I'm looking for some input on US diesel DLC.

I've got TS2012/13, Donner Pass, Horseshoe Curve, and Northeast Corridor. There is a good deal to do in those products, I enjoy US diesels primarily, mostly freight and occasional passenger, and some yard switching. I've got the SW1500 included with Donner Pass, and it's in some Free Roam scenarios with ample switching opportunity. I enjoy driving mostly from within the cab with the F5 overlay, reading signals and limit signs out the window as they pass.

The included locomotives are a nice start, but after some time shortcomings appear. For example on Horseshoe Curve, engines like the GP9 are almost completely black inside. I can barely see the instruments in broad open daylight, much less read them. I've been trying some Workshop missions lately and editing the time of day for some of my existing missions, and in low light I find that most of the US diesels are completely dark inside. So driving from within the cab is no fun. Sometimes the speedometers drift from the HUD speed indicator, resulting in inadvertent speeding flags.

What I'm looking for is opinions on what DLC diesel would be better rendered than the stock locomotives. Do any offer quality cab lighting? Illuminated instruments? Does the speedometer match the actual HUD speed? In general, do you feel the $20 each DLC locos stand well above what the default locos offer?

Oh, and I have considered some US steam locos. Something like the K4. But with the limited cab view visibility and already dark cab, I just am not sure there.

Hi Adlabs, I don't have a definitive answer to your query but certainly agree that cab lighting is an issue, and so is exterior lighting for North American locomotives. I would say that RSC had promised to update default stock and it's been a slow process.

Does DLC from 3rd party have better lighting/better driving experience? I'd say yes and no...its pretty similar to my recent newb experiences in FSX dlc...sim lite vs. DCS equivalents and how do you tell? An example would be the RSC release of the 56XX steam engine where you need to learn to manipulate the steam cocks, guages, etc etc just to move without popping a cylinder, or the more complicated driving of some of the British electrics. Best bet would be to read with a weathered eye some of the trainsim forums like RWA perusing for oppinion on released stuff. It's like anything too, your mileage may vary compared to anyone elses oppinion on add-ons such as locos, fix-packs, sound packs, lighting packs, routes etc.

Btw, the K4 is a good model-- for most of my steam driving I'll use the 'head-out-the-window' view. The steam locos (default and 3rd party) usually offer an opportunity for a busier driving experience as you can also take on the role of fireman, managing the firebox, shovelling coal, managing water injection etc. The default AI fireman will not win many accolades for skill but gets the job done so you can concentrate on driving. Not sure this helps any. Cheers

Thanks for the comments Leaf.

I've had a bit of time to try and search for opinions on each DLC engine that appealed to me. I think I'll keep the SD-75 and K4 on my short list.

And you mentioned the fix packs. I had spotted a couple of these in my reading, some for default locos. Something I'll have to experiment with.

Hi ad,

can`t comment on Diesel DLC, but the K4 is definately worth getting. Bought her and the Big Boy and the Challenger (Big Boy and Challenger together with Sherman Hill in a package) in the last sale.

Don`t know, if they are modeled correctly, but with these three, I as an European am in US steam heaven.

I for one love the Portland Terminal route, some very nice switching and local freight work, as well as the only US route that doesn't have a mono-culture of rolling stock.

Also the California Zephyr is brilliant, if you have Donner pass.