Train Simulator Classic 2024 is due to launch today at 6PM BST, and with this the free update to core! Make sure you have automatic updates switched on to get this when it launches.

Make a cup of tea and read through the patch notes below...

• Updated main menu.
  
• We have completed work to upgrade several tools to 64-bit and to support 64-bit addressing.
  
  • 64-bit binaries have been added for the Blueprint Editor 2 and associated command line tools ConvertToGEO, ConvertToTG and Serz. These 64-bit tools have a “64” suffix to distinguish them from the 32-bit versions. The 64-bit Blueprint Editor 2 is contained within a Tools/x64 subfolder. These tools are currently considered experimental and feedback on their functionality is requested. Note that on first run of the 64-bit Blueprint Editor, the user should set the RailWorks Folder correctly by using the Tools > Options menu item and restarting the app. These tools are designed to be run in the Tools/x64 folder and should not be copied into a different location, nor should the Schema be copied into this x64 folder. ​
  [/i]

Implemented a fix for the 64-bit build failing to start with some Intel GPUs on Windows 11.

• This could cause the application to silently fail before the splash screen. By default, PhysX is now initialised using software rather than hardware. The hardware initialisation could cause a crash on non-CUDA GPUs.

[/i]

[/list]

Implemented a fix for SilverLining stars not being visible at nighttime.

• In some cases, this bug could result in SilverLining sky being replaced by the default sky (although SilverLining precipitation would still work). The magnitude for stars should be adjustable by editing the SilverLining config file if required.

[/i]

[/list]

Increased the size of the heap using for loading geometry in 64-bit mode from 1 GB to 2 GB to stop some out of memory errors on the streaming heap.

Fix for a situation where a D3D "Device Not Reset" error can occur without first getting a "Device Lost" error. This should fix the remaining D3D crashes, such as those on alt-tab switching.

The FPS limit now defaults to 60fps (as opposed to 30fps). This limit is now enforced during menus and pause screens in all cases (no matter what command line option is used) to reduce uncapped frame rates and excessive CPU usage whilst browsing the menus, especially with some Ryzen CPUs.

Fast sound update optimisations have been implemented but are disabled by default due to triggering failures. These changes spread updates to sounds over multiple frames but could cause problems with delayed sound triggering. This can be accessed by using the command line "-FastSoundUpdate" with an optional value for the update factor, e.g. "-FastSoundUpdate=10" (the default when enabled).

A new command line option "-ShowScriptTiming" has been added to aid developers when optimising their Lua scripts. This renders an overlay on screen showing all the Lua scripts that are being called, the total number of calls, and the total time spent in them.

A new command line option "-ShowAverageTiming" (which must be used in conjunction with ShowScriptTiming) has been added. This provides additional information - namely the mean and medium time spent in each script. This can be used to determine if the scripts are always performing poorly or if there are outliers. For example, an Engine script may be called 50 times, but one of those calls may take significantly more than the others (i.e. for the player loco vs AI locos).

A new log filter has been added - "Script Performance".

• When enabled this will provide performance hints via logmate. Currently, this only has one warning - when a script tries to set a value to the same value it already has (e.g. via SetControlValue). In some situations, this Lua call can have a huge performance hit, because the text-based lookup can be very slow. In general, scripts should only set values that they know have changed. Note that GetControlValue has a similar performance penalty, so using that followed by a SetControlValue will have worse performance overall. Instead, scripts should track these values themselves using internal Lua variables wherever possible to minimise these calls. An example might be a loco script that sets headlights and rear lights every frame, rather than when the loco changes direction. With some scripts this filter can cause a huge amount of extra output to Logmate, so a new filter was added rather than using an existing one. Developers should be aware of this when using the "All" filter.

[/i]

[/list]

Steam Workshop download loop now exits when all active downloads are completed.

Change animation vector/array to use a case-insensitive key, rather than require many manual inefficient calls to "to lower".

Increased hash table size for sound proxies to speed up searches.

Cached mapping of names to controls to speed up sound control lookup.

Added additional clipping for passenger fading.

Added an early out for headlight flare rendering. Should have same behaviour.

Reverted Dispatcher change that was intended to make node deletion on pathing failure more robust, but instead could make it more unstable.

