Hey everyone,
Today we have a major update coming to Train Sim World 5, which brings a huge range of improvements across multiple add-ons, as well as the core game.
Additionally, this patch will bring the Koln-Aachen timetable update to PS5 and Epic Games players, adding new services, layers and boosting the timetable, a large change-list of new features and improvements for the Expert DB BR 101 & IC Steuerwagen add-on, as well as the first stage in our core memory optimisation improvements, which you can read about in more detail below.
An Update on Memory Improvements
Following on from our continued discussions around performance and memory, we’ve been able to make minor improvements to performance over the course of our monthly updates, but alongside the patch we’re sharing today, we’re making a significant next step, the first of a two-part release, to improve the robustness and stability of the core game by further reduce crashing, with the intention of ensuring game sessions can be enjoyed and completed.
Our testing for this patch has shown success in reducing crashes, and additionally, some members of our beta team have reported anecdotal improvements to framerates and smoothness. Please note, some routes may also see some minor improvements for textures, reducing the blurriness that appears, but this was not the focus of this update, and will be our goal moving forward.
In the advanced settings, you will now find three new advanced settings, that allow you to toggle if custom liveries, custom formations or substitutions appear, providing flexibility to your experience, and additional ways to manage memory.
This patch was just the first half of a two-part memory update, with the next part aimed at addressing a concern we've seen where players aren't seeing some of their layered content on particular routes. This should provide access to all of your owned layers, an issue which is directly related to memory.
As we look to the future, now that stability has been addressed, our focus will prioritise tackling blurry texture and visual quality. Thank you for your continued patience while our team works hard to ensure the best experience possible.
For a full list of changes in today’s patch, see the notes below, and if you experience any issues following the update, please alert our team.
Highlights
Core
• Improved button layout formatting to make bound keys and control names more readable.
• Added an advanced settings section for consoles to enable or disable vehicles from other route content being used for AI trains.
• Added a setting to enable or disable passenger accessories (such as bags, phones etc.).
• Added the option to disable custom liveries in sandbox mode to help with memory optimisation.
• Added the option to disable substitutions entirely or UGC livery/formations individually in gameplay modes.
• Added keybind for blowers/fans.
• Added the option to disable mods in game for PC platforms.
• Auto-coupling now works in free roam.
• Updated new track shadows to TSW5 standard on Horseshoe Curve and Cane Creek.
Expert DB BR 101 & IC Steuerwagen
• Added Virtual Conductor (Beta).
• Added new #Einziganders livery for Expert DB BR 101.
• Added Livery Designer option for Expert DB BR 101.
• Added emergency brake alarm sound to IC Steuerwagen and Coaches.
• Added Expert Timetable for Pfälzische Ludwigsbahn to IC Steuerwagen and Coaches.
• Many new additions, features, and improvements.
Koln – Aachen (PS5 and Epic Games)
• Added the free timetable update for Koln – Aachen, increasing the total service count from 552 to over 4000 (around 600 of which are playable) with the relevant add-ons.
• Added ICE T to appear as an AI train on the route.
Frankfurt S-Bahn
• Readded missing textures to airport assets.
• Readded PIS boards to Frankfurt Hbf and Frankfurt Tief.
• Fixed a city block texture issue in Frankfurt.
Thomas & Friends™
• Improved plate smashing sound during Diesel’s Dilemma scenario. Careful!
• Fixed an issue where free roam mode had no selectable spawn locations.
DB BR 218 Diesel
• Added the DBB blue and cream livery variant.
• Updated texture for better appearance in sunny weather.
• Added light engine test formation for blue-beige version.
Full Changelog
Core
• Improved button layout formatting to make bound keys and control names more readable.
• Improved wheel slip sparks so they no longer appear black.
• Added an advanced settings section for consoles to enable or disable vehicles from other route content being used for AI trains.
• Added a setting to enable or disable passenger accessories (such as bags, phones etc.).
