Atomic Systems

There are some heavily discounted UK, US and German route and stock bundles on 48hr special:

Germany http://store.steampowered.com/sub/35049
UK - http://store.steampowered.com/sub/35051
US - http://store.steampowered.com/sub/35050

For once these bundles are mostly stuff I don't already have so very welcome.

Got the whole lot already.

I'm looking at the GB package. I know nothing about either GEML or Portsmouth routes. Can anyone tell me if they are any good? I own WCML over Shap, WLOS, and Riviera Lines in GB and love them all. I got them based solely upon input from this forum, so I couls use your thoughts on this. But a heck of a deal - 2 routes, 3 locos. I'm just waiting for your thoughts - Please. Thanks.
EngineerKenny123

The GB one looks like a really good deal, even though I already have some of it.

EngineerKenny123 wrote:I'm looking at the GB package. I know nothing about either GEML or Portsmouth routes. Can anyone tell me if they are any good? I own WCML over Shap, WLOS, and Riviera Lines in GB and love them all. I got them based solely upon input from this forum, so I couls use your thoughts on this. But a heck of a deal - 2 routes, 3 locos. I'm just waiting for your thoughts - Please. Thanks.
EngineerKenny123

Portsmouth Direct is not to bad a lot of different classes of trains to drive with a lot of branch lines. GEML only has the Class 360 EMU but is also quite an extensive route. Mind you probably different classes to drive in Steam Workshop scenarios.

Trev123 wrote:

EngineerKenny123 wrote:I'm looking at the GB package. I know nothing about either GEML or Portsmouth routes. Can anyone tell me if they are any good? I own WCML over Shap, WLOS, and Riviera Lines in GB and love them all. I got them based solely upon input from this forum, so I couls use your thoughts on this. But a heck of a deal - 2 routes, 3 locos. I'm just waiting for your thoughts - Please. Thanks.
EngineerKenny123

Portsmouth Direct is not to bad a lot of different classes of trains to drive with a lot of branch lines. GEML only has the Class 360 EMU but is also quite an extensive route. Mind you probably different classes to drive in Steam Workshop scenarios.

Dp simulation have done a Workshop route of Portsmouth Direct line and it features super elevated trackways - I am at work and can't recall the requirements right now though.

Your comment re class 360 on GEML doesn't really apply as it comes with the Class 90 and Class 66v2 in this DLC bundle.

If you get this bundle with the GEML then you'll want to go over to http://armstrongpowerhouse.com and get the Class321 aswell.

The only consistent criticism of GEML is its graphical intensity. There are a number of places, especially Liverpool Street, where the frame rate drops tremendously. On my systems it can drop from 25fps at the Ipswich end to under 10fps in the London area. It is known to cause freezing during scenarios but that can be avoided by saving and, if necessary, restarting the game at intervals. It's also often recommended that you run the route at significantly lower graphical settings than almost all other routes for similar reasons.

On a more positive note, it's an enjoyable route to drive, with a variety of train types to run realistically: loco-hauled expresses, limited-stop and all-stations emus and heavy freights.

Keith

I got the GEML, Class 90, and Class 66 (don't remember which version) only two days ago together with some other UK stuff.... I did look at that bundle but it was not discounted then and already having Portsmouth, it didn't look like a good deal at that moment... Now it looks like I hasted!

Anyway the GEML is a good looking route in my opinion, although it did crash leaving out of Liverpool Street station, and I had significant FPS drop in that area too.

But yeah, this route should be well worth it, especially at that price!!

Cheers,

--Tim

Portsmouth has quite a lot of variety and I come back to it again and again. As previously mentioned, GEML does seem to stutter quite badly in various places. I no longer load it up and will only try again once I've upgraded my graphics card. Of course I have no way of telling if that will solve the problem.

I sincerely thank you guys for offering your opinions, and advice. I really count on you guys, and you never seem to let me down. Anyhow, I have decided to get the package, and will be downloading it in seconds from now. What a wonderful hobby, and wonderful forum this is.
EngineerKenny123