AP Soundpacks

[atlasduff47]

To be honest, the AP class 40 raises the bar to such a new and high level that there is now a pretty strong case to overhaul/reproduce every single loco in the sim to the same standard...

But would that translate into a sound business case though, depending on who the developer was?.

The Class 40 does take some getting used to and as good as it is, there are some users who do prefer/need just simple, less advanced DLC to get enjoyment from TS. I do suspect that those of us who do like the more complicated, 'niche' stuff are wholly in the minority beyond the pages of this forum, especially in terms of the market overall. I know many don't like the thought of that, but c'est la vie as they say,

As is usually the case Richard, you make a sound point, and though I would like to think that the demand for beasts such as the RR/AP Class 40 would be high, I cannot say for sure, what is certain though, is that as you say, there are a number of folk that simply like to jump in and go without the realism/complication dependant upon how you view it.

Andy

[rosschris10]

To be honest, the AP class 40 raises the bar to such a new and high level that there is now a pretty strong case to overhaul/reproduce every single loco in the sim to the same standard...

Regardless of whether or not I already own a class 27, 31, 33, 37, 47, 55, 56 etc I would willingly pay again if they could be reproduced to the same standard as the AP class 40.

The cab in particular on the AP 40 is exquisite, a masterpiece in realism, fine texturing and feature rich.

Let's just remember ap did not make the class 40 it was rail right ap done the sounds etc but rail right actually made the train.

[msmith4000]

The sounds of the railway for me are important so I am a big fan of AP's work and believe all DLC / locomotives deserves a sound pack. I think an additional fiver is a small price to pay as it greatly improves how immerse the model is to operate. I would love for Richard to take an executive business trip to the USA as although the sounds have been improving on USA stock in the more recent releases, they still don't compare to AP soundpack modded UK stock.

I would like to see a new class 25 and equally as much a new Class 26 model as it is pretty much the only class left I still have to use frequently from a certain other developer.

Away to buy the class 303 sound pack. AP saves the day again!

[david1]

To be honest, the AP class 40 raises the bar to such a new and high level that there is now a pretty strong case to overhaul/reproduce every single loco in the sim to the same standard...

Also begs the question to why DTG is developing a new game core engine when products they produce only scratch the surface of what can be done with the current engine. I am that somebodys kid down the road does not what to have to read the manual to get a train to work, but why can not all trains be like the class 40 or similar high standards, after all we do have an option for simple controls I don't see why all products can not be all bells and whistles and let the user decide do they want realism or just jump in and drive

[deltic009]

To be honest, the AP class 40 raises the bar to such a new and high level that there is now a pretty strong case to overhaul/reproduce every single loco in the sim to the same standard...

Also begs the question to why DTG is developing a new game core engine when products they produce only scratch the surface of what can be done with the current engine. I am that somebodys kid down the road does not what to have to read the manual to get a train to work, but why can not all trains be like the class 40 or similar high standards, after all we do have an option for simple controls I don't see why all products can not be all bells and whistles and let the user decide do they want realism or just jump in and drive

The Class 40 was in development for over 24 months, if you're happy with one train and one route every 2 yeas for the realise increase then that's fine. In my opinion there's a market for all kinds of DLC, and the stuff put out by RSC/Dovetail is fine for a more general spread of users so it has more revenue potential as well as a shorter development cycle. That's why we can get core upgrades free of charge.

I like luxury items like the 40, but if I want a quick drive somewhere I choose the Digital Traction version for ease of use.

[phat2003uk]

To be honest, the AP class 40 raises the bar to such a new and high level that there is now a pretty strong case to overhaul/reproduce every single loco in the sim to the same standard...

Also begs the question to why DTG is developing a new game core engine when products they produce only scratch the surface of what can be done with the current engine. I am that somebodys kid down the road does not what to have to read the manual to get a train to work, but why can not all trains be like the class 40 or similar high standards, after all we do have an option for simple controls I don't see why all products can not be all bells and whistles and let the user decide do they want realism or just jump in and drive

I like luxury items like the 40, but if I want a quick drive somewhere I choose the Digital Traction version for ease of use.

I'm surprised by this as the AWS change end switch is the only difference in terms of ease of use between a 'warm' AP 40 and the DT 40.

[Carinthia]

I'm surprised by this as the AWS change end switch is the only difference in terms of ease of use between a 'warm' AP 40 and the DT 40.

. . . and the ability to save the game at any point and return later.

John

[deltic009]

I'm surprised by this as the AWS change end switch is the only difference in terms of ease of use between a 'warm' AP 40 and the DT 40.

. . . and the ability to save the game at any point and return later.

John

And the overheating of the engine or failure of traction motor(s). Don't get me wrong Richard, I adore it, it is a wonderful achievement and really raises the bar. Like I say, I believe there is a place for both levels of DLC we receive and I am happy with the quicker release cycles from Dovetail that still provides very good models, such as the recent Class 415 EPB.