• Added the option to disable custom liveries in sandbox mode to help with memory optimisation.
• Added the option to disable substitutions entirely or UGC livery/formations individually in gameplay modes.
• Added keybind for blowers/fans.
• Added the option to disable mods in game for PC.
• Auto-coupling now works in free roam.
• Fixed an issue causing the selection filters not to work.
• Fixed an issue causing the free roam menu to appear empty.
• Fixed an issue that prevented scrolling through more than 4 challenges on the Mastery Challenges pages.
• Fixed an issue in the diesel train introduction where the button callout for L1 was showing L2.
• Fixed an issue in livery editor where the filter options couldn’t be navigated after opening the filter menu.
• Fixed an issue where numbered key bindings would show up as ‘None’ in the Controls menu.
• Fixed the missing ‘Start Journey’ button in the Training Centre menu.
• Various localisation improvements.
• Various UI improvements.
West Coast Mainline South
• Added missing train stop signals between Queens Park and Wealdstone.
• Fixed a signal near Watford High Street causing the AWS not to work.
• Fixed an issue with shunt disk signals not clearing correctly.
• Fixed an issue causing an AWS warning when approaching AWS magnets in Park Street tunnels and Wilesden.
• Fixed an issue where signal WM760 would trigger an emergency brake even when the signal was clear.
• Removed duplicate AWS magnets at Stonebridge Park and Harrow.
Class 350
• Fixed an issue causing taillights to show at the front of the train.
• Fixed an issue where indicator lights stayed on after using the lamp test button.
Frankfurt Fulda
• Added missing PIS boards and signage at Flieden, Schlüchtern and Rodenbach.
• Fixed PIS boards not displaying S-Bahn destinations.
• Fixed an issue where passengers would despawn at Mühlheim.
• Fixed incorrect PIS boards at Frankfurt Süd.
• Fixed the missing road sections near Watchersbach station.
• Fixed the Ceramic Pitcher collectable clipping into passengers at Frankfurt Süd.
• Fixed an issue at Schlüchtern causing passengers not to leave Platform 4 after getting off a train.
• Fixed an issue causing the station signs at Hanau to appear black.
DB BR 403
• Fixed an issue causing the speedometer to show 0 after using the external camera.
DB BR 146.2
• Fixed an issue causing the speedometer to show 0 after using the external camera.
• Fixed an issue where the green ‘T’ symbol did not indicate when the doors were open.
DB BR 114
• Fixed an incorrect speed selector sign showing 30 instead of the selected 100km/h.
• Fixed an issue causing the undercarriage to spin with the wheels.
• Fixed an issue causing the keybind for the wipers to trigger the wrong switch.
• Fixed an issue causing players to walk through the side doors.
• Fixed an issue causing the throttle to lock when using AFB to reduce or maintain speed.
• Fixed an issue where GNT wouldn’t work after saving and reloading.
Frankfurt S-Bahn
• Readded missing textures to airport assets.
• Readded PIS boards to Frankfurt Hbf and Frankfurt Tief.
• Fixed a city block texture issue in Frankfurt.
• Fixed an issue causing players to fall through the map occasionally.
• Fixed a level crossing issue causing the crossing not to close in time.
• Fixed an issue causing a magnet to trigger 2000hz at Signal R009.
• Fixed an issue causing tracks to float near Bischofsheim.
BR 143
• Fixed an issue causing external camera collisions.
• Fixed a UI issue causing the tooltip text to overlap when applying power without setting the brake to ‘running’.
Mannheim – Kaiserslautern
• Removed the extra pylons near Mannheim.
• Fixed an issue with two signals at Ludwigshafen showing a 2 incorrectly.
• Fixed broken reference to PropMaster in the RailFans.
BR 111
• Added missing characters from PIS font.
BR 185
• Fixed an issue causing the speedometer to show 0 after using the external camera.
Thomas & Friends™
• Improved plate smashing sound during Diesel’s Dilemma scenario. Careful!
