Herp derp Big Boy V2 derp herp

[bwfer]

I don't think you quite understand. No, you don't have to purchase it. But for those who already own the add-on, to be able to get features such as the new smoke particles and TSX features have to purchase it again. In other words, "V1.0" is being ditched. If you want the things that should have been in a free update many months ago you have to pay the $20 once more.

This goes for the same with Donner pass. It's an update that should be free. The Big Boy and Donner are severely flawed add-ons. Free updates should be in order for those who bought them in the first place. Let's hope Donner doesn't see the same fate.

It's not me that does not quite understand!

First and foremost I own both the current BB and Challenger and don't think I am owed any updates!

Who determines what should be be a free update and when? Certainly not you. IMO those new features in BB v2 are NOT owed free to anybody. I believe the BB first became available in the RW2 era by IHH. Just because the technology has advanced does not mean that is incumbent on IHH, RSC, Steam... or anybody else to keep the model current. If somebody (RSC) chooses to do so they may and should be fairly compensated (if desired) for their efforts. After all they (RSC) are in business to make money and giving 'stuff' away free is not the best method to accomplish that means.

I also own Donner Pass and am looking forward to its update... free or otherwise.

This my last post in this thread as I have already said more than enough.

[dfcfu342]

I think we can leave Donner out of this discussion as RSC promised quite a long time ago the update would be free of charge to those who own it. No need to start another thread on that sore subject.

As far as the BB v2 if it is an RSC model then they have every right to charge for what they built as a lot of time went into that. If IHH is chosing to charge for their update to their model then why is RSC being blamed?

[alanch]

From the RSC Facebook page today:

'As most of you know work is well underway on the Donner Pass Enhancement Pack. Have you been checking out the regular work in progress shots we have been posting? We have been getting a lot of people asking if the Enhancement Pack will be free to existing owners of the Donner Pass. We would like to confirm that it will indeed be free to existing owners. Keep an eye out for more news about the Donner Pass coming soon.'

[UP3985]

I feel ripped because I bought the model in September of 2010, and was disappointed in the smoky tail, and light cone and der-d-der...

If it is a new model, they should show some closer detail shots showing the new detail on the model. Until we get some more solid proof that this is a solid new model, (Akin to the SH ES44) I will continue to be skeptical of this.

And if they were to include new rolling stock, like a new caboose, or a new set of UP passenger cars (they WOULD put passenger cars in with a freight locomotive ) I would consider buying.

And as far as the current status, I will figure out how to build my own before I buy an updated version. We have a very good traction update, Smoke particles can be copied from the Challenger, and I thought there were some on here who were working on lighting and such, so in honesty, we could pool together to accomplish the same goal that RSC is doing. Just putting that out there.

[arizonachris]

I'll not buy the Big Boy again. I am more than happy with my IHH- bought model. If RSC wants to "sport" me the updated model, cool. Otherwise, that $20 will buy a new game in the Steam Christmas sale.

[PapaXpress]

I'll not buy the Big Boy again. I am more than happy with my IHH- bought model. If RSC wants to "sport" me the updated model, cool. Otherwise, that $20 will buy a new game in the Steam Christmas sale.

+1

[ArcticCatZRT]

RSC has actually published some comparision shots of the old BB and the new BB on facebook. While the exterior model looks the same, they did update the steam effects, headlights, and textures. The interior also has some improvements to it as well, such as hand valves. I will be interested to see more about it, like I have said before, if there are major upgrades, then I may be willing to purchase it again to get some more visual goodies.

[BNSFdude]

The physics have been improved too from my testing point of view. I messed with the Bigboy pulling about 40-50 reefers (from the cab forward pack). Performed well!

[XDriver]

Just to add direct from the RSC Facebook page. This doesn't make me a believer. Just sharing that's all.

New to the UNION PACIFIC BIG BOY V2.0

Re-textured with improved and more realistic skins.
Improved and more accurate locomotive simulation.
Texture and material updates inside cab (now much more visible controls and cab interior).
Full TSX implementation.
Improved steam sound effects on the Big Boy to follow after initial release.

Particle effects:

Operating cylinder cocks which shut off when regulator off.
Smoke stack shuts off with no regulator and changes to a gentle wisp from the fire.
Smoke dynamically changes to darker colour if you coal up, gradually going from normal colour to dark black.
Smoke dynamically changes to lighter colour if you stop coaling, gradually going back to normal colour.
"Normal" smoke dynamically changes colour depending on how much the current fire mass is: if it's under threshold it's a brighter white, if it's over threshold it's a darker grey, if it's around ideal fire mass then it's a soft grey/white.
Safety valves working correctly.
Additional emitters such as the turbine generator on the top of the locomotive.
All emitters have been reconfigured for improved smoke and steam effects in line with TSX standards.

[UP3985]

No new Pics?

[BNSFdude]

I would post pictures, but it isn't my place to unfortunately.

[bpetit]

Well at least the performance was improved

[UP3985]

I believe that was your doing.

[artimrj]

Well at least the performance was improved

And it works very nicely too.

[MontanaRails]

Well, I see it from both perspectives. RSC, as caring as they seem at times, is a company. They exist for one reason; to make money off of us. They found an opportunity to spend a tiny little bit of effort to overhaul a few textures without having to re-do an existing 3d model (where the real development time is), and now they want to re-release it at full cost. If they release it to existing customers for free, they only make a small fraction of what they'd make for upsetting their customer base and charging for it. From a business standpoint, they'll make money at the cost of some disgruntled customers. Good business practice? Not in my opinion. But I'm not the CEO.

But as a consumer, I feel that there should be a fair tradeoff. Like Brian said, reduced cost to existing customers. Instead of $20, you can 'upgrade' your model for $5 or $10. Or, if they dont want to do that, they should have added value to the new package with several new 1950's era freight cars - something unique that fills a niche. New scenarios, while better than nothing, just dont really cut it.

They really need to set up a good business model...a pricing structure that they abide by for ALL releases. Standardization will be good for everyone - they can work more efficiently and we will know what to expect when they send out a press release. They need to clean up and standardize all the terminology they throw around so we (and they) know what they're doing...right now we have releases, updates, enhancement packs, version 2's, fixes...no one really knows whats what.