WHL South from DTG and Milepost Simulations

[Trev123]

Deleted.

[rfletcher72]

Haven't explored fully but it's a nice addon for certain.

The winter scenery is sublime ,

[daveme]

One issue I have got is when I create a free roam scenario and use either the RCS centre head code 37 or another KUJU 37 and set is as a drivable loco, start the activity and click the loco to drive it the sim crashes to desktop. but the 37 model that comes with this route works fine?

All in all an acceptable route, good FPS on a modest system but it's no WCML Midlands quality. The VDA's are a bit small when next to the Fastline simulations version but the other stock - although recycled is OK!

It seems this is associated with the AP pro soundpack for the 37. When I re-download a fresh copy of the RSC 37 from steam it works ok using the default sounds, when I then re-install the AP sound pack it crashes again. I've sent an email to AP support.

[jimmyshand]

Having grown up in the area between Helensburgh and Garelochead in the early 1980's I'm quite well qualified to pass initial judgement on this route...

Initial impressions are that it's technically accurate enough but fairly bland scenery-wise. Considering this is my all time most anticipated route, it didn't blow me away and felt a little freeware like if I'm brutally honest. Very lacking in the refinement and graphical quality we've come to expect from todays commercial route releases. The vegetation is lacking in detail and variety. This is a very densely 'green' area in reality and this add-on doesn't quite capture the look and feel. The houses are low quality and repetitive. Class 37 poor sounds, non-AP compatible and non-Raildriver compatible. This will be getting swapped out ASAP.

It's not all bad though. Some positives from my early run between Helensburgh Upper and Garelochead - Faslane naval base including type 23 frigates and submarines. The navy flats at Rhu where I used to live faithfully recreated and fairly life-like (didn't expect that). Layout and gradients seem accurate. Bridges in the right places. Approach to Garelochead and the station itself very accurate.

[749006]

Best of luck with your refund application, Personally speaking I think it's not perfect but is a superb looking route. I may try to flesh out scenery in places, but the roller coaster gradients keep you on your toes for the brakes or the throttle. Despite the lack of AP sounds it's nice to see much better engine simulation on the included class 37 locomotives - no longer sitting in amp depressions waiting for some slack.

FB_IMG_1438900924964.jpg

Haven't explored fully but it's a nice addon for certain.

NB Class 37 on Air Cond Mk3 Sleepers

[davep]

Just applied for a refund.

Refund received overnight.

[smarty2]

I am glad for the reviews , save myself some money, if someone gave it a polish then perhaps I might be tempted, but I have to say that single line working has never really been an attraction even though I have the Kyle line and the WHL, I may run them a few times then I lose interest since the scope for scenario's are limited which is borne out by the lack of scenario's uploaded by others.

[rfletcher72]

In my opinion, it is a must have.

Maybe I am somewhat easily pleased you may say, but I for one love it.

Just the sheer amount of fresh air and the crisp winter textures do it for me. Try the line from the cab of a 27, it certainly made the hairs on the back of my neck stand aloft ,

Richard

[K2rover]

It's all about the scenery on these types of route, not ops flexibility etc. The WHL Extension to Mallaig is absolutely magnificent on this basis. In my opinion the joint best route in the sim along with WCML Shap. The colour, the atmosphere and feeling that you're on holiday when you travel along it can't be beaten. I also love the Kyle line although I personally suffer from a bit of a rubbish frame rate in places. In comparison, the WHL South looks rather bland scenery wise and I'd rather it had had RETB signalling so I will wait for a sale. I commend the ambition of 98 miles of line though. Questioning why they didn't build into Glasgow is asking far too much. If it were a DTG product you'd have been lucky to get to Rannoch from Fort William.

[rfletcher72]

I'd rather it had had RETB signalling

Nothing to stop a Workshop version (and vice-versa for that matter),

Richard

[smarty2]

A video to show it off a bit better, make your own minds up, it doesn't look that bad?

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[deltic009]

One issue I have got is when I create a free roam scenario and use either the RCS centre head code 37 or another KUJU 37 and set is as a drivable loco, start the activity and click the loco to drive it the sim crashes to desktop. but the 37 model that comes with this route works fine?

All in all an acceptable route, good FPS on a modest system but it's no WCML Midlands quality. The VDA's are a bit small when next to the Fastline simulations version but the other stock - although recycled is OK!

It seems this is associated with the AP pro soundpack for the 37. When I re-download a fresh copy of the RSC 37 from steam it works ok using the default sounds, when I then re-install the AP sound pack it crashes again. I've sent an email to AP support.

I drove a default Kuju 37 with the AP soundpack for my screenshots and had no issues at all.

[Mr395008]

Purchased this yesterday, spent about an hour on it and just wasn't feeling the route. I think since WCML Trent Valley was released it's making me feel that all new routes should be on that level, especially for the price.

[37667]

Had a full run from FW to Helensburgh this morning with a WHL 37 and 9 mk 1s. Loads of thrash especially the long climb from Tulloch up to Corrour!

I have to say, I really enjoyed the drive (a full 3hours 30 mins).

It's not anywhere near Thomsons WHL standard which really set the bar as high as it could possibly go, however, it's not as bad as many make out. The drive quality is very smooth, much smoother that JTs Kyle line and the corners seem well made and realistic. Horseshoe curve is brilliant to drive, have a look out and see where you have just driven, it's brilliant.

Some more detailing at the stations is required and my only real bugbear is the man made stone river banks which appear on every river, even on Rannoch moor which seems a bit fake, but a minor point I guess.

I can't wait to have another drive going the other way with APs new 66 with the Alcan tanks (wrong era I know) and a 37 on the sleeper and various other combinations.

Absolutely no regrets from me about buying it, I just think we are so spoilt now with the high standard of routes which reflects badly on this one unfortunately.

[pjt1974]

Absolutely no regrets from me about buying it, I just think we are so spoilt now with the high standard of routes which reflects badly on this one unfortunately.

You've hit the nail smack bang square on the head.

It is unfortunate but it is progression. How many years did it take 'other' payware routes to catch up with the quality and scale of the WCML North route? Some may say it's only in the past year or so. It may take another couple of years, and unreal engine, for the quality of Trent Valley to be surpassed. It seems this route was born slightly too late, 5 weeks earlier and we'd have a decent route on our hands, after Trent Valley, meh.