Train Simulator: DB BR 151 Loco Add-On DLC

A nice locomotive made by virtualRailroads. Only problem: when using automatic startup (CTRL + Z) the keybinds for train simulator mess up, other than that, great job!

A loco dlc deserving the Pro title is the DB BR 151 by virtualRailroads. Designed for both passenger and freight work when built the BR 151 today finds itself on freight work including heavy ore trains that require the fitting of the Unicoupler AK69e due to the regular screw couplings being unsuitable. Included is the DB BR 151 in red livery with DB logo and Railion logo plus a selection of set loco numbers and dynamic numbering. The 151 are also available with and without the AK69e equipped allowing the 151 to be used on passenger runs or lighter freights. One wagon type is also included and is equipped with the AK69e only a choice of four load types can be chosen. Three scenarios are included for the Hamburg - Hanover route and all three making use of the AK69e equipped BR 151's but no timetable is used allowing players to get the used to the loco's handling and safety systems without worry of the ticking clock. Externally and internally the 151 looks pretty good with audio to match. Setting up the loco manually might seem a bit daunting but an auto start-up can be used CTRL + Z with the only remaining steps to be taken by the player is set the reverser and turn on the traction motor blowers. Failing to turn on the blowers Shift + F will result in the traction motors overheating and potential failure but on screen prompts will warn you in advance. Safety systems work well and can be used if you want with up side is that the PZB mode can be changed in the scenario for max operational potential rather than being restricted to whatever is set in the scenario builder. Good quality and it's own bit of uniqueness makes the DB RB 151 worth picking up to add some nice variety to any DB collection.

Very nice locomotive and very realistic, highly recommended indeed. I am very happy that I bought this add-on.

[b] Conclusion first: [/b] The BR151 is an absolute great loco which clearly deserves the "Pro"-label (vr "Expert Line"). DLCs like this make the difference whether TS can be considered a "railroad-game" or a "Simulation". Personally I can clearly recommend this masterpiece of a loco, provided:- - you want to get to the next level in terms of realistic behaviour and operations of a locomotive - are willing to take sufficient time to familiarise yourself with the loco - are not too reluctant to use the (great) manual coming along with this DLC (and you have then paid for it anyways :-) You do NOT need to be a loco-driver in real life to get this model going, nor do you need to "study" for ages until you get it moving. Once again, vR has found the perfect balance between the complexity of a 'simulation' and the simplicity of use so that many "normal" users (like me) may enjoy it as well. [b] The model: [/b] You get 2x 4 BR 151 either with a fix number or 'dynamic numbering'. The models are labelled "DB-Cargo", "Railion" (2 diff. logos) or "DB" with a AK69e automatic coupler. Part of this package (but not listed in the Steam description) are Faals150-waggons with 4 different loads. The manual lists also a Us996 coupler waggon as a kind of adaptor, but unfortunately it's not included (at least I haven't found it yet). It's not an issue, it would just have been a useful goodie for scenario creators if they want to shunt (with a sep. loco) the included Faals150-waggons and then handover to the BR151. Both, the BR151 and the waggons looks great and personally I like that they look mature with reasonable patina on it. [b] Features & Physics: [/b] All what is listed in the (Steam)-description is included. PZB and SIFA works fine as well as LZB, provided the route supports it (such as Hamburg-Hannover). Driving physics feels absolutely real. There are so many features and things to consider, do yourself a favour and have a look in the manual to have a better understanding and really to be able to enjoy the great model. All what is needed to operate the loco can be switched manually in the cab (or via the keyboard). I highly recommend to use the keyboard and NOT the HUD, although you may keep the HUD on of course, but mainly using it for information. What is missing is the 2nd (low tone) horn which should work using "N", but neither the key nor the switch in the cab gets it going (only the high tone). Gimmicks like opening a window or lower the sun shield are not available.....but although surely nice gimmicks I couldn't care less. A bit different when I look at the EBuLa-screen which has a certain size on the dashboard: It's there......but completely useless, as you neither can switch it on/off, nor toggle between day/night and it's completely static showing a location a couple of hundred km away. Considering the effort spent on this loco all around details and physics it's a bit of a surprise that it even doesn't get listed in the cab-description nor has it any function at all. It would add so much to "reality" if the developers would find a way that at least scenario creators could customise some basic destination points on it. It may be effort once, but due to standardisation of (German) locos, it could be used in future developments as well, rather than being a XL-size "thing" on the dashboard (as you already did for the BR101). [b] Manual: [/b] If you really want to operate a model which calls itself "PRO"-(or "Expert"-) Line then you may imagine, it won't work without further information. Fortunately a comprehensive manual is provided which is well structured and really contains all you need - from basic information, via all you need to know for operations, plus quite a few (valuable) hints in case you get in trouble. On top of it explains the fundamentals of PZB, LZB and SIFA and offers further links for those who are interested. [b] Scenarios: [/b] There are 3 (NOT 4) career scenarios (35/45/80mins) for the Hamburg-Hannover-Route, which all start with a score of 1000p and you just need to accomplish the tasks. I would say they are good to familiarise yourself with the BR151 by pulling a heavy load and collect some experience. They are neither challenging nor immersive, but they are a good fit to start straight away without having any time-pressure. [b] Summary: [/b] A top model which I can recommend to those who feel comfortable with what I described before. I have nothing negative to report, I just would have appreciated a few more scenarios and likely the Us996 coupler waggon to have some flexibility when it's about scenario creation. Only suggestion (a bit more than just a wish) would be around the EBuLa-screen as described above. Other than that it's a top model which becomes even more obvious when you drive another loco with less capabilities right after. My personal rating about the BR151 is 9.4 / 10 and I'd love to see more models like this.