Today, we’re taking you on a different kind of journey. We’re looking at how starting a shift in Hamburg differs from Berlin. And one thing is clear: just as the two cities are unique, so are their U-Bahn systems.
Starting a Shift in Hamburg
SubwaySim 2 brings several improvements to the timetable system. In SubwaySim 1, train deployments and withdrawals were already simulated correctly, but players had limited opportunities to operate these services themselves. That changes in SubwaySim 2! Now, you’ll have the chance to start routes from a depot - such as the Hellbrookstraße depot (Bba), which we introduced back in December.
But enough talk - let’s take the driver’s seat and begin our shift!
If you’ve played SubwaySim 1, this screen will look familiar. This list determines the train number, which you then enter into the IBIS (Integrated Onboard Information System). In real life, this information is used for the destination display, interior information screens, and announcements. In Sandbox Mode (formerly Expert Mode), we also use the IBIS code to determine your route’s final destination.
The train number consists of the departure station and departure time, while the destination number is taken directly from the list. Now, when we check the front of the DT5 or the in-car displays, they already show the correct destination - passengers can begin boarding!
Interestingly, many trains on Hamburg’s U3 initially display a "wrong" destination. For example, trains heading to Wandsbek-Gartenstadt first show "Hauptbahnhof Süd" (as seen above). Only after passing Sierichstraße does the destination automatically switch to "Wandsbek-Gartenstadt" - just like in real life, and in SubwaySim as well.
Starting a Shift in Berlin
We start our day in Berlin in a similar way. This time, we head to the Warschauer Straße depot - which we previously introduced in a post. Today, we’ll be taking out an A3L92 train.
Berlin also uses a code-based system - however a totally different one than Hamburg. The A3L92's system is called ELA (Elektrische Lautsprecheranlage, or Electric Loudspeaker System). Unlike Hamburg, Berlin uses a fixed four-digit code for each start-destination combination on a line. This code remains the same regardless of time or direction.
To find the correct code, we first select the right line. In this case, we’re starting a U3 service from Warschauer Straße (WA) to Krumme Lanke (K). So, we check the last row (departure from WA) and the first column (arrival at K). The number 3390 appears - this is the code we enter into the ELA system.
Each A3L92 consists of two cars: a K-Wagen (Compressor Car) and an S-Wagen (Control Car). The S-cars always have even numbers, while the corresponding K-car has the next odd number. On the A3L92, the even-numbered car always leads towards Krumme Lanke. Depending on whether you enter the code in the S-Wagen or K-Wagen, the ELA system assigns the correct direction for your journey.
Once we confirm the input, the rollband display on the A3L92 scrolls to the correct destination. The in-car displays and announcements are also controlled by the ELA input. Lastly, in Sandbox Mode, the ELA code also serves as an instruction for the signal box, indicating where your journey is headed. Ready for departure!
All aboard - join us to gain deeper insights into the world of SubwaySim 2 over the next few weeks and months!
About SubwaySim 2
SubwaySim 2 has been announced in August 2024 and is currently in development. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be giving you insights into the game, its development process, and the new features. Feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions, join our Discord server, and follow us on Instagram. Be sure to add SubwaySim 2 to your Steam or PlayStation Store wishlist so you don’t miss any updates!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2707070/SubwaySim_2/
Note: This is a work-in-progress version of the game. All screenshots and videos shown are for preview purposes only and are not representative of the final product. Please feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions if you like what you see or notice any specific issues!