• Fixed an issue where free roam mode had no selectable spawn locations.
• Fixed a texture issue on Annie and Clarabell’s faces.
• Fixed an issue where a signal would not clear during the Thomas’ Special Day scenario.
• Fixed an issue causing the menu icon to remain locked in Epic Games Store, even when the add-on has been downloaded.
• Fixed the objective bpx in the Thomas’ Birthday Surprise scenario so it is no longer near transparent. Good news for anyone who doesn’t have x-ray vision.
• Various minor localization improvements.
San Bernardino
• Fixed an issue where the road inside the tunnel from El Monte to the I-10 freeway was too narrow.
• Fixed an issue causing difficulties getting onto the Rotem car at San Bernardino.
• Fixed a floating green container near Rialto. No more flight for you.
• Fixed cars driving through the raised parts of the road. No more ground for you.
• Fixed a hole in the map near the freeway. No more void for you.
• Removed floating houses between Rialto and San Bernardino Depot.
MBTA Commuter
• Fixed an issue causing players to be able to escape boundaries.
• Fixed an issue causing the Westborough bridge to be inaccessible.
• Fixed a backwards sign at Natick Centre.
• Fixed a level crossing timing issue at Framingham.
• Removed an invisible wall at Natick Centre.
HSP46
• Added missing button/switch sounds.
• Various localisation improvements.
Dresden – Riesa
BR 442
• Fixed an issue where the SIFA safety system failed to recognise even after acknowledgement.
DB BR 146.2
• Fixed an issue causing the speedometer to show 0 after using the external camera.
• Fixed an issue where the green ‘T’ symbol did not indicate when the doors were open.
ScotRail BR Class 158
• Fixed an issue with vehicles being embedded in buildings at Haymarket Depot.
• Improved support for Free Roam consist placement and Formation Designer.
• Fixed an issue with the 5K11 ECS to Haymarket service that required player stop accuracy to be precise.
Mittenwaldbahn
• Added new horn audio for the DB BR 111.
• Fixed an issue with the horn audio from the rear cab.
• Fixed an issue that caused n-wagen vehicles to derail on tight curves.
• Improved internal audio to prevent n-wagen vehicles from being overwhelming whilst in the cab.
DB BR 218 Diesel
• Added the DBB blue and cream livery variant.
• Updated texture for better appearance in sunny weather.
• Updated radio decal texture for better appearance.
• Added light engine test formation for blue-beige version.
Koln – Aachen
• Added the free timetable update for Koln – Aachen for PS5 and Epic Games players
• Added ICE T to appear as an AI train on the route for PS5 and Epic Games players
• Fixed a signal issue on service 1239.
Midland Mainline
Class 158
• Fixed an issue causing the interior vestibule doors to remain open.
• Removed EMR signage from lounge doors in Derby Station on Platforms 4 and 5.
ECML Diesel Railtour
Class 47
• Fixed an issue causing the brake sound not to activate.
• Decreased marker light intensity.
Mk1 Coaches
• Fixed the buffer position so it is now correct when buckeye coupler is raised and lowered.
Cargo Line Vol. 1: Petroleum
• Added varients of the TEA Bogie Tanker to formation designer, in both loaded and empty versions.
• Added suspension onto Cargo Line version of the Class 66 loco.
• Updated bogie and axle offsets to reduce buffer height differences when coupled to other vehicles.
Cargo Line Vol. 2: Aggregates
• Added suspension onto Cargo Line version of the Class 66 loco.
• Added both loaded and empty variants of the HOA bogie aggregate hopper to the Formation Designer.
• Updated bogie and axle offsets to reduce buffer height differences when coupled to other vehicles.
Cargo Line Vol. 3: Intermodal
• Fixed a crash in Editor when entering the livery designer menu.
Cargo Line Vol. 4: Military
• Fixed an issue causing layers not to appear on GWE timetable for Gen 8 consoles.
