This patch fixes nearly 20 issues related to pathfinding AI, train reversing AI and rescue scenarios.
Scenery preloading
The loading screen now loads all train models and scenery in advance. This has the advantage that the simulation runs more smoothly, but the downside is that preloading can take a long time.
You can interrupt the preloading process after the first phase is complete by pressing the "Start already" button in the bottom-right corner. The scenery will then load during the simulation as in the previous versions.
Scenery preloading is automatically skipped for editors, quick start and continuing a saved game.
The first phase of scenery loading has also been optimised, as has been the actual loading of separate scenery objects during the simulation (buildings in particular).
Editor fixes
Restored editor tooltips for checkboxes
Fixed crash in train editor
Fixed route editor to reload terrain when pressing refresh key
Fixed possible crash when using packed models
Fixed loading of packed models and textures
Fixed highlighting for some objects in train editor
Other improvements
Optimised train models to build faster and with less stutter (during simulation)
Fixed rare crash in loading screen
Fixed kinks and gaps in rails caused by low level of detail
Reverted back to newer geometry computation (might affect train models made with the integrated modelling tool)
Reverted geometry calculation changes that caused Class 205 cab windows to become solid from inside
Added buffers to route editor placeable objects
Editor maintenance update
This update fixes several crashes in all editors and has various improvements to how the editor side panel works.
Cloning now works more reliably in the train editor and has also been added to the timetable editor (templates, services, vehicles). Clones can also be done by right-clicking an item at the top of the side panel in addition to the button at the bottom.
Other editor fixes
Fixed "append/insert nodes" mode to complete by right-clicking like the other track laying modes
Fixed "add new template" mode in timetable editor to accept a single-order template
Fixed missing models from the list of built-in models
Fixed train editor not showing changes after saving as new and using undo (and possibly saving over the old one)
Fixed 2D/3D button in route editor to not mess up the camera
Changed node material matching name to ignore whitespace
Traffic and AI
Fixed pathfinder and signaller AI to not reserve the track too early for the first leg of a service in some cases
Relaxed signaller AI "approach control" constraints
Improved and optimised pathfinding, particularly for legs with reversals
Fixed driving AI to reverse correctly in some cases
Fixed incorrect "missed stop" in run evaluation if the service terminates by joining another train
Graphics
Fixed LOD transitions for Class 35
Improved roof corners in some models made with the integrated train editor modelling tool
Restored missing Siphon G LOD0 buffers
Fixed service screen to show picture of railbus properly
This beta version fixes several crashes in all editors and has various improvements to how the editor side panel works.
Cloning now works more reliably in the train editor and has also been added to the timetable editor (templates, services, vehicles). Clones can also be done by right-clicking an item at the top of the side panel in addition to the button at the bottom.
Other editor fixes
Fixed "append/insert nodes" mode to complete by right-clicking like the other track laying modes
Fixed "add new template" mode in timetable editor to accept a single-order template
Fixed missing models from the list of built-in models
Fixed train editor not showing changes after saving as new and using undo (and possibly saving over the old one)
Fixed 2D/3D button in route editor to not mess up the camera
Traffic and AI
Fixed pathfinder and signaller AI to not reserve the track too early for the first leg of a service in some cases
Relaxed signaller AI "approach control" constraints
Improved and optimised pathfinding, particularly for legs with reversals
Fixed driving AI to reverse correctly in some cases
Fixed incorrect "missed stop" in run evaluation if the service terminates by joining another train
Graphics
Fixed LOD transitions for Class 35
Improved roof corners in some models made with the integrated train editor modelling tool
Restored missing Siphon G LOD0 buffers
Fixed service screen to show picture of railbus properly
How to get this version? Open your Steam client and right-click 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).
This beta will become the release version in a few days unless more bugs are found
Optimisation update
Players have reported reduced frame rates over the past couple of months. This update aims to restore decent frame rates, up to +30% in some systems. A number of crashes and other problems are also addressed.