Fixed an STL assert failure in Debug build (this could also cause a crash in release builds) - tunnel iterators were being used after deletion when rendering 2D map.

Removed assert in Landscape texture that causes a crash/break in Debug builds.

Fix for crash in loading of Lingbao to Mianchi Scenario 3 (and other scenarios that include reversing sections). Caused by fix to prevent decrementing a stack pointer when at the beginning of the stack. Previous fix was to change loop check, new fix is a special flag to prevent and recover.

Added command line option "-DisableSilverLining" to fully disable Silver Lining to aid debugging the graphics device lost crashes on alt-tab and screen sleep.

Updated to Silver Lining 6.42 to fix D3D device lost error on screen sleep (and potentially others)

Support for 64-bit addressing in all custom heaps in the x64 build.

Fix for assert in STL when decrementing an iterator at the beginning of a list.

More reliable releasing of landscape textures.

New launcher app to fix launching the same build (x32/x64/Dx12) on graphical or resolution change.

Workaround for screen resolution drop down in settings dialogue running off screen - added an offset to move dropdown vertically to remain on screen.

Mitigation for serialisation crash during texture load. The most common crash in build v75.6a.x64

Code to prevent crash from the dispatcher upon freeing up the same node twice on routing failure.

Added check for -1 pointer in ScriptGetConsistSpeed.

Fix for crash in headlight destructor (5th most common crash in v75.8a.x64).

Potential fix for a crash caused by a ray cast calculation going off the end of a vertex buffer, this was more common in scenario editing mode than drive.

Mitigation for various crashes due to null pointers or use of uninitialized variables in Delta serialisation, Scenario Editor consist placement, loft building.

Initialisation of the "Current Consist" to zero/null on startup so as to mitigate crash during signal script initialisation accessing current consist when it is undefined.

Additional logging to aid debugging D3D error.

[/list]

The update will download automatically for owners when it becomes available. Players should allow at least 24 hours after restarting Steam for the update to appear and before contacting Customer Support.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/

Arriving soon for the 15th Anniversary year, Train Simulator Classic 2024 takes you on a journey to five countries across over 450 km of rails. Read on to find out more about the routes included in this year’s refresh, the extras with the Deluxe Edition, and the new Rail Subscription option.

To celebrate 15 years of the simulation, this year’s route refresh features five countries with some of our most popular routes together for the first time. Explore the picturesque North Wales Coast Line in the UK. Travel through the Saxony countryside in Germany with Bahnsrecke Riesa – Dresden. Head to the USA capital and ride the bustling Northeast Corridor with NEC Washington DC. Race through breathtaking scenery in France with LGV Marseille - Avignon. And discover the stunning Alpine landscape of Austria with Mittenwaldbahn.

The Deluxe Edition of Train Simulator Classic 2024 adds three additional locomotives and exclusive new scenarios created for this release. On these new scenarios you will take control of the futuristic looking Pennsylvania Railroad Class GG1 with its striking art deco shell on NEC Washington DC. Travel at high-speed aboard the DB BR 411 'ICE-T' with services on Riesa - Dresden or Mittenwaldbahn. And step on to the footplate of a British steam legend, the LNER Peppercorn Class A2 'Blue Peter' for a rail tour Special on North Wales Coast Line.

Get more out of Train Simulator Classic with the optional Rail Subscription. The perfect way to get started with the ultimate railway hobby, this new way to play includes the Train Simulator Classic 2024 base game along with a selection of curated routes and locomotives ready to play. Featuring community favourites and developer picks the add-ons will give you a wide range of experiences covering multiple eras, traction types and services. We’ll be revealing the routes and locos that will be in the Rail Subscription in the coming week.

Alongside all of this, you can also look forward to a free update to the base game at launch that features performance improvements and fixes from the recent Public Beta. The Beta will remain available up until the launch of Train Simulator Classic 2024.

Look out for more information on Train Simulator Classic 2024 in the coming weeks, you can also read an FAQ[live.dovetailgames.com] (external link) with more information.

What has been happening on the Train Simulator Classic rails in April? Read on to catch up on this month’s new release and DLC updates.

Thanks to all of you who have been providing feedback and taking part in the Train Simulator Classic Public Beta. Our latest build (77.1a), is still available to try out featuring performance updates and new tools for developers that show performance impact. You can find the full notes and link to join the Public Beta below.

