promising!

[@TrotFoxGreyfoot]

I am so looking forward to getting to play this game.

[@philo8035]

Fantastic!

[@dupdrewww]

Merry Christmas

[@TristanG10.000]

This is tickling my brain. I love it and want it

[@ottodantaslemos5784]

Good job you did on this wonderful "Hyce" locomotive!!!!👌👍 And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to whoever is reading the comment!!!!!🎉

[@RexAnger.]

Mark, you had me at that first puff of smoke after opening the throttle. And then the CONDENSATE effects! Glorious! Rex wants a copy of this. *** Bad *** It seems like the only thing you're missing now, is flame and smoke backwashing through the firehole door a little bit when the blower is off... Well done to the Studio 346 team!

[@SIMCFI]

If anyone is familiar with flight sim, this is becoming the A2A Simulations of train sim and I love it.

[@independenza8924]

I like it, A LOT!

[@AllTotalWar]

ultra dynamic sky looking great with trains!

[@ashleytaylor896]

love how the smoke blows in the wind.the sniffter's ? such a small but very fine detail that most over look i think. also love the fish plate's haven't seen that in a train game before. i think this game is going to win some sort of game award and or award's.

[@philtheairplanemechanic]

I am so unbelievably excited about this game, my goodness. Straight up poobing in my britches over this.

[@SteamfanScott]

Wow, just wow. 😮 This game is simply amazing. 👏

[@offensivebias1898]

This looks truly amazing. Fantastic job by you and the team. Cannot wait for early access. My only worry is that their is so much that is being simulated it will cost too much performance. I am sure optimization will be done but it will be surly a daunting task.

[@HumanityKILLS]

Super psyched to try this sim. Cut above the rest.

[@Schallrich]

Nice Progress 🥰

[@camino5269]

dang it looks to good to say anything keep up the good work iam waiting for release

[@NRGFLOGaming]

Amazing!!! Are you going to eventually include snow accumulation on buildings (roofs and platforms), scenery objects, nature objects (shrubs, trees, rocks), rolling stock and frozen rivers in the final release? That would be even better!

[@abyssminiaturestudios6103]

This game is looking to be so awesome, hope there may be a rotary plow or some geese on the horizon

[@josephanderson3451]

Sweet!

[@EngineerDaylight]

Man I'm in love with it and I haven't even gotten the game. My only nitpick is the chuff sound could be a little better, but other than that, well done

[@CaptainKerpa]

Man, that intro music reminds me so much of Railroad Tycoon 3 😅 Childhood memories :D

[@Curious_Skeptic]

Truly, the only modern sim/game with a top level creator who knows what makes a sim a sim. THE DETAILS! Take my money! Smoke and sound is the one thing that ends up disappointing in existing titles. This is the first true steam/smoke sim I've seen. FINALLY! SOMEONE GETS IT!

[@tboneisgaming]

This is looking great. I'm hoping the simulation of driving a steam locomotive is as accurate as possible. It's certainly heading in the right direction.

[@susanpcarter]

I'm paytron but I don't look at paytron for videos so I'm watching it now

[@ZergSmasher]

This game is going to be great, given the amount of detail going into the steam sim part as well as everything else. I'm sure it'll be way beyond my current computer to handle, but hopefully I'll have a better one by time the game comes out.

[@FirestormMk3]

This is impressive, and if it's realistically feasible to run your railroad entirely in single player this attention to detail will make me very interested. Speaking of sound design, even if it isn't entirely historical, if you have good enough recordings or ability to model it, it would be cool to include *your* whistle, now that it finally got to be mounted for a time on a real steam locomotive.

[@ErinBunny24]

I believe his is actually in the game. I'm pretty sure he mentioned it in an earlier video on this game.

[@ninjia7347]

This is going to be the ultimate steam locomotive simulator out there I think.

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

Awesome!! But you can't forget the rolling stock noise as well, like wheel noise, wheel flange squeal, clickity-clack, car noise, tie noise, etc. That will really set this off! The graphics look amazing! Nice work!

[@Hyce777]

There's quite a bit of that already in, it's just that a full-bore working choochoo tends to drown those things out. More to come and balance to be hammered out of course.

[@marvin95]

I am blown away by the details! Holy cow! Without your explanation I wouldn't even realize what I've seen 😅 Is it possible to make a video with a real locomotive to show all that effect in real life? (I understand it would be hard and time consuming)

[@CristiNeagu]

Yeah. Mark. Sure, Mark. Whatever you say, Mark. That's totally what everyone knows you as.

[@Chill-dayz.]

Nice I wish I had a computer if I was able to come down there and watch you drive those steam engines I would also T&P610 is my favorite