Lets Take a Look Inside the Workshop

  THERE are many projects in progress here at Steam Sounds Supreme. Read on to find out about progress with various projects. Pictures can't be supplied with for all these items, but at least you will be better informed:

Severn Valley Railway

  MANY of you are asking about the progress being made with the SVR. We appreciate your interest, and it is a source of frustration that we are unable to get the route out to you quicker. However, the route will be free and therefore has to be prioritized behind our sound and other payware packs - our 'bread and butter'. We can tell you though, that the route reached a milestone a few months ago with the completion(baring one of two details) of the Hampton Loade to Cottage Crossing section. Here are a few pictures:

Hampton Loade

Eardington Halt

Eardington Bank

Arley Station

  The main items awaiting completion now are the Arley station models. Lots of the small details are complete, like this delightful lamp, and the below railings.

Another detail recently completed is this lovely set of fire buckets and fire equipment. Now we await the completion of the main building and platforms, which are the next items to be exported into the game. Watch this space!

GWSR for TS2015

  COMING soon to Steam Sounds Supreme is the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway. This route is an update of the brilliant route made by Richard Evans over 3 years ago. Since that release, the real-world line has extended 2 miles and the technology within Train Simulator has advanced. So, this version gives you the 2 mile extension to Laverton and the addition of features not available when the route was built. For example, you will now be able to enjoy super-elevation; A very dark tunnel; Atmospheric lighting; A new audio environment; New track and more. The details of the release package are being finalised, but we hope to include 3 sets of GWSR carriages, Dinmore Manor(taken from the Manor Expansion Pack by Seb Welsh) and scenarios. The creation of scenarios for the route package is being outsourced to any who would like to contribute. We have received a number of Emails and messages from interested persons. We want variety, so please feel free to contact us if you have scenario creation experience and would like to get involved.

GWSR Scenario Packs

  WE ARE also pleased to announce that there will be a series of scenario packs produced for the route as separate addons. These are to be produced by Mark Walker. He has vast scenario creation experience. We look forward to seeing these packs develop, as I'm sure do you, dear reader!

4MT Tank Enhancement Pack

  THE 4MT Tank Enhancement pack is making progress. We now have the full collection, Ashley having completed his part of the pack. Here are some pictures:

What's Next?

  TO complete the 4MT Tank Enhancement Pack, we have a number of features to add:

1. Reworked sounds
2. CJB scripted particles
3. Lamps(new model) and Discs scripted into the above repaints

Chris is very kindly helping out by producing a script to combine working his particles along with a new set of lamps and the SR discs. You will be able to change from lamps to discs in-game.

LMS Jubilee Sound Pack

  THANKS to the Jamie Ringwood, we have recordings of Jubilee Galatea. This enables us to create the LMS Jubilee Sound Pack. It's at an advanced stage, however, we are having problems with the script. We will share some video as soon as we have sorted this:

The angle of the above shot is hiding the script issue. The shot to the left illustrates what is occurring, with all the lamps stuck on, and the particles not responding to the script. This is very likely to be because of a small error made when I added the controls and children to the Jubilee engine.bin file. Myself and Chris are trying to work out where the error is. It's not easy to spot. Once we can get over this, you find a much more immersive experience driving the Jubilee with new sounds, CJB particles, steam chest simulation and more.

Flying Scotsman Sound Pack - Double-Chimney Edition

  AFTER the enforced splitting of the Flying Scotsman Sound Pack into two parts, we are pleased to tell you that the issues with the air brakes have been resolved and the second part is well on the way now

Spam-Can News

  ANOTHER question we are asked regularly is what has happened to the Spam-Can Enhancement Pack. Well, unfortunately for reasons unknown to us, our repainter has not followed through on completing the agreed locos. What we plan to do is release what we do have - 257 Squadron, Swanage(only if we can remove the crest) and a small selection of steam-age examples - as part of a pack, with the modified particles added to all the available locos. It is our understanding that DT will be returning the Spam-Cans to Steam this year. So, we'll get our work out the way so as not to get in the way of DT's plans.

New-builds - Scot, Ivatt and More

  THE MUCH anticipated Rebuilt Royal Scot addon has dragged it's heels over the past few months. Some progress has been made over the holiday though. Tom has been on a steep learning curve with various aspects of exporting the model, in particular the animation of the valve gear. It seems that TS2015 doesn't support certain animating techniques that TS2014 did and that's what has thrown us! Chris sought advice from Meshtools and JT. We are grateful to them for pointing Tom in the right direction. We will hopefully have a fully exported and animated model very soon!

The Ivatt 4MT is progressing gradually as well. This is what Tom had to say yesterday:

"4MT - spent a day mapping the cab which is 75% done now. This then leaves the valve gear to texture and animate. Also the cab variants between BR and preservation need to be done as well but I will do this after the mapping is done."

GWR 28xx - The cab is complete as far as we know. We are awaiting a status report from DT.

