Lotus Simulator cover
Lotus Simulator screenshot
PC Steam
Genre: Simulator, Indie

Lotus Simulator

Patch 1.EA.057
- Simulation: Texture loading completely revised: Textures should be loaded much more "lag-free" and the memory usage should be lower, because the textures in the distance are first loaded in lower resolution. Fine-tuning is still missing, e.g. when textures are loaded in which resolution and when they are unloaded again. The mentioned change does not yet affect BMP textures. The feature is not yet finished. In the options you will find a slider for range control.
- Simulation - Script processing in a separate thread
- Simulation - Bugfix: Loading problem of RelifeKoblenz fixed
- Simulation - Bugfix: mouse coordinates in scripts of modules now available
- Simulation: Optimization of verification in case of server failure
- Simulation - Bugfix: Calculation of the position of the sun in other time zones and places in the world

- Multiplayer - Bugfix: Create or join a new game if you have been in a multiplayer game before and have not restarted LOTUS in between
- Multiplayer - Bugfix: No more kick when entering a wrong chat channel
- Multiplayer - Bugfix: The entry points of a previous game were still displayed in the configuration of the new game.
- Multiplayer - Bugfix: GUI error (I, II, IV, etc.) fixed
- Multiplayer - Bugfix: If the group you are in was still in an MP game and then disbanded, you were also thrown out of a singleplayer game, if applicable
- Multiplayer: Added interim chat in the developer options (is less buggy than the original chat ;) )
- Multiplayer: Company of a friend is now also displayed in the friend list - still gives errors
- Multiplayer: Chat slightly improved
- Multiplayer - Bugfix: leaving (/gleave) and re-joining an MP game caused error 400
- Multiplayer: Chat opens automatically when an alert comes in (e.g. server shutdown)
- Multiplayer - Bugfix: When creating a second game without restarting after leaving the 1st game, a game could be created although no map was selected

- Simulation - GUI - Bugfix: Chat form (when you open the chat with the Enter key) was always the last channel where something was written and not the last channel where you wrote yourself

- MapEditor: Remembers the last setting of the workshop filter

- ContentTool: Checking possible whether a module has been assigned to a specific slot: function GetModuleSet(self: integer; slotindex: integer): boolean;
- ContentTool: Handling added if you have too few letters on the bitmap in the Font Tool
- ContentTool: Building type "Education" added
- ContentTool: Handling added if script texture is not present

- Content: FIS file updated from Steven3233
- Content: "Streckenzubehoer" updated from RW1HH
- Content: among other things the switch cabinet to test signal circuits added by Yufa
- Content: Masts for 3,5m track center distance from Florian added

Patch 1.EA.052
- Simulation: Performance optimization when many multiplayer buses are in a game
- Simulation: splash screen at program start
- Simulation: Alternative camera control added: You can now also work with the right mouse button; then the following combinations apply:
* Right mouse button + Shift = Pan
* Right mouse button + Ctrl = move horizontally (F4 view only)
* Right mouse button + Shift + Ctrl = move vertically
* Right mouse button without anything = still secondary function of the control elements
- Simulation - Bugfix: Problems with initialization of other cars in the own train
- Simulation - Bugfix: Almex crash on PIS without routes is prevented

- ContentTool: New building category "fire brigade"
- ContentTool: "InitReadyForMovement" now also works in the modules

- Content - DL: VEHICLE_ROLLING is now sent
- Content - DL: ATBUSSTOP informs the ticket printer that it appears to have stopped at a stop (in the case of the DL, the stop brake is used)
- Content - DL: Almex printer can now enter special characters - for this purpose, the special character code in "L/S/K mode" as the second character after the line.

- Content - GT6N: New viewing directions in the driver's compartment "left" and "diagonally left"
- Content - GT6N - Bugfix: If you "touch" any controller (which does not affect the setpoint generator), the setpoint generator position was reset to 0.
- Content - GT6N - Bugfix: Show error when displaying the topmost stop in the "total list"

Patch 1.EA.050
- Simulation: Streets module enabled
- Simulation: Force feedback support
- Simulation: mouse coordinate variables should now also work in the modules
- Simulation - Bugfix: Error/crash during transmission of broadcasts across couplings

- Simulation/ContentTool: Rear-view mirror with real-time reflection: switch on in the game via the graphics option "real-time reflections" (performance-relevant!)
- Simulation/ContentTool: The Complex* materials have a new parameter "Oblique view reduced. transp. and increases refl.". The background is that in reality the more oblique you look at a glass pane, for example, the less light is transmitted but more light is reflected. This parameter should be set for vehicle window panes, for example.
- Simulation/MapEditor/ContentTool: Uneven road surface for road vehicles, freely adjustable amplitude and "wavelength".