• Fixed an issue with a missing train model when in WCML: Preston Carlisle journey mode.
Zwolle – Groningen
• Removed additional floating trees across the route.
• Removed sign stuck in the track at Hoogeveen.
Kassel Wurzburg
DB BR 185
• Fixed an issue where the green ‘T’ symbol did not indicate when the doors were open.
NEC Boston Providence
• Added the HSP46 to scenario designer.
Antelope Valley
• Fixed an issue preventing San Bernardino’s Bombardier cars to appear on the F59PH.
Horseshoe Curve
• Updated new track shadows to TSW5 standard.
Cane Creek Railroad
• Updated new track shadows to TSW5 standard.
Hauptstrecke Rhein-Ruhr
• Fixed an issue causing contrast mode not to work correctly on the 425 in-cab screens.
Bremen Oldenburg
• Replaced service DGS 52674 with GAG-60491 In the Freighting Room journey chapter to stop an issue causing the player train not to spawn.
Bernina Line
• Fixed a visual issue causing a grey box to appear on the underside of the ZA Tank Wagon.
Expert DB BR 101 & IC Steuerwagen
Coming from the TSG team, we also have a large range of improvements to support the DB BR Expert 101 & IC Steuerwagen add-on, which we’ve detailed into sections below:
• Added Virtual Conductor (Beta). This feature can be activated/deactivated by the player in the Simulation Control menu. If enabled the Virtual Conductor closes the passenger doors when the scheduled departure time is reached. An on-screen Zp 9 signal indicates that you are ready to depart.
• Fixed PZB 500Hz non-restrictive monitoring being able to have a flashing mode indicator.
• Fixed PZB 500Hz restrictive monitoring not being displayed.
• Added a notch past the Release position of the electric brake lever for decoupling the two brake levers' movement.
• Fixed an issue that caused problems with the door control shortcuts from the Tab-menu or keyboard when the leading loco was flipped.
• Reworked Adhesion simulation. The level of adhesion now depends on precipitation, temperature and season (leaf fall) and will vary with time and location. The simulation is present on both the locomotive and all coaches, with each axle in the formation having successively higher adhesion due to being less contaminated.
• Simulated the brake pipe inlet between the Distributor and Distributor Cut-Off Valve having non-zero volume (prevents the pressure from instantly dropping to zero if the Cut-Off Valve is closed).
• Tweaked sanding fade rate to be more realistic.
• Fixed some mistakes in the brake blending logic handling of disabled traction motors.
• Added a feature that automatically pre-sets the train to a shutdown state if the internal service name ends in "\\_BeginShutdown".
• Added "Automatic Shutdown" menu. This menu can quickly get the loco or the entire formation into a cold & dark state on command.
• Added "Throttle Behaviour" config menu (Bpmmbdzf only).
• Added toggle for the Beta Virtual Conductor.
• Added an "Expert Profile". This profile saves a few settings between game session such as the Chaos Factor, the Bpmmbdzf throttle behaviour, and the Virtual Conductor activation.
GSM-R
• Updated GSM-R D cell towers.
• Added support for Mannheim-Kaiserslautern.
• Added support for Frankfurt-Wiesbaden (all paths available on "Frankfurt S-Bahn: S1, S8 & S9").
• Fixed incorrect 1300 redirect at Fulda.
• Fixed malformed 1300 redirect around Dresden-Bischofsplatz.
• Added magic cell towers for GSM-R NL.
• Improved usability with scenarios.
• Implement ability to override the Time to Connect for EIRENE calls.
• Fixed GSM-R Call DTMF menu closing when changing cameras.
• Fixed GSM-R Call DTMF menu appearing during the dialling or ringing state after a call terminated with the DTMF menu still open.
• Added widget-side support for more GSM-R networks.
• Changed GSM-R message when pressing on the Emergency Call hardkey under P-GSM from "Funktion nicht verfügbar!" to "nicht unterstützt" following new references.
