Hello steam engine operators! It's been a while since the last update but since then, we've had a successful alpha release of the power generation DLC to game testers and it was met with a positive response. I recently uploaded a video to my YouTube channel discussing some of these changes and the current state of the DLC if you'd prefer to watch on YouTube. NOTE: at this time, development is funded by Patreon supporters and YouTube sponsors and this video contains a sponsored segment between 00:31 and 01:30. You can skip this ad using the timestamps in the video or moving the play cursor to 01:30.
Steam Engine Updates
New Pressure Relief Valve
The old pressure relief valve has been replaced with a more realistic version with adjustable set-point so that you can more precisely regulate the pressure in the boiler.
New Brake Mechanism
The brake has been completely reworked with completely new art and a new physical mechanism. You can pull the spring-loaded brake lever to activate the brake temporarily, or adjust the brake stop to hold the brake at a minimum position.
Valve Gear/Reverser
The steam engine now has a real valve gear with adjustable cutoff. The old valve gear was inefficient and not particularly realistic. Now you can precisely adjust cutoff, reverse the engine and operate more efficiently.
Completely Reworked Audio Engine
This is hard to demonstrate without seeing/hearing it for yourself, so I strongly suggest watching my YouTube video on the subject. Go to 13:50 of the video below to see a comparison between the current Steam Engine Simulator and the updated version. Steam Engine Simulator's audio system has been completely overhauled resulting in major performance improvements and dramatically improved audio quality.
Water Inlet Flowrate and Water Level Gauges
This was a frequently requested feature from the community and it's now been added! You can now see inlet/drain flow rates and get a precise readout of the water level.
Rate of Change Indicators
Most gauges now have rate of change indicators which are helpful to balance a very precise static value.
DLC Progress Update
The Power Generation DLC is nearing completion. Testers enjoy the career mode and I'm pretty happy with where the game is at.
New Game Mode: Sandbox Mode
Sandbox mode can be activated from the main menu just like the career mode. Adjust parameters of the steam engine and optionally use the PID controllers to operate the steam engine for you! The controllers can be activated individually, so you can (for example) operate the reverser to control engine speed and have the autopilot control the water level and boiler pressure.
The player can also adjust ambient temperature, flywheel mass and many many other parameters. You can experiment to find the best performing steam engine or see what happens when input parameters are set to completely unrealistic values.
Career Mode: Steam Engine Upgrades and Repairs
The steam engine can now be upgraded and repaired in career mode. Upgrades/new parts can be purchased in the MARKETPLACE tab. This includes things like new boilers with higher pressure ratings, better water filters (more about this later) and better piston seals for higher efficiency.
Boiler Sediment Simulation
Sediment and particulate now deposits at the bottom of the boiler, acting as an insulator which makes the boiler less efficient. Sediment can be cleared out with a Boiler Descaling service purchased at the MARKETPLACE.
Side Quests
The player can now complete optional side-quests for money, like signaling the New Year's fireworks with the steam whistle or waking up the mayor so he doesn't miss an important meeting.
City Editor
The city viewer now features an editor to give more details about individual city plots. The city feels a lot more alive with unique addresses generated for each building, unique building names and a readout which shows the plot's current electricity bill.
Release Date
We are very close to an official release date for this DLC (which will be released with all the other updates I showed in this post). Early-access is available right now to all paid Patreon supporters. Patreon supporters will also get the DLC for free when it releases. If you want detailed updates and to be notified when the official release date is announced, I post daily updates on the Engine Simulator Official Discord server.