[phat2003uk]

Fair comments. The save/reload issue is a big shame. Producing models to this standard certainly isn't commercially sensible but at least it's something to be proud of.

[deltic009]

Fair comments. The save/reload issue is a big shame. Producing models to this standard certainly isn't commercially sensible but at least it's something to be proud of.

It is a great loco. People need to realise that Dovetail are a business with lots of full time employees, and bills to pay. I'm happy for them to proceed as they do, we have a community of great reskinners who can cover shortcoming on liveries - and great sound packs from yourself. We get much items and free core upgrades which keeps us all up to the same page.

[atlasduff47]

To be honest, the AP class 40 raises the bar to such a new and high level that there is now a pretty strong case to overhaul/reproduce every single loco in the sim to the same standard...

Also begs the question to why DTG is developing a new game core engine when products they produce only scratch the surface of what can be done with the current engine. I am that somebodys kid down the road does not what to have to read the manual to get a train to work, but why can not all trains be like the class 40 or similar high standards, after all we do have an option for simple controls I don't see why all products can not be all bells and whistles and let the user decide do they want realism or just jump in and drive

The Class 40 was in development for over 24 months, if you're happy with one train and one route every 2 yeas for the realise increase then that's fine. In my opinion there's a market for all kinds of DLC, and the stuff put out by RSC/Dovetail is fine for a more general spread of users so it has more revenue potential as well as a shorter development cycle. That's why we can get core upgrades free of charge.

I like luxury items like the 40, but if I want a quick drive somewhere I choose the Digital Traction version for ease of use.

I disagree Matt, I find it just as easy to take this beauty for a quick blast, it is only the master key and AWS change end and you are away, I doubt I will ever drive the DT version again!

In a sadly over commercial world it is great to see a principled approach taken to produce something which is so much better than everything else out there. I also think the point made has been missed which was, why upgrade the core, when the current core is not particularly being stretched with the existing DLC which DTG are producing?

In addition would it really take a relatively large commercial concern two years to produce something like the new class 40? Either way, I would would be more than happy if AP were to re-produce all the diesels that have already been done, and the few omissions to this glorious new standard.

Andy

[yyyyamst]

I would like to see the Class 33 and 25 get the ARmstrong going over. The one Loco that really stands out for me are the Class 59s.

[jimmyshand]

I disagree Matt, I find it just as easy to take this beauty for a quick blast, it is only the master key and AWS change end and you are away, I doubt I will ever drive the DT version again!

In a sadly over commercial world it is great to see a principled approach taken to produce something which is so much better than everything else out there. I also think the point made has been missed which was, why upgrade the core, when the current core is not particularly being stretched with the existing DLC which DTG are producing?

In addition would it really take a relatively large commercial concern two years to produce something like the new class 40? Either way, I would would be more than happy if AP were to re-produce all the diesels that have already been done, and the few omissions to this glorious new standard.

Andy

Totally agree Andy. The only reason the class 40 took so long to come to life was because it was being developed by a one-man band or a very small company at most in Railright. In the hands of the relatively enormous and highly experienced Dovetail Games empire, it would not take 2 years to create such a product. The only reason DTG don't step up their standards is because customers aren't demanding they do. It's easier and cheaper for them to churn out bog standard DLC than it is to take the extra effort to achieve the standard that AP/Railright have set.
If sales of DLC slowed down as a result of them not stepping up to the standard we now know is possible, then they soon would... Acceptance of mediocrity means mediocrity will be served.

[gptech]

Andy, the current core programming may not be over-stretched by current DTG loco releases, but it's been stretched for a long time when we think about game play itself. No amount of tweaking, throwing more powerful and expensive hardware at the game has removed stuttering and /or pausing at tile boundaries.
The view could be taken that whilst the more advanced, heavily scripted, goodies work fine they do so despite the core shortcomings rather than because the core supports them.
I'm afraid that any suggestion to retain the current base programming would be decried by most UKTS members.

[deltic009]

The only reason DTG don't step up their standards is because customers aren't demanding they do. It's easier and cheaper for them to churn out bog standard DLC than it is to take the extra effort to achieve the standard that AP/Railright have set.
If sales of DLC slowed down as a result of them not stepping up to the standard we now know is possible, then they soon would... Acceptance of mediocrity means mediocrity will be served.

It may not take 2 years, but it would take longer to add all of the scripting and variants and features. Richard even alludes to the fact it doesn't make business sense to make such a model - it includes a soundpack (normally 4.99) and carriages (normally 4.99) so that leaves just over £10 for the loco itself.

We shall agree to disagree, but I prefer to think in terms of what dovetail CAN give us because of their style of output, rather than want they DON'T give us which they could/should.