Midland/LMS 2P - All research done. Waiting for a slot to complete a full set of paint schemes for the loco.  

No Longer In Production

IT IS with regret that we announce the following packs are no longer in production by us or for us. The reasons are varied.

• USATC S160 - Unfortunately Will has been unable to progress this model. If things change in the future, we'll let you know
• Patriot Sound Pack - Sounds not up to scratch and not allowed to use CJB particles
• GCR Steam Sound Showcase Gala - We are no longer in a position to complete this pack. Look out for GCR scenario pack announcements in the future, as a scenario author has taken up the challenge of producing GCR scenarios.

This concludes your look inside the workshop today. There's more going on at the back of the shed, but that'll have to wait for another visit. Please close the doors behind you on your way out!

More Freebies In Production

There's nothing quite like a freebie! We know that, which is why we try to give you some free products from time to time. There are a few different reasons why some products are given away for free. (1)Some products have to be given free due to the EULA attached to the associated DLC. The Jacobite being a classic example of that. (2)We get help from some very kind individuals with the understanding that the product they assist on will be freeware. (3)We make a payware sound pack that is required to use the free pack. Not everyone agrees that that's free, however, we like to view it as a 'buy one get one free' kind of arrangement. Here are some examples of free products that have been downloaded over 1000 times since release:

An accurate depiction of the preserved Great Central Railway, running between the the Leicestershire town of Loughborough and the outskirts of Leicester. Custom buildings feature heavily, giving you the opportunity to 'recreate the experience' of running on this popular preserved railway.

Quite possibly the most reliable steam locomotives running today, Ian Riley's Black Fives can be seen taking on main line work all over the country. We present here all 3 of those locos. Repaints, particles and script by Chris Barnes, finished off with SSS sounds

When the West Somerset Railway DLC was released, it met with a lukewarm reaction. Although the station models and basic scenery was good, there was a serious lack of detail. Started by real-life WSR guard David Seward, adding of a lot of missing detail began. We came on board and transformed the look of many parts of the line, taking out overdone tree lines; adding embankments, cuttings, signal cables, point rods, the missing Minehead water treatment plant and much much more! We even managed to get a locomotive to be published with the route as well - WSR Mogul 9351 - courtesy of Kris Harding. It is with great satisfaction that we see many using the route, as evidenced in published screenshots. I'm sure it is satisfying to David and Kris as well!

Our most recent freeware pack was exclusive to newsletter subscribers, but the next two will be made available to all.

Castle Over Shap Scenario

This scenario, created by Mitchel Thomas, takes Nunney Castle over shap. It's a challenge. Can you get your train over the summit without loosing too much time? This scenario is to be made available later today.

Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway for TS2015

  Way back in 2011, Richard Evans released the fantastic Honeybourne Line for then Railworks. The route was very well received. However, technology has advanced a awful lot since then. In that time we've seen the introduction of the TSX game engine; Shadows(not the band!); Super-elevation; Tunnel occlusions and much more. With Richards kind permission - granted over 2 years ago(!!) - we present a new version of the route taking advantage of these new features, and an extension of the line to Laverton. Not much has had to change scenery-wise, Richard having made such a fine job of it. We just present a new version which looks better with the new technology. 

  The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway is a 12 mile preserved railway which runs from the Cotswold town of Cheltenham to Laverton, via Gotherington, Winchcombe and Toddington. Find out all about the real GWSR HERE. We are slowly gathering a collection of appropriate locomotives to run on the line. What will come with the route? The plan is to release the route with Dinmore Manor and a set of maroon mark ones included. A set of scenarios are also in development. Enjoy the following screenshots showing off a section of the route between Laverton and Gotherington.

Very soon now you'll be able to enjoy an exciting day out in the Cotswolds on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway for TS2015!

More Soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Jacobite - A Special Preview Part 2

THE WORLDS GREATEST RAILWAY JOURNEY

Last time we told you about the Jacobite Addon. Well, now that the pack is on the verge of a release, we bring you news about the pack contents.

Stanier Black 5 45231

   Owned by Bert Hitchen 45231 has recently returned to traffic after a major overhaul was carried out at Carnforth MPD. 45231 has been employed on various working during it's mainline career - WCRC's Fellsman trains, the Jacobite and some Cathedrals Express workings in the south.

  The loco coming with this addon equipped with custom sounds, CJB particles and script, scripted lamps(including modern HI lamp) and headboards

Stanier Black Fives 45407 & 44871

This pair of locomotives are owned by Ian Riley and are stalwarts of the mainline scene. They are the mainstay of the Jacobite service. Steam Sounds Supreme released a pack containing these two locos earlier this year. You will have to download the Riley Fives pack for these to work. Included with the Jacobite Pack are two versions of the each loco. One fitted with a Jacobite headboard and mainline lamps and the second is a dead version, for parking in the yard at Fort William. These are fitted with a limited sound set so you'll hear con-rod clank, and piston sounds when towing.

BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 75014

Now based at the Dartmouth Steam Railway, 75014 was formerly heavily associated with the Jacobite service, having been involved when it first began in the 1980's. Here we present 75014 as she would look today, if she was still involved with the Jacobite operation. To run the loco, you will need to own Digital Traction's Standard 4 4-6-0 pack, and Steam Sounds Supreme's Standard 4 Tender Locomotives Sound Pack. This version comes with Jacobite headboard on loco, warning flash decals, mainline HI headlamp and version of the tender with headboard and HI lamp attached.

West Coast Railway Company Rolling Stock

In 1995, the West Coast Railway Company took over the operation. Naturally, the coaching stock used is branded. We present 2 complete sets of carriages for the Jacobite services. They consist of BG, SK, FK and RMB Maroon Mk 1's and BSO, FK & SO Maroon Mk 2's. They all come with custom sounds, warning flash decals, WCRC branding and a rear version with modern flashing lamp(except the RMB).

Scenarios

Provided are a set of immersive scenarios. They include a 4-part Jacobite scenario, towing a dead black 5 and more. Lots to enjoy!!

After stalling on Beesdale bank, Black 5 45231 charges over the summit

This pack will be released later today and will be exclusive to newsletter subscribers. So, if you haven't subscribed yet, do so now HERE

May we take this opportunity to offer our thanks to Ashley Burgess and Chris Barnes, without whose assistance, this pack wouldn't happen!

The Jacobite - A Special Preview Part 1

THE WORLDS GREATEST RAILWAY JOURNEY

  With the release of the fantastic West Highland Line Extension route for Train Simulator, thoughts turned to running the Jacobite steam service on the line. I have had the privilege of experiencing this train on two occasions, and it is without a shadow of doubt, the greatest railway journey I have ever experienced! As many of you will know, we have a scripted Black 5, West Coast 44932, available as free bonus content in the Stanier 8F Collection Part 3. This Black 5 gives you the CJB particles, script, adjustable lamps on both loco and tender and headboards. Well it is with great pleasure that we announce that another free scripted Black 5 in coming soon - 45231 Sherwood Forester. 

Stanier Black 5 45231

  5231 was built by Armstrong-Whitworth in 1936. She spent most of her early life at Patricroft shed, working mainly to North Wales and Leeds. After nationalisation in 1948, she was renumbered 45231 by British Railways. She was transferred to Northampton in October 1954, but was only officially there for a month — such allocation changes were often only carried out on paper — and then transferred to Aston, where she remained for nine years. 45231 was officially transferred to Rugbyin February 1963, but was moved a short time later (July) to Chester. She stayed at Chester until closure of Chester shed in April 1967. She was then transferred to Speke Junction and finally Carnforth, where 45231 lasted until the last day of steam on BR in August 1968. She was sold by BR directly into preservation and was restored at Carnforth to LMS livery. 

  After being initially preserved at Carnforth, 5231 became associated with the preserved Great Central Railway. In 1973 she hauled the official opening train between Loughborough and Quorn. 5231 was sold to the GCR in late 1996, who repainted it in BR lined black in 1997. She also acquired a set of nameplates, The Sherwood Forester. The loco is now owned by Bert Hitchen and the loco has recently returned to traffic after a major overhaul was carried out at Carnforth MPD. 45231 has been employed on various working during it's mainline career - WCRC's Fellsman trains, the Jacobite and some Cathedrals Express workings in the south.

The Jacobite

  In 1984, British Rail re-introduced a steam-hauled service over part of the Fort William to Mallaig line, in an effort to encourage tourism and boost income on the heavily subsidised line. Called the "West Highlander", it proved so successful that it was continued for subsequent years. It was later renamed "The Lochaber". In 1995 following the privatisation of British Rail, the operating licence for the West Highlander trains was granted to the West Coast Railway Company, and they began operating the service that summer under the new name of "The Jacobite". The daily service departs Fort William at 10.15am and arrives at Mallaig at 12.25pm. The Return from Mallaig departs at 2.10pm arriving back into Fort William at 4pm. The service crosses the additional afternoon train at Glenfinnan on Mondays to Fridays and this is the only regular crossing of two steam services passing each other on the national network. In 2011, for the first time, train operator West Coast Railway Company added a second daily Jacobite service from Fort William to Mallaig due to demand, using Ian Riley's Black 5 44871 and a spare set of coaches that were formerly used for "The Cambrian". The additional service departs Fort William at 2.30pm with an arrival time back in Fort William of 8.24pm and runs from June to August, Monday to Friday.

  The Jacobite runs a distance of 41 miles between Fort William and Mallaig, passing through an area of great scenic beauty including alongside Loch Eil, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Arisaig. Trains cross with regular service trains at Glenfinnan station.

What exactly is going to be in our new addon 'The Jacobite'?

More soon..............................