• Public Beta Update Notes[forums.dovetailgames.com] (External Link)
  
• Join The Public Beta

Just one new arrival in April, but an exciting addition to US rails. The Empire State Express No. 999 from Machine Rail came thundering onto the rails of Boston & Albany earlier this month. Today, NYC&HR No. 999 is lovingly preserved at the prestigious Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, but with this superb pack, fabulous NYC&HR No. 999 and the luxurious Empire State Express are again ready to “highball” in Train Simulator Classic. An essential purchase for steam fans.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2662460/

There were two updates in April. First for the recent Tennessee Pass route from Milepost Simulations that included a selection of fixes as well as minor scenery and animation improvements. The second update was for U-Bahn Hamburg U1 from Just Trains. This makes the DT4 fully operable (previously AI only), and adds eight brand new scenarios to the German rapid transit route featuring the loco. Make sure you have automatic updates turned on to get these updates. Links to both store pages below.

• Tennessee Pass
  
• U-Bahn Hamburg U1

What routes have you been playing this month?

What has been happening on the Train Simulator Classic rails in March? Read on to catch up on this month’s news of new releases, Beta updates, DLC patches and more...

This week our Public Beta was updated to version 77.1a. This update includes fixes and some new additional tools to help developers. These tools will help anyone working on Train Simulator Content to optimise content for the best performance. You can read the full update notes over on our forums. There is also a link below for info on how to join the Public Beta.

• Public Update Notes[forums.dovetailgames.com] (External Link)
  
• Join The Public Beta

Releases for Train Simulator Classic in March started with the China Railways HXD1, a powerful freight loco nicknamed ‘Harmony’ which includes scenarios for both South West China High Speed and Longhai Railway. This was followed by the epic German urban loop Ringbahn Berlin Circle from Virtual Tracks, and new gameplay for Saluda Grade with a second scenario pack from High Iron. The last release for March arrived today, with a recreation of the legendary Rio Grande Tennessee Pass from Milepost Simulations. You can find links to all four new DLC below.

• China Railways HXD1
  
• Ringbahn Berlin Circle
  
• Saluda Grade Scenario Pack 02
  
• Tennessee Pass

March has also been a big month for DLC updates. Make sure you have automatic updates switched on to get these.

The ÖBB 1144 & CityShuttle Wiesel has been updated by Skyhook Games with a fantastic patch that features a variety of improvements. This includes updated sounds, updated scripts, cab texture updates, LZB implementation, a new ‘Cityjet’ livery for the Wiesel and some bug fixes. If you don’t own this loco now is the perfect time to pick it up.

Alongside this new updates have been released for the HXD1, DF11G, South Western Expressways and the Just Trains Common Library. You can read the notes on these through the link below.

• ÖBB 1144 & CityShuttle Wiesel Update Notes[forums.dovetailgames.com] (External Link)
  
• HXD1, DF11G, SW Expressways Update Notes[forums.dovetailgames.com] (External Link)

Our hobby section for Train Simulator Classic on Dovetail Live has had a refresh in March. A new ‘UK Intro’ feature has been added to give route recommendations for anyone thinking about starting a UK collection. We’ve also updated some existing guide articles – the Deutsche Bahn, German and Chinese features have all been refreshed this month. You can find all of these through the link.

• Your Hobby Feature [live.dovetailgames.com](External Link)

Happy Easter Railfans! See you in April :)

The Steam Spring Sale has arrived, and with it discounts across a wide range of Train Simulator Classic and Train Sim World add-ons.

Read on for some recommendations for what to pick up for Classic this week...

