Armstrong Powerhouse Track Enhancement Pack Question

[TheBroker1951]

I am looking at the Armstrong Powerhouse Track Enhancement Pack. I'd like to use it for a fictional route I am starting, but I have three questions:

1) Does it appear as its own track when building a route? Or will it "update" the UK track rules track I started using? Their website lists routes it is applied to, but I'm not sure if they use the same track type as I am.

2) When specifying third rail power, does it add the third rail or is it a separate loft added on its own? I find I like the TSA DE Third Rail with the cover so I'd rather not have it be replaced with the uncovered type that appears in the screen shots on their site.

3) What are the overall opinions of this enhancement pack? Worth the money?

Thanks!

[ZME_Matchstick]

I never used it for building my own routes but I believe it does show up as its own asset in the editor. I think via the install it changes the tracks for the listed routes.

As for the question of it being worth it? I like it. It has far better textures and if I recall correctly it's built from more 3d parts. So the ties aren't 2d. The nice thing is I have yet to see a hit to my fps on these routes after installing it....

AP also have a weather pack you may want to check out. I have it as well and it gives scenarios a wider range of weather options. Lol makes for some good stormy days

[TheBroker1951]

Thank you. It is also good to know there was no fps hit with the 3D. I have the AP weather pack too and really like it. Also the Class 465 enhancement pack which was a major improvement. That's why I thought I would give the track enhancement a shot, as long as it didn't mess with the more idiosyncratic stuff like the third rail type.

[TheBroker1951]

I purchased the enhancement. While it is nice, it has changed the ballast on track where I didn't want it changed. Namely, I was using an LGV Track High Speed Tunnel for a large station. This had a solid concrete that looked prototypical to the kind of station I was modeling it after and, since it was a tunnel, wouldn't have snow. Unfortunately, it now has the same brown stone ballast as the mainline track. I may need to uninstall and see if I can get a refund. Rather disappointing!