Changes in behaviour and appearance
Changed track laying mode in route editor to complete by right-clicking (instead of having to add the last node twice). This change makes track laying work in the same way as it does in some other games and makes exiting the mode easier
Changed order appending mode in timetable editor to complete by right-clicking (same as the new track laying mode)
Replaced separate train brake securing key from Class 37 with a "key stop" function to make the brake easier to operate. If the handle doesn't seem to exit or enter the "shutdown" position, simply release the key and press again
Reduced number of different tree types in the same location to make rendering faster
Changed rendering method of distant trees to make it faster (as a result, faraway trees now look slightly different)
Fixes
Fixed tracks disappearing in route editor when adding too many of them in the same place
Fixed extra custom models appearing in scenery or getting stuck to the camera
Fixed joining another train in some cases
Fixed crash in train editor when adding first waypoint to an exhaust with nonzero radius
Fixed crash when trying to get volume or pitch in a horn start/end volume/pitch function
Added missing popups for adding new stuff in train editor
Fixed light sources to remain properly invisible at night when using a visibility state animation
Fixed crash in train editor when editing an inner wall with mesh
Beta version of performance update is now live! The main purpose of this update is to improve frame rates and reduce stuttering. A number of other fixes and changes are also included (see lists below).
How to get the beta version? Open your Steam client and right-click 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).
Changes in behaviour and appearance
Changed track laying mode in route editor to complete by right-clicking (instead of having to add the last node twice). This change makes track laying work in the same way as it does in some other games and makes exiting the mode easier
Changed order appending mode in timetable editor to complete by right-clicking (same as the new track laying mode)
Replaced separate train brake securing key from Class 37 with a "key stop" function to make the brake easier to operate. If the handle doesn't seem to exit or enter the "shutdown" position, simply release the key and press again
Reduced number of different tree types in the same location to make rendering faster
Changed rendering method of distant trees to make it faster (as a result, faraway trees now look slightly different)
Fixes
Fixed tracks disappearing in route editor when adding too many of them in the same place
Fixed extra custom models appearing in scenery or getting stuck to the camera
Fixed joining another train in some cases
Fixed crash in train editor when adding first waypoint to an exhaust with nonzero radius
Fixed crash when trying to get volume or pitch in a horn start/end volume/pitch function
Added missing popups for adding new stuff in train editor
Fixed light sources to remain properly invisible at night when using a visibility state animation
Fixed crash in train editor when editing an inner wall with mesh
Fixed crash when spawning a liveried vehicle
Fixed spawning a liveried train set
There will be at least one more beta version before the official release.
Screenshot contest
It's been over half a year from the previous screenshot contest, so it's time for a new one! The best shots will be included in the next maintenance update later this month (or early August).
The theme for this contest is night lighting but daytime shots are very welcome too. You can take screenshots of custom Workshop routes and trains if you wish, or just stick to the stock content.
A number of the best shots (as chosen by Lapioware) will be used as background images for various screens in the user interface (such as the loading screen), and the authors get their Steam username in the credits.
Opt-out: if you don't wish your posted image to take part in the contest, please state it in the description.
Tips
The easiest way to post a screenshot is to use Steam's built-in functionality, usually the F12 key
Use the maximum resolution that your system supports
Hide the timetable by pressing F2 and other parts of the HUD with F3
Choose the highest graphics level from the top of the "Graphics settings" screen (via the ESC menu)
Use the free roaming camera mode to position the camera
Use the pause key to stop all trains while finding a good position for the camera
Patch to night lighting patch
The previous patch unfortunately introduced a new controls issue which is fixed by this second patch. A number of other improvements and crash fixes are also included.
Changes
Fixed Class 03 loco brake stuck in release position when using a gamepad controller with default controls
Removed main menu option from crash screen because it would often result in a crash loop
Fixed Mk1 BSK passenger compartment LOD problems
Fixed several crashes in editors
Changed animation state function to hide light sources when the model is hidden
Fixed exhaust smoke night-time brightness
Rearranged HUD menu to make it easier to find the tutorial/helper checkboxes
Added simple controls checkbox to service screen to make it easier to find
Added night/day toggling buttons to route and train editors (the "..." button)
This patch fixes a number of bugs and adds simple lighting effects to make night-time driving easier, such as signal and cab lights. Platforms and passenger compartments now also have ambient lighting.
https://youtu.be/hurxfE--Qig
The ambient lights are enabled by default on the two highest graphics quality levels. They can also be turned on and off individually for each level from the graphics settings.
Train interior and cab lighting is automatic and depends on time of day. More sophisticated manually controlled train headlights and interior lights will be added later in a separate update.
Fixes
Fixed HUD helper tooltips to close when pressing Esc to continue simulation
Possibly fixed a physics problem that causes the sim to jam without crashing
Fixed materials and textures for custom models to load correctly
Fixed crash when right-clicking on stuff in editors
Fixed cab controls getting stuck when pressing RMB while already holding down a cab control key