- MapEditor: Filter regarding the source (base content, payware addon, own object or certain workshop item) - feedback required!

- ContentTool: Error messages without text fixed :)
- ContentTool: New parameter for ComplexNormal material: scaling of normal maps compared to their mapping
- ContentTool: Logfile entry in the TexChange-Tool for non-existent textures of the original object added - the TexChangeSet can still be created for this object (but of course omitting the faulty texture ;-) )
- ContentTool: There are three new procedures to control ForceFeedback:
- Strength of centring: procedure SetForceFeedbackCenterforce(axisID: string; coeficient, saturation, offset: single)
- Friction: procedure SetForceFeedbackFriction(axisID: string; coeficient: single)
- Vibration effect: procedure SetForceFeedbackVibration(axisID: string; magnitude, period: single)

- Content: The Berlin double-decker bus is included for you for the first time! :-) Streets module required!
- Content: Krüger-Matrix now contains more variants for buses
- Content: LCD displays of Teneberus added
- Content: PIS file "Berlin Bus" of Steven3233 added

Language file changes:
- cont.objveh.importFromCorrDir ==> "You've tried to import from another directory. The x3d file has to lay in the same directory like the *.lob file."
- cont.objveh.importTexsMissing ==> "Textures are missing!"

Patch 1.EA.043
Dear Ones, the first birthday of LOTUS Early Access has passed. If we leaf back through the patches of the past year, a lot has happened. We can only thank our addon developers, beta testers, players and admirers a thousand and one times! Thanks for all the support, the encouragement, the error messages, the biting through and the numerous beautiful screenshots - we love our simulator and we won't stop improving it with and for you! :)

On the occasion of this birthday there is a huge update of the Munich addon that you shouldn't miss, traffic light requests in LOTUS and - finally - the start of the public beta test of the LOTUS multiplayer.

The following features await you with today's patch, version 1.EA.043:

- Simulation/MapEditor/ContentTool: "Simple" traffic light requests are now possible and can already be tested on the Diorama map!

- Simulator: Multiplayer enabled for everybody! Please note: It is a beta test! :)
- Simulator: Small Performance Improvement (FPS)
- Simulation: If you switch from the F4 view to the F1 or F2 view and then back again to the F4 view, LOTUS "remembers" the old F4 camera perspective (but not if the train crossed a tile boundary in between). - You may still need some adjustments!
- Simulation - Bugfix: TimeOfDay should not become negative after 23:57:10 now
- Simulation - Bugfix: Clickspots "move" in F2 view at longitudinal inclinations

- Simulation/ContentTool: Adjustable rolling drag (basic drag and curve drag). It can be adjusted in the "Object settings" at the bottom (two new parameters).

- MapEditor: Reduction of visibility possible for better performance
- MapEditor: Further performance optimizations

- MapEditor/ContentTool: Complex signals now possible - on the one hand those that light up under more complex conditions (e.g. W0) or that can display several terms (combined optics or several optics in one housing etc.)

- ContentTool: Four new script commands for reading the FIS routes:
* procedure PIS_GenerateTempRouteListByLine(self: integer; line: integer): integer; - Creates an internal temporary list of route indexes containing all routes belonging to the line "line
* procedure PIS_SortTempRouteList(self: integer); - Sorts the internal list by route code
* function PIS_GetTempRouteListCount(self: integer): integer; - Returns the number of internal list elements
* function PIS_GetTempRouteListItemIndex(self: integer; templistindex: integer): integer; - This can be used to output the route index at the "templistindex" position of the temporary route list.

- ContentTool: New sound property "Random start position if endless sound". This is active by default (this corresponds to the previous playback behavior). If it is switched off, the sound (if it is an endless sound) always starts at the beginning of the sample (if it was stopped before) or at the place where the sound was played before (if it was paused before, see below).
- ContentTool: If the control variable of a loop sound is assigned via script "-2", then it is not stopped (i.e. the sound position is reset to 0) but paused, so that it continues at the previous position when restarted.