• Fixed wonkiness that occurs when you call yourself on the GSM-R.
• Improved Group Call Register behaviour.
• Removed ability to start an emergency call while another emergency call is ongoing via the hardkey.
• Made GSM-R more modable by adding a field for defining additional text graphics for contacts and TOCs in the SIM card.
EBuLa
• Added EBuLa "Bitte EBuLa-Karte einstecken" page.
• Removed different shade of blue for the EBuLa window title bars in dark mode.
• Fixed global EBuLa keys not working on the Simulation Control page while the Chaos Factor adjustment window is open.
Audio
• Fixed LZB Schnarre not playing when G illuminates prior to target speed change.
• Fixed LZB Schnarre incorrectly playing while LZB transmission fault.
• LZB Schnarre now loops correctly (1.08s sound, 0.92s silence).
Expert DB BR 101 Loco
• Added new #Einziganders livery.
• Added Livery Designer option for "BR 101 Expert (MFD)".
Simulation
• Fixed LSS 31F40 not producing a fault message.
• Made AFB start charging the DC link capacitor if LZB is about to brake for a brake curve (this also has corresponding states in the AFB page).
• Made Main Reservoir Cut-Out solenoid valve a possible fault (requires opening the bypass valve).
• Changed main reservoir pressure readings to measure the pressure of the internal Main Reservoir Line rather than directly on the Main Reservoir, as per the prototype.
• Fixed a bug in SimuGraph of the Distributor Cut-Off Valve that made it non-functioning.
• Tweaked control reservoir filling/venting rates to more realistic values.
• Tweaked parking brake cylinder piston area to achieve realistic brake force.
• Fixed a bug that caused both pantographs to raise when first raising a pantograph from a parked state.
• Fixed an issue where energy counter did not reset if battery was cycled.
• Fixed a mistake in the ASG Current Effort logic that made the transition rate much lower than intended when the Current Effort difference to the Target Effort is below a threshold (order of magnitude too low).
• Updated door control to new standards for German passenger stock when controlling non-expert coaches.
• Fixed LZB dark signals appearing while LZB was disabled in the Expert BR 101.
Machine Room
• Fixed earthing switch rotation.
• Fixed an array of texture related issues.
• Edited distributor release valve animation.
• Added texture to Gauge 44.
• Added texture to panto gauges.
• Added machine room door handle animation.
Cab
• Fixed battery needle on AI trains.
• Added machine room door handle animation.
• Tweaked machine room door handle shape and textures.
Exterior
• Fixed an issue with LOD material assignments. This most notably fixes coloured wheels when looking at a Livery Designer reskinned Expert BR 101 from a distance.
• Fixed inappropriate taillight indication when both cabs' taillights were enabled.
• Improved Level of Detail model.
Multi-Function Displays
• Added W "V-Extern" MTD page.
• Added W "Superschlupf-Anfahrt" MTD page.
• Added W "Superschlupf" MTD page.
• Added W "BEVO" MTD page.
• Added W "Bedienfhilfen" MTD page.
• Added W "AFB" MTD page.
• Added W "Superschlupf-Pilot" MTD page.
• Added W "Lokschutz" MTD page.
• Added W "SA/HS" MTD page.
• Added W "ZSG: Soll-/Istwerte" MTD page.
• Added W "ASG" MTD page.
• Added W "Bremse" MTD page.
• Added W "FGM-Funktionen" MTD page.
• Added W "LZB Meldungen (1)" MTD page.
• Added W "Soll-/Istwert Adhäsion" MTD page.
• Added W "Ströme" MTD page.
• Added W "V/B-Werte" MTD page.
• Added W "BEVO Diverse Elemente" MTD page.
• Added W "Funkuhr" MTD page.
• Added W "Leistung" MTD page.
• Added W "Diagnose" MTD page.
• Added W "MgV" MTD page.
• Added W "Schaltgeräte" MTD page.
• Added W "DW" MTD page.
• Added "SR.-Test" MTD page.
• Fixed HBUs being displayed as running on "Hauptdaten" MTD W page when the MCB is open.
• Fixed no ASG traction lock being displayed on "Hauptdaten" MTD W page when ZK isn't precharged.
• Updated "Funktionsprüfungen" page to be more accurate to the prototype.
• Improved MTD dark mode look.
• Added missing weekday display on MTD analogue clock.
• Added pixel screen material. All screens are now sharper, and you can see individual pixels when getting up close.
• Changed visuals of checkboxes on MTD "Antriebe" page to match real-life.
• Made the "Aus" label in the bottom right of the MTD "Antriebe" page functional. It now displays the state of the current selected ASG.
• Fixed some delimiter graphics not adhering to dark mode on the MTD "Grundbild" and "Z/Br" pages.
• Fixed incorrect colour display of the W MTD pages' refresh indicator when changing contrast with the right timing.
• Fixed kWh counters being culture dependant.
• The 0 key on the Funktionsprüfungen page now leads to the Grundbild instead of the Zugbesy page.
• Removed white flash while the MFD screen is loading.
• Fixed ETCS MTD layout/design not working with ETCS child RVMs.
• Changed W "Hauptdaten" odometer to estimate a distance from the timetable date plus the player's driven distance.
Audio
• Added "Notbremse" callout.
• Marginally improved exterior horn audio.
• Fixed loco audio sometimes switching to exterior sounds when meeting with another Expert BR 101 while driving.
• Fixed cab door + machine room sound mix applying in the back cab when only opening the machine room door without any cab door or window.
IC Steuerwagen and Coaches
• Added NBÜ test button.
• Added Main Reservoir Continuity test button.
• Changed Sifa pedal logic to use ground speed rather than average rail speed (prevents pedal getting released and then pressed again if wheels slide).
• Tweaked the control reservoir venting rate when using Distributor Release, and control reservoir/auxiliary reservoir filling times when Distributor Cut-Off is open.
• Significantly reworked the air brake physics of the Bpmmbdzf cab car, Avmmz and Bpmmz coaches to achieve realistic brake force (approximately 20% higher than previous in Full Service) and prototypical deceleration rates for each step of the drivers brake valve (based on real world brake tests).
• Increased the magnetic track brake force to achieve prototypical stopping distances in emergency.
• Fixed stuck brakes due to control reservoir pressure not falling quickly enough if tuned to realistic filling rates (only relevant if player uses the Quick Release setting without ep enabled).
• Tweaked Bpmmbdzf cab car suspension to achieve less excessive bounces when going over gaps and less exaggerated drops/bounces when magnetic track brakes apply.
• Fixed incorrect glass material (interior glass instead of exterior glass) on the Bpmmbdzf. Rain and snow will now show up on the exterior windows.
• Removed "View Screen" prompt above the Bpmmbdzf's Second Man's Seat.
• Added frontend vehicle thumbnails to Avmmz and Bpmmz seen in formation designer.
Audio
• Disable external door close and PZB alert sounds for AI trains.
• Fixed cross-plugin reference for cab car's door close alert sound.
• Added emergency brake alarm sound.
• New glass door audio for Bpmmbdzf passenger room.
• Edited compartment door audio to sync better with animation.
• Fixed missing audio on select passenger area doors.
Scenarios / Tutorials
• Added Expert Timetable for "Pfälzische Ludwigsbahn: Mannheim Kaiserslautern".
• Fixed several issues with mismatched levers and tasks in the Expert Tutorial.
• Fixed a bug that would cause the Expert Tutorial to not be completable if reverser is removed before reverser is set to 0.
• Fixed a bug with the Start Electric Train Supply objective in the Touchdown scenario which caused it to not be completable.
• Prevented cheating in Empty Pipes scenario by preventing cutting in the brakes and getting better than intended brake performance.