Train Simulator: GWR 7800 'Manor' class Add-On DLC

i would do a positive review but for people who use the gui controls they won`t even be able to drive it

TL;DR: the negative experiences people have with this locomotive are likely due to a lack of clarity in the manual, which I explain in the review. For the price that I paid, I'd say this DLC is a good addition to your collection (actual review begins below). I've noticed that many of the negative reviews for this locomotive seem to focus on one of two things: not being able to move or poor steaming quality. What needs to be remembered is that this is a Pro Range locomotive, and it simulates operating procedures much more realistically than most other Train Simulator locomotives. A large portion of the locomotives in this simulator have the braking functions operated entirely by one set of controls; that is, the train brake lever (the lever on the right in the F4 HUD). However, the Manor (and most other Pro Range locomotives) rely on both the main train brake lever as well as the [b] small ejector [/b] to have the brakes function properly. This is why the locomotive won't move for some people; after putting the train brake lever in the release position, you also have to turn the small ejector on ("J" key by default). Once you do this, the brakes will release successfully. Interestingly, the steaming problems that reviewers mention is [i] also [/i] caused by misusing the small ejector. In order to create a vaccum to release the brakes, the small ejector uses [i] a lot [/i] of steam. When stationary or running light at low speeds, this isn't much of an issue as the locomotive's steam production can usually keep up with this usage. However, once you begin pulling a train at speed, your boiler pressure will drop [i] fast. [/i] This is because you have to turn off the small ejector (also the "J" key as it's a toggle control) once you're moving at about 5-10mph. Don't worry, the brakes will remain released after turning it off. Other things that will help boost steam production are opening the dampers (holding the "M" key by default) and closing the cylinder cocks after leaving them open for a few seconds after starting ("C" key by default). Normally, this would likely be an issue of not reading the manual, especially with the Pro Range DLC as most of the ones that I've bought cover this aspect of operation. The thing is, none of this is mentioned [i] anywhere [/i] in the manual for this DLC (with the exception of the key controls, of course), which I personally think is a major issue. This is especially the case for someone who's new to the Pro Range and not familiar with these realistic operating procedures. If it weren't for this major oversight, I'm sure this DLC wouldn't have gotten such a negative reception. If there's anything that should be fixed on this locomotive, it's the inclusion of this vital operating aspect in the manual besides a simple keyboard control. As for the DLC itself, I find it to be a decent addition to one's collection. Not the best, but certainly far from the worst. The controls are definitely more advanced than your typical Train Simulator locomotive, and I recommend that anyone driving this (or any Pro Range locomotive, for that matter) use the F5 HUD. The inclusion of Mk. 1 coaches is always nice, and though I haven't finished all of them yet, the two scenarios I've done so far have worked just fine and were enjoyable. However, it definitely looks a bit dated. As someone else mentioned, this actual addon was created by JustTrains in 2013 and was likely re-released under the Pro Range in 2020. The locomotive's appearance definitely shows its age; it was probably good at the time, but it simply doesn't hold a candle to the much higher-fidelity models produced for Train Simulator these days. On top of that, I must also agree with other reviewers on the physics: for a Pro Range locomotive, they're not great. They're better than most standard locomotives in the simulator, but they fall short in terms of realism compared to other Pro Range locomotives I've driven. Additionally, some of the controls are simplified compared to their real life counterparts (e.g. the injectors require no adjustment whatsoever to get water into the boiler, they function more like on/off switches). So where does this DLC sit, exactly? Personally, disregarding the issue with the manual, I think it serves as a good introduction to the Pro Range for someone who may be new to it. This DLC allows someone to experience the more advanced control schemes offered by the Pro Range without the added factor of hyper-realistic physics (which may be seen as a positive or negative depending on who you ask). Would I recommend this DLC? Well, that depends. First of all, I would [i] never [/i] buy this for its full price (though I'd say the same about almost every other Train Simulator DLC pack, so take that with a grain of salt). However, for the sale price of $11.99 (what I paid), it's a different story. If you're someone like me whose equally content driving Pro Range engines with realistic physics as well as standard locomotives with basic physics, I'd say this DLC is worth it. For $12 you get a decent quality (but somewhat dated) locomotive in a few liveries, some coaches, and four standard scenarios for the S&DJR. Not the best deal in the world, but certainly not a bad one in my opinion. If you're someone whose new to the Pro Range, I'd still recommend it. It's a great way to get used to the more advanced controls without having to go all-in with hyper-realistic physics (though I do believe that some Pro Range locomotives allow for simplified physics, so this may be a moot point). Just make sure you remember the details about the small ejector I mentioned above (read the manual, too)! However, if you're someone who’s only looking for top-notch, highly detailed, and hyper-realistic DLC, then you should probably look elsewhere. Overall, for $11.99, I'd recommend it, but not as strongly as some of the other DLC packs available for Train Simulator.

This should not be listed as in the Pro range IMHO. It's shown as being released 2 Apr 2020 when in fact according to the JT Documentation show it originates in 2013. The physics aren't up to the normal pro range standard and some of the cab detailing is a little cartoon like. Save your money I wish I had !

Manor is one of my favorite steam locos of all time. It has been since my childhood. JT did a huge disservice to this gorgeous loco. Inside it looks like it's ripped straight outta 2008, the outside is 2010-ish, but that's the minor downside The major downside is that it's physics are an absolute disgrace for the price it's listed for. The "Steam Chest" feature does not work, after reading the manual it still refused to work even thought I followed every instruction. Then there are the sceanrios. On the first one of Somerset & Dorset it physically cannot move after stopping and coupling to the failed manor. Not forward, not backward. I already tried everything I could, maybe that's just me being stupid, but the loco works atrociuosly.

Mm. I've only just started working this loco, having given it a couple of goes, but I'm not impressed and am left feeling a little disappointed. Wonder what others might think. Did they ever work over the S&D? I know when the class was first introduced their steaming performance was below par, but Swindon did eventually sort the problem out: after all the Heritage Railway movement have been content enough to preserve nine. However, the DLC engine here seems to be able to easily beat the boiler no matter how the regulator or valve gear is adjusted. I mean, auto fireman, down hill coasting, regulator closed and the boiler pressure still drops: something can't be right! There ought to be more power than is evident here. At the moment I'm between a Yes and No in recommendation and as I have little option it has to be no. I'll reverse my decision depending on subsequent experiences.