- Content - Signals: There are various signal boards (St2, W14, stopping boards, speed signals) as well as a universal, white switch status display, which also supports any number of terms in one optic (to be configured as a complex signal) and an optic, with which all digits from 1 to 15 can be displayed (also to be configured as a complex signal). In addition, suspensions for the overhead line have been added.
- Content: W0 is prepared for complex signal logic
- Content - GT6N: The GT6N now has rolling and curve drag. The intensity has to be fine-tuned.
- Content - GT6N: Switching command is still sent over the full 100m even if a beacon has been passed in between
- Content - GT6N: The train now sends a message of the type "VEHICLE_ROLLING" to the on-board computer as soon as it starts rolling (value = 1) or stops (value = 0).
- Content - GT6N: Sends "SWITCH_SEND_ACTIVE" to IBIS, where Value = 0 means that the 100m the turnout signal has been sent have "expired" and Value = 1 means that the 100m have just started.
- Content - GT6N/IBIS: Sends the wagon number with "INITSTRING" to the IBIS, which transmits it as a string in case the IBIS is reset.
- Content - IBIS => Flipdot: Broadcast "PIS"/"OFFSTRING", which transmits a string that overwrites the normal line/destination representation on the matrix.
- Content - diorama FIS file: Line 444 added with Route 1, which represents the operational ride

Patch 1.EA.041
Contrary to the former limited possibilities of switch and road control, this patch adds several new features:
- Until now a shutdown trigger had to be placed. This is no longer necessary, as the track occupancy can now be checked (however, a prerequisite is the renewed "import" of the tracks in the route settings). The advantage of the occupancy-check is that the route is only unlocked when the last part of the vehicle (no matter what it is) leaves the marked tracks. But shutdown triggers are still supported.
- Switch signals can also be permanently lit if desired, so that the state of the points is always displayed (but this only works if appropriate routes have been set up).
- If desired, routes can also be unlocked, if an associated switch is set and hence no longer fits the route.
- If desired, it is also possible to ensure that a route is automatically activated when the points are in the correct position and the track detection sections are used.

- Simulation: Further preparations for the multiplayer go into the beta test :)

Content: Diorama map and (current) traffic lights in OpenSource folder included for free editing

Patch 1.EA.040
This patch enables you to automatically toggle switches with senders at the vehicle and receivers in the ground, and to block the switching against other vehicles.

The new feature package will be explained in the lexicon today - for Map Creators and for Vehicle Scripters.

The actual gameplay can be explored on the new Diorama map.


  • The choice of direction is done with the arrow keys on the IBIS (GT6N)
  • A sensor in the ground is marked with a sign ("W") in the overhead line - if this point is crossed, the arrow on the IBIS must already have been pressed.
  • The switch is only set if another road is not already blocking the setting of the switch.
  • The use of the switch iron (G / Shift+G) DOES NOT cancel the route.
  • A route is deleted by the train with the sensor driving over another "delete" beacon at the end of the route.
  • Only then can a subsequent train set the points again electrically via a setting command on the IBIS.

The current range of functions represents the absolute basic structure of the whole complex. More functions, specialties and so on will follow! Your information is also welcome. :)

More patch notes:
- Simulator: We work a lot on the multiplayer! :)

- MapEditor: With a right click/context menu you can call the "Initialize" procedure (again) for objects with script.
- MapEditor: Illustration of the exclusion of a roadway

- Content - IBIS: When IBIS becomes active again after self-retaining, it sends destination, special characters and line again.
- Content: Yufa's container has been updated, information about the content can be found in his thread

Patch 1.EA.039
- Simulation: Routes are now listed ingame, as well
- Simulation: The PIS group dropdown now correctly shows the names of the PIS group instead of the file name - the PIS group has to be saved previously after this patch
- Simulation: PIS groups are now correctly pre-selected when you choose your map
- Simulation: Simulation does not start until the scenery has been loaded (until the end of the loading screen)
- Simulation: Vehicle length is now displayed during vehicle choice - only for vehicles that have been saved since April
- Simulation: Option Terrain Resolution is now on lowest setting per default to prevent graphic issues. If you encounter problems with the graphics memory, set down this option manually. You only need high terrain resolution when you drive on a map in high mountains.
- Simulation: Preparations for Multiplayer Betatest included :)

- ContentTool: Re-sorting of routes possible
- ContentTool: Script functions added for PIS:
- function PIS_GetRouteLine(self: integer; routeindex: integer): integer;
- function PIS_GetRouteCode(self: integer; routeindex: integer): integer;

- MapEditor: The middle line of reference lines, subgrades, splines and tracks can be exported from the MapEditor into an x3d file (e.g. as template for complex buildings)

- Content - GT6N - Bugfix: Grabpoles and ticket validator in the A car are now correctly animated with the A car
- Content - GT6N: "Engine" sounds adjusted
- Content - GT6N: Articulation now correctly lighted from inside
- Content: Tools of Rolf updated (construction template)
- Content: Blind people's guidance track of Rolf added

Patch 1.EA.038
- Simulation: Change of the cycle camera feature in F1 view: With arrow up and arrow down you can now switch through the front and rear cockpit and you can reset the view. Additionally, you can no longer cycle through cameras of multiple cockpits at once, but remain in the chosen cockpit.