https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/
Not just for new players, Train Simulator Classic gives you a great way to save on multiple routes. Explore the picturesque countryside of Bavaria with Pegnitztalbahn, cross viaducts and race through tunnels with Huddersfield Line, and take on the bustling Long Island Rail Road. All for -70% off. The same discount applies to the Deluxe Edition which also includes ECML and the Flying Scotsman Centenary Edition!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2288624
An essential for railfans who enjoy rapid transit routes and urban exploration. The U-Bahn Hamburg U1 from Just Trains takes you on a tour of Hamburg. Visit residential neighbourhoods, wealthy districts and busy downtown areas as you deliver passengers to their destinations. Take control of the detailed HHA Type DT5 EMU complete with onboard computer, platform video feeds, and announcements spoken by Ingrid Metz-Neun.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2403288/
The extraordinary challenges and memorable railroading of “the steepest standard gauge, mainline railway grade in the US,” comes to Train Simulator Classic with Saluda Grade. This memorable US railroad from High Iron Simulations is -50% off for the Spring Sale, and a new Scenario Pack for the route has been released this week giving you more to enjoy. Look out for the complete my collection bundle.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1429752
Directly connecting England and Wales, running under the longest river in the United Kingdom, the South Wales Main Line is one of the most important cross-border routes in the country. The route, set in 2016, representing a time before overhead wires were installed on the main line, making for a classic diesel experience. This popular route has its biggest discount to date during the Spring Sale with -80% off!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/376961
The perfect route for a Spring drive. The Wakayama & Sakurai Lines are one of the most picturesque Japanese suburban railways. Featuring farmland, valleys and local towns with a mix of modern and UNESCO listed historic architecture. The route is also well known for tourists visiting to see the stunning cherry blossoms throughout Spring, which you can also enjoy as you drive along this route. Get -55% off in the sale.

Browse these and more add-ons on the Steam Store.

If you want to see the Wakayama & Sakurai Lines or South Wales Coastal in action, join us on Railfan TV this Saturday 16 March at 1900 UTC on YouTube. Our Community Manager Jamie will be heading to Wakayama, and British Ace will be running a South Wales service.

Available now on the Steam Store, take a ride on Ringbahn Berlin Circle!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2662420/Train_Simulator_Ringbahn_Berlin_Circle/

Completed in 1877 the Berlin Ringbahn is an urban railway loop running around Berlin’s inner-city area and is a vital component of public transport for the city. The circular route features two S-Bahn lines (S41 and S42) that connect diverse neighbourhoods and districts around the city. Providing easy access to key hubs like the main Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Alexanderplatz which is a popular starting point for most tourists. Whilst travelling around the city you can take in panoramic views of the city, iconic buildings and surrounding urban landscapes.

The route in Train Simulator Classic features the modern Berlin Ringbahn. Set in 2022 here it comes complete with S-Bahn loop lines, a branch line in the north to Pankow, and drivable mainline from Treptower Park to Güterbahnhof Treptow. The lines, stations and surrounding city area have all been recreated in detail. Along with authentic signals, safety equipment and track markings this route provides an immersive realistic experience.

On the route you will take control of the Deutsche Bahn Class 483/484 EMU. Designed for use on this Berlin S-Bahn these modern and efficient locomotives, also known as the ‘Stadler GTW’, were introduced in 2021. You will take control of this sleek EMU in either 2-car (483) or 4-car (484) formation across 12 Career scenarios. These include challenges with full circle runs and short commuter services, allowing you to discover all parts of this route in a variety of weather conditions.

Start your journey on Ringbahn Berlin Circle in Train Simulator Classic, an historic line updated with contemporary functionality that gives you the perfect blend of past and present city transportation. Available now!

You can watch a preview of this route on Railfan TV with Jamie, watch on YouTube below.

February may be the shortest month, but it’s been an action-packed month for Train Simulator Classic! In the past few weeks we’ve released new routes, new locos, updated the Public Beta and celebrated some major events. Read on for the round-up.

The Train Simulator Classic Public Beta has been updated this month to 76.5a. This update is to work on fixes for some common crashes identified in the previous Beta update. You can find full update notes for this new Public Beta over on the official forum through the link below. If you’re using the updated Beta already, please let us know how you’re getting on over at that thread. You can also find a link below with information on how to join the Public Beta.

• Public Beta 76.5a Update[forums.dovetailgames.com] (External Link)
  
• Join The Public Beta

The big new release for Train Simulator Classic this month was Feather River Canyon Enhanced from High Iron Simulations. Return to this popular US freight route with a new extended version that has been upgraded with new scenery, locos and rolling stock. A must for US railfans. Also released this month the picturesque central Austrian route Rudolfsbahn from RSSLO, the Eamnos VTG Wagon Pack from VirtualRailroads which brings new freight options to your German routes, and the China Railways DF11G passenger diesel from Just Trains. Links to this month’s releases below.

