To participate, open your Steam client and right-click on the game, then select Properties from the pop-up menu. From the properties window go to the Betas tab and choose beta from the drop-down menu (no password required). The beta version has automatic error reporting (more information when you start the game).
The main new feature is obviously the Class 03 diesel locomotive with a 5-speed gearbox and three different brake systems. All the built-in routes have also been updated with some coal traffic and light loco movements. Rescue runs now also use the 03 if the broken train is near the depot.
Freight trains have a brake van at the rear to assist in slowing down the train, as the mineral wagons do not have brakes that could be operated while the train is running. An AI guard in the brake van operates the van's handbrake automatically. When using simple controls, the guard will directly respond to the control setting. Under realistic controls the AI has a mind of its own and will use the brake when suitable. The AI can't be turned off in this version.
Take note of the new keys to operate the handbrake (default: [H] to apply, [Y] to release) and the loco air brake in the 03 (default: [F] to apply, [R] to release). Unlike the vacuum brake, the loco air brake has no lap position: braking force is proportional to how much you turn the handle (handbrake works the same way).
Remember to use the Class 03 filter at the bottom of the service selection screen to easily find services hauled by the 03.
Route and timetable creators: please don't publish routes or timetables made with the beta version to the workshop until the official version is released, because they might not work for those who are using the old version.
Other changes
- Adjusted head movement
- Reduced vehicle vibration in some camera views
- Added guard whistle sounds (useful for 03 which doesn't have a buzzer)
- Added freight train type to timetable editor and run menu filters
- Added slider for choosing the loading percentage of a freight train in timetable editor
- Added slider for adjusting AI braking behaviour in timetable editor
- Made physics more robust especially in collisions and other corner cases
- Fixed Class 127 wheels crawling and squealing during engine start-up
- Fixed route editor speed limit removal to remove all instances of the same limit in the same location
- Fixed automatic speed limit generation in route editor
- Fixed possible crash in timetable editor when the stopping place of an order no longer exists
- Fixed incorrect head movement under potato quality
- Fixed missing ambience sound in some external views
- Fixed doors sometimes being open in service screen train picture
- Removed extra joint sound being played when a train is spawned
- Other small fixes and optimisations
Known beta issues
- Class 112 engine revs too early in first gear
- Class 03 cab vacuum brake handle rod moves incorrectly when moving the handles
- Class 03 cab horn levers move simultaneously when sounding the horn even though only one should
- Class 03 and brake van cab windows are opaque under potato graphics settings
- Simple controls direction may be opposite of what it's supposed to be when in brake van
- Target speed tutorial may show incorrect direction
There will be at least one more beta to fix the known issues and a number of other problems related to signalling, route editor and platform furniture.