- ContentTool: "Independent sound" added - those sounds are loaded by their ContentID and are especially used for announcements.
- ContentTool: Function added to receive the number of routes of a dedicated line: function PIS_LineRouteCount(self: integer; line: integer): integer;
- ContentTool: The new function function PIS_GetStationCode(self: integer; stationmainlistindex: integer): integer; can be used to receive the station code, if the station index is known.

- Content - Diorama PIS: Further stops and routes added for demonstration purposes
- Content - Diorama: Further stops added to add more fun with the routes
- Content - GT6N: Announcements added
- Content - GT6N: Engine sounds added to the B-car, as well
- Content - GT6N: An integer broadcast "GEN"/"MAINSWITCH" has been added and is used, when the reverser is switch from "0" into another position (0 = 0, 1 = I, V, R)
- Content - GT6N - Bugfix: Inside displays did not show the first stop

Patch 1.EA.037
- ContentTool: From now on the green channel of the AO texture can be used for artificial lightings. In case you use an AO texture that is black-white only, the AO texture will be used during artificial light, as well, alternatively you can specifically add and bake shadows for artificial lights.
- ContentTool: Display of the current line of additional string edits in the special PIS tool
- ContentTool: Problems on deleting routes fixed
- ContentTool: The PIS tools now use the 0th string for lists and filter - and not the ID. This aims to be easier to read.

- Content - GT6N: The A-car got baked shadows of the inside lights for testing.
- Content - GT6N: Alpha and normal maps for the outside textures finished
- Content - GT6N: Night lighting bugs in the driver's cabin fixed
- Content - GT6N: Setpoint generator - Gamecontroller support fxied

Patch 1.EA.036
- Simulation: Wheel sets only bounce (spring) vertically and do not rotate against their mounting
- Simulation: Outside camera no longer tilts with the vehicle, but always remains horizontally
- Simulation: Mesh details of the user vehicle are displayed in Map cam (F4) like in outside cam (F3)
- Simulation - Bugfix: it's not longer necessary to select the second GT6N of a train to set up the matrix correctly
- Simulation - possible Bugfix: "map calcmt part b" error
- Simulation - Bugfix: Previously as empty configured module slots have been set to "default" erroneously
- Simulation - Bugfix: Problems with parked vehicles on tile switches

- ContentTool/Simulation: Route and destination switch during route possible

- ContentTool: Basic PIS files now contain routes!
- ContentTool: Special PIS files can now be created!
- ContentTool: Broadcasts can now be forwarded through the whole train. Therefore the couplings need to open kind of "ports" (see lexicon)
- ContentTool: Meshs in the right list can now be assigned a category. Therefore, please select one or multiple meshs and right-click them to enter a category name. All following meshs of the same category will have that title..... just check it out by yourselves. ;)
- ContentTool: System variable "date" added
- ContentTool: Script function function DecodeDateFullyGetLeap(const DateTime: single; var Year, Month, Day, DOW: Word): Boolean; added, which can be used to decode the date into readable vars
- ContentTool: Light effect "ring" added
- ContentTool: After changing an animation, the animation window is scrolled to the last changed animation. Additionally, the animation windows has been enlarged and the properties can be opened with a double click (like in other windows, as well)
- ContentTool - Bugfix: The invisible modules moved the module list and hence the listing of vehicle constants was wrong.
- ContentTool - Bugfix: Error removed, which occured when a recently created vehicle constant was deleted

- MapEditor - Bugfix: Crash of terrain cutting upon very complex tiles
- MapEditor - Bugfix: if Spline A is marked, the attempt to edit the triangle at Spline B fails and the user is no longer editing Spline A
- MapEditor: Error message added in case of choosing a track type, that uses a component, which is no longer available

- Content - GT6N: Ticket validator and stop request system incl. button and display added
- Content - GT6N: Attendant's light added
- Content - GT6N: IBIS now support routes, destination changes in the route and automatic change from old to new route according to the PIS file
- Content - GT6N: Inside stop displays now show the stops and switch into the line/destination mode when a door is opened
- Content - GT6N: Now with dead man's switch and AO textures
- Content - GT6N: Grabpoles, ticket validators and ticket automat switched to outside-yellow
- Content - GT6N - Bugfix: Dead man's switch locked rear driver's desk
- Content - GT6N: As long as the train assembling switch is correctly set, the displays of the front car is applied to the rear car

- Content - Diorama: Default positions of the switches correctly set
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