Available now for Train Simulator, the Western Sichuan Pass from Partner Programme developer, Simtech Vision, delivers unique mountainside passenger operations throughout the Sichuan province of Southwest China. Gone are the nonchalant, A to B, high speed expresses, instead, this railway winds its way through the landscape, offering fantastic views at every turn.

The western highlands form perhaps the most striking scenery in all of China, and nestled within the mountains are towns such as Dujiangyan, Wenchuan and Maoxian, all of which are connected by the 160km long Western Sichuan Pass. The passengers experience an unforgettable journey across this line, all while the driver’s skills are put to the test on a ruling grade of 3%.

With such steep grades, and a top line speed of 160 km/h, the Western Sichuan Pass demanded an entirely new type of unit to compete with modern standards and safely transport passengers through the range. Enter the CRH6, a unique iteration of China’s modern electric multiple units which could be built for a variety of uses.

For the Western Sichuan Pass, the CRH6F was chosen, a Quasi-high Speed commuter variation with a top speed of 180 km/h and high capacity to fill the express commuter role. Given the family’s rapid acceleration and effective braking, efficient operation and as-standard creature comforts, the CRH6F was the perfect choice for such a route, and it entered service in July 2015.

The CRH6F, given its tough environment, is relatively straightforward to drive. It has enough power and brake force to manage the grades, and features cruise capabilities to ease the load on the driver in harsh climbs and descents. For the passengers, a spacious cabin allows for high capacity and high comfort, with plenty of windows from which to enjoy the view.

Buried within the Hengduan Mountains, the Western Sichuan Pass, which is ready for you in Train Simulator, truly is a change of pace from the high speed networks that link cities together, instead, a chance to take a step back in awe of some of the World’s most stunning peaks, from modern-day traction, awaits you.

The Western Sichuan Pass for Train Simulator includes the 160km route from Dujiangyan to Maoxian and Mashancun, the modern CRH6F EMU in 4, 8 and 16-car variations – complete with cruise control, startup procedures and in-cab signalling – a selection of Career scenarios to put you through your paces and quick drive compatibility as standard.

Simtech Vision’s spectacular Western Sichuan Pass is available now for Train Simulator, head to the Store for more details!

In response to your important feedback on a variety of add-ons available for Train Simulator 2017, Partner Programme Developer, MeshTools have today released an update for the LNWR G2 Super D Steam Loco.

Here’s a list of what has been addressed:

New Liveries

• LMS Crimson Lake (Pre-1928)
• LMS (Pre-1928)

New Features

• Trimmer assist
• Priming notifications
• High/Low water level notifications
• Injector assist
• Match lights to assist in seeing vacuum/pressure gauges temporarily at night.

Improvements/fixes

• Manual improvements
• Fixed some sounds incorrectly set up as stereo format
• Fixed fading distance for some sounds
• Improved several sounds with new samples
• Delayed activation added to steam sander
• Fixed bug causing air deflector to appear on ai locomotives
• Added particle effects for priming
• Added particle effects for ejector failure
• Added additional liveries to “G2A” numbers.
• Improved adhesion model slightly so the locomotive wheels should spiral out of control during a slip as much.
• Minor improvements to a select few particle emitters to hopefully increase performance slightly
• Some script optimisation to hopefully increase performance a little
• Optimisation of the steam chest simulation so it should now be much more steady under low fps conditions.
• Stopped engine blowing back in tunnels
• Stopped Wakefield lubricator drips appearing on non-Wakefield fitted engines
• Altered Shaders to hopefully stop valve gear appearing through firebox when non-dynamic lighting is used.
• Fixed left hand piston valve animation
• Fixed an anachronism on the rear tender steps on engines without tender cabs.
• Altered key to isolate ejector to hopefully prevent accidentally isolating the injector.
• Brake van lamps altered so they appear correctly in passenger view
• Added additional camera positions in the brake van.

If you own the LNWR G2 Super D Steam Loco, the update will download automatically from Steam. If you have any problems/queries with regard to the update, leave a comment below or submit a ticket to our support site where our Support Team will be ready to assist.

The LNWR G2 Super D Steam Loco update will be approximately 290 MB in size.

In response to your important feedback on a variety of add-ons available for Train Simulator 2017, we have today released an update for the Chatham Main Line route.

Here’s a list of what has been addressed:

Quick Drive & Scenarios

• Fixed an issue that would prevent the player from entering Victoria in some instances of Quick Drive
• Added Southern 377s to Quick Drive at Victoria / Beckenham Junction and Around Peckham Rye area
• Added Southern Class 377 to scenarios around London

Route

• Updated Beckenham Junction & Petts Wood to update general appearance
• Moved DOO Monitors and Car Stop Signage to Correct Place on Chatham Platform 2
• Removed Shadow Map Issue on St Mary Cray Bridge
• Replaced all gantries on route with newer models
• Replaced level crossings at Gillingham & Rainham to address a scenario creation issue

Class 375

• Fixed an issue with door sounds on the Class 375, so that they sound when the doors open / close
• Changed “Sub Class” TOPS board on end of Carriage to just say 375 instead of 375/6
• Removed Diesel sounds from Class 375 Passenger View
• Fixed an issue with the pantograph
• Added named variants
• Updated in-game naming to incorporate subclass notations

Class 377

• Added in Southern Class 377 variant (Includes 377/1 and 377/3 Consists)
• Added in Southeastern Class 377/1 Variants
• Fixed Wiper issue
• Fixed some minor vehicle classification naming issues

Class 465

• Fixed the livery representation on the yellow door variant
• Changed coach ends to grey instead of black
• Fixed an issue with the pantograph and 3rd rail function
• Fixed an issue with the speed set functionality
• Fixed an issue with the headlight switches when using HUD control

Localisation

• Fixed a number of French language translation issues

If you own the Chatham Main Line route, the update will download automatically from Steam. If you have any problems/queries with regard to the update, leave a comment below or submit a ticket to our support site where our Support Team will be ready to assist.

The Chatham Main Line update will be approximately 520 MB in size.