• Rudolfsbahn
  
• Feather River Canyon Enhanced
  
• Eamnos VTG Wagon Pack
  
• China Railways DF11G

This month we celebrated Chinese New Year with an updated hobby feature on Dovetail Live, Railfan TV stream and the launch of a new Train Simulator Classic Chinese Bundle on the Steam Store. This bundle includes Train Simulator Classic (with Pegnitztalbahn, Huddersfield, LIRR), South West China High Speed, Chengkun Railway, and the CRH2A loco. This is a complete my collection bundle with –40% discount, a great way to start or grow your Chinese collection.

Also in February we held our annual Festival of Rail event on the Steam Store. As part of this for Train Simulator Classic we revealed some upcoming releases on the Dovetail Direct stream. You can watch this segment below.

• Chinese hobby feature[live.dovetailgames.com] (External Link)
  
• Chinese Bundle
  
• Train Simulator Classic Dovetail Direct Video (External Link)

Let us know what you’ve been up to in Train Simulator Classic this month in the comments.

Now available for Train Simulator Classic, Feather River Canyon Enhanced is an extraordinary new extended and detail-rich edition of this legendary route with a superb variety of new locomotives, rolling stock, and realistic scenarios. Get -15% off if you own the original route!

Feather River Canyon: For railroaders and railroad enthusiasts alike, these three words evoke one of the wonders of North American railroading. Built to superb engineering standards by the Western Pacific at the start of the 20th century, the railroad across the Sierra Nevada has become legendary.

Now, in an expanded and enhanced edition, famed Feather River Canyon comes to Train Simulator in a 130-mile route that features five types of Western Pacific diesel locomotives, a Burlington Northern locomotive, and 16 types of freight equipment!

Created through a collaboration between Dovetail Games and developer High Iron Simulations, the now-available Feather River Canyon Enhanced Route includes:

• Western Pacific’s entire Third Subdivision as it existed in the 1970-1980 era, and with major yard and terminal facilities at each end (Oroville in the west and Portola in the east).
  
• An all-new 34-mile addition of the route between Quincy Junction and Portola, including famous landmarks such as towering Clio Trestle and the remarkable Williams Loop.
  
• Enhanced and richly detailed scenery from end to end and including a variety of new custom-built stations, structures, and assets. Special attention has been devoted to enhancing the detail and realism of the route’s many lineside shippers and industries.
  
• Five types of Western Pacific diesel locomotives, including the EMD F7 (cab and booster), GP9 (with dual controls), SW9, and GP40-2, plus the GE U30B. All locomotives will feature advanced braking and are offered in 14 total livery variations!
  
• An all-new Burlington Northern EMD GP35. Western Pacific and Burlington Northern conducted joint operations via the “Inside Gateway” and over the west end of the route.
  
• Sixteen types of freight equipment appropriate to the line and era, including open-side auto racks, 86-foot auto parts boxcars, bay-window cabooses, and a variety of rolling stock in liveries including Western Pacific, Union Pacific, Rio Grande, Burlington Northern, Great Northern, Northern Pacific, and Spokane, Portland & Seattle.
  
• To further enhance the realistic operating characteristics of the line, route speed limits have been set as authentic to the 1970s era, signaling has been improved, and the route is fully equipped with lineside operational signage.
  
• Bringing the enhanced experience of Feather River Canyon to full life isse a set of ten new and realistic career scenarios closely based on Western Pacific operations that include end-to-end operations and a free-roam scenario – plus the route is Quick Drive enabled.

Owners of the original Feather River Canyon Route (as released by Dovetail Games in 2016) are eligible for a special limited-time discount of -15% on the purchase of Feather River Canyon Enhanced. This launch offer is available until 29 February.

The Feather River Canyon Enhanced Route for Train Simulator Classic delivers a challenging and realistic railroading experience set on one of North America’s most famed and scenic railroad lines. Discover this legendary route today!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2662410/

Welcome to the third night of our Festival of Rail livestreams! You can view a plan for the upcoming content, starting from 17:00 UTC tonight in our summary image below:

We also have a weekly schedule of content up to Monday 12th February, with a very special Dovetail Direct Spring 2024 update on Sunday evening, so don't miss it as well as the wonderful content created by our teams and our brilliant ambassadors!