Train Simulator 2012 Part 5

Train Simulator 2012

Ice and steam… Both “Depth of Field” and “HDR Bloom” are demonstrated in this shot.

TSX Game Engine Technology

On the Train Simulator 2012 Launch Window, under the “Settings” tab, is an option for toggling the “TSX” technology in Train Simulator 2012. Disabling this option disables the vast majority of the new visual updates, in exchange for a performance increase. Advanced shadows, lighting, and rain on the windows were all disabled in my testing. The player inertia simulation did remain, however.

The amount of increased performance varies with the scene. For example, on some of the tracks originally included with Railworks 2 my performance would easily double even with all the options set to the very highest settings, and running “MLAA + MSAAx4”. On more dense routes, such as the Horseshoe Curve expansion, my performance increase while not using “TSX” was still notable, though not quite as great.

The visuals while not using “TSX” appear to be very similar to what I experienced with Railworks 2, which is not all that bad. For upgrading players who are happy with the current Railworks 2 visuals and performance, this option is something to explore.

Since I am looking to demonstrate the new features of Train Simulator 2012, I used “TSX” for all of my review and screenshots.

Graphics Performance Opinion

Given my PC’s performance abilities, I wanted to look for a point where I could enjoy some of the new graphical updates, and still have decent performance. I was able to do so, but with some very dense scenes, I would choose to drop the AA and AF to improve performance, and with the densest scenes I’d choose to disable the high quality shadows, and either go with no shadows or “blobby” shadows instead.

It’s give and take. My PC gives me a better result than I expected, overall. I do realize that the words “decent performance” will mean different things to different people. For reference I’ll quantify them as a frame rate between 18 to 25 or so.

For those with more modern systems, fellow SimHQ staffer Erik “EinsteinEP” Pierce has written a supplementary piece describing his experiences on his higher spec’ed PC.


Piper Navajo Rudder Brake Pedals 44182-000 and 44182-001 picture

Piper Navajo Rudder Brake Pedals 44182-000 and 44182-001

$100.00



Piper Aircraft Rudder Support Assy 95885-000 picture

Piper Aircraft Rudder Support Assy 95885-000

$75.00



Rudder Bias Strut Dunlop AC64166 picture

Rudder Bias Strut Dunlop AC64166

$500.00



Rudder Boost Pressure Transducer 130-380003-1 picture

Rudder Boost Pressure Transducer 130-380003-1

$425.00



HONEYCOMB CHARLIE RUDDER PEDALS HC003073 Pre-Order picture

HONEYCOMB CHARLIE RUDDER PEDALS HC003073 Pre-Order

$454.99



0333115 Cessna 195 Rudder Auxiliary Spar picture

0333115 Cessna 195 Rudder Auxiliary Spar

$165.00



Beechcraft Bonanza Yoke and Rudder Gust Lock, New Aftermarket picture

Beechcraft Bonanza Yoke and Rudder Gust Lock, New Aftermarket

$285.00



NOS New Scott 1140 Rudder Arm, 3/4

NOS New Scott 1140 Rudder Arm, 3/4" Shank, Piper Aircraft Classic Aircraft

$74.00



Beechjet 400A Rudder Quadrant 45A96637-005 picture

Beechjet 400A Rudder Quadrant 45A96637-005

$300.00



Piper Rudder Cable 62701-134 picture

Piper Rudder Cable 62701-134

$100.00



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes