Hidaki Main Line - New Japanese Route

[NorthernWarrior]

Anyone got this yet and if so, what's the verdict?

Made by Union Workshop who did the previous two Japanese routes both of which are very good.

It's only about 50km long and only comes with one (DMU) train but the price seems fair at £14.99.

Update: Well I took the plunge and purchased - 6/10.

The route bears all the trademarks of a Union Workshop project, thick grass either side of the line, custom buildings and everything placed to precision. But I have to say not only is the route quite short it is not very exciting either in terms of the scenery or the railway infrastructure. It's essentially a basic single track branch railway that runs through flat land, sometimes near the sea. I have to say the description supplied by DTG to Steam had me expecting to be running under sheer cliffs on a sea wall and popping in and out of tunnels with views to take your breath away. It's pleasant enough if you like a run through flat country but if UW wanted to showcase something on Hokkaido there are far more interesting railways to choose from - the Seikan Tunnel with its approaches either side or the Otaru to Niseko route which was the route in Tomy's SL de Ikou for the PS1, all those years ago.

The first tutorial scenario would not complete as it kept telling me I hadn't switched on the cab heater (when I had) and having departed late on the second scenario after figuring out how to start the train (in addition to the usual procedures you need to hit "x" to activate the control desk) was impossible to make up time. The Kiha 130 DMU needs better sounds and suffers from the usual DTG DMU cruise lock syndrome. The scenario just ended at a station in the middle of nowhere with track visible in the distance, but apparently is the end of the line.

I may keep it as an asset collection but not up to the level of UW's previous offerings in particular Forest Rail and barely worth even the lower asking price.