Atomic Systems

...As one of the occasionally more vocal critics, it is only fair to set the record straight.

I finally caved and bought the Class 390 Pendolino via the Get Games sale. Wow, What can I say, I've just come off one of the best virtual train driving experiences I've ever had. The 390 is a top notch unit, well presented and has excellent physics. I chose activity No. 6 which for the first 40 minutes or so has you taking various diversionary routes around Glasgow. However the chance then comes to open it up and have a go. With the rain lashing the windscreen, the light failing and dark brooding hills in the background. Hammering down the straights at 120 MPH and with the tilt leaning into those curves, I was transported into a little corner of reality come to life on the PC. I had to save then actually drag myself away to post this. It's probably a combination of the route, the train and the scenario circumstances but fair to say it doesn't get much better than that!

This is why I love railworks so much. When you're on a good route and great piece of stock it is so damn immersive.

How DARE you...

...tempt me to spend even more on Railworks this weekend?

I had the same experience when I drove the Class 170 for the first time on E-G when I got it in December. It felt absolutely amazing and reminded me of my trips on the Chiltern Mainline on the 168s. I've also unleashed the Class 380 during the night on WCML-N not long after taking a long trip in a 350 by night and that was just amazing. It felt so close to real life.

Thanks Big Vern.

I didn't think it came with scenario's... but that's it - i'm getting it

JW

johnnywilliam wrote:Thanks Big Vern.

I didn't think it came with scenario's... but that's it - i'm getting it

JW

They added some scenarios after it got updated to TS2012 standards. My only grumble with the 390 is that the speedometer is quite small and hard to read. I know the speed shows up on the TMS too, but I sometimes just want to glance down at the conventional speedometer

callum1122334455 wrote:

johnnywilliam wrote:Thanks Big Vern.

I didn't think it came with scenario's... but that's it - i'm getting it

JW

They added some scenarios after it got updated to TS2012 standards. My only grumble with the 390 is that the speedometer is quite small and hard to read. I know the speed shows up on the TMS too, but I sometimes just want to glance down at the conventional speedometer

Thanks. I think the 390 & the 444 are about the only thing I havn't got. Not into the American stuff.

Another £12 goes out the window... not even got the 70 yet!

Thanks,

JW

I'm thinking of getting the 444 but I haven't really heard much about it.

I'm the same. I have 95% of everything that I want. I'm just waiting for a sale on GARL

callum1122334455 wrote:I'm thinking of getting the 444 but I haven't really heard much about it.

I'm the same. I have 95% of everything that I want. I'm just waiting for a sale on GARL

Funny you mention that.. it's the only UK RSC Route I do not own...but i think it's a bit rich full price for what? 8 miles or something daft.

JW

Good post vern. Yes its true, when RWs gets it right its incredible. For some reason there are those times where your brain is pretty much totally fooled. The result is total immersion and it can be breath taking. Its funny but before I got RW I wasnt really that into trains. But I thought id give it a go and was impressed. Since then its been a love/hate relationship. When it goes well its been some of the best simming ive had. Even a friend who i bought the game on steam for as a gift, who would much rather be playing BF3 than anything else had to conceed it was very well done.

I guess thats the issue, we know its capable of so much and can deliver, when silly mistakes worm their way in to ruin it I guess thats why we get so annoyed. That said things are improving. So far 2012 has been great. Woodhead, more stock updated to 2012 standard, a core update and some very intresting routes and stock on the horizon. I am a lot more positive about the sim than I was 6 months ago.

I don't know if my pc is just having an off night or what, but i just tried the scenario Vern's described, i've had the pendolino's for a while, and i must say its the worst performance on my machine to date on any route. There does seem to be a lot going on AI wise, so that could be it. I normally can run scenarios like "Hand over" and "Carlisle express" with reasonable though not brilliant f/ps. (usually between 15/20(my limiter).) What i didn't understand, is that the f/ps didn't pick up after i'd left the hectic area of Glasgow station, and when the AI was less. It just stayed at 14f/ps, which is the minimum that TS will display, or so i've read. Its like my pc "never recovered" from the initial drain on its rescources Erm, or something!

whenever i drive it i hover outside next to the sparking pantograph. it lights everything up sometimes its awesome

its the worst performance on my machine to date

I struggle to run the 390, i guess its down to all the lau scripts that give it its tiltyness etc.

I've covered several thousand simulated miles in my Virgin Pendolino on WCML and it never fails to impress me.
And now it's even better with the TS 2012 upgrade and controlled with the "Raildriver" and HUD turned off.

Chris.

Yes, don't know much about Lau scripts etc, but i get what you mean. I wish i had a better machine but thats life eh? If i want a good smooth run in the 390, i just use it on the Newcastle-York modern, not as detailed, but no frame rate issues

stevee630 wrote:Yes, don't know much about Lau scripts etc, but i get what you mean. I wish i had a better machine but thats life eh? If i want a good smooth run in the 390, i just use it on the Newcastle-York modern, not as detailed, but no frame rate issues

And the curves on the Darlington-Durham section do give the tilt a good workout!