This is an upgrade to the default Köln - Düsseldorf route from Aerosoft.
If you have previously downloaded any of the updates for the route I would certainly recommend that you install this version as it is vastly improved over the initial release.

PLEASE back up your original route (bb721875-b3e3-42b2-b003-3572673106c9) before installing this update therefore if you don't like the update then just reinstall your backup default. 

Copy files into where your Train Sim is installed and allow to overwrite.

IMPORTANT: Do not use any other route modifications that alter the Tracks.bin file or you will get errors. You must use the included one in the download. This works on my system. A few people have had issues with missing signals but I cannot recreate the faults they are seeing. I only used the route assets so everything should be there if you have an original copy of the route from Aerosoft. I don't have an easy solution if you do have major issues. Please install this over a completely fresh version of the route.


Thanks to user AlwaysRM, it has been pointed out that the following files might be required if you do have some signal issues.
PZB Magnet Fix.
https://rail-sim.de/forum/filebase/entry/1035-pzb-magnet-fix/

This might solve some of the issues that people might have had.






February 2024 update 4

This is still a work in progress as I can only fix issues as I come across them when playing scenarios. I think I have caught most of the issues but there might be a few still to find.

Fixed some more signalling issues. There are occasions where the signalling appears to have a mind of its own so there may the odd time where it might not look correct or behave as intended.

As I said, I am not an expert on using the route editor and I am learning as I go so bear that in mind if you think something is way off. If you do find anything that is definitely broken then please leave a message, with coordinates if possible,  and I will try to fix it.

Until the next update,

HH



January 2024

Added and fixed some more scenery along the route.

I have been trying to fix a lot of the broken signalling on the route. I am not an expert and have been learning as I go but I have played a few scenarios and the signalling appears to be behaving as intended. I really need people to test this out and let me know if it is Ok or broken.

Added some missing signals where it did not make sense. Fixed some speed reductions at track cross overs. Better indication of speeds. Not so many red lights at Dusseldorf where you need to use the TAB Key.

You might get an occasional speeding warning for a second. Doesn't happen very often. I have had a look but cannot see why. I will try to fix it.

NOTE: Some scenarios may not play out correctly due to these changes. I have found that when going into the scenario editor that a lot of scenarios, even before I started on this update, have unachievable times in them. If you are comfortable using the scenario editor then load up the scenario and uncheck all the times except the first one and the scenario should play ok. Works for me most of the time.

As always: PLEASE, PLEASE back up your route folder (bb721875-b3e3-42b2-b003-3572673106c9) before installing. 



December 2023

This update builds upon my previous version by tidying up some scenery and vegetation.
I have added some more scenery and vegetation.
Removed the permanent PZB magnets next to speed reduction signs where they conflicted with main signals and 2000/1000 Hz magnets.

Previous updates

Added some fences along the route and around industrial areas. 

I tried to make the towns and villages look a little better and also most of the industrial areas.

Fixed some height issues where scenery items were half buried. The area around Köln looks a lot better now.

Some Signal fixes.

Rain occlussions at Köln Hbf and Düsseldorf Hbf.

I fixed the track layout at Cologne platform 11. Trains will no longer clip the supporting structure when arriving or departing towards Dusseldorf.

A couple of track fixes. Some people stil have an error at Köln Hbf with a small piece of missing track. I can't replicate it as it isn't missing in my route. I have included all the altered files so if it is still missing when you install this I don't have a solution.

PZB corrections. Added all the missing 500 Hz magnets. Added missing 1000 and 2000 Hz magnets. The PZB safety system should work correctly now. 

Speed limit corrections and fixed a few "phantom" speed reductions not on HUD. Removed some unnecessary speed warning signs that served no purpose and appeared to be misplaced. 
Warning: Some "Timetable Scenarios" may not be achievable due to the proper use of speed reductions and PZB. I tried altering the times but ended up with strange results and game over errors due to AI collisions. Best way is go into the editor and remove all the timetable entries except the first one. Less of a challenge but saves having to replay the scenario 10 times over and over to try to complete.

I have improved the look around Cologne, Cologne Messe Deutz and a lot of improvement on approach to Dusseldorf.
Looks a lot more real than before.

Fixed almost all the gantries so that they are actually touching the overhead wires. The original route builder has used some that are impossible to fix. The wires will never touch the isolator arms. I will try to replace them if I can find a better option in the assets but it will take a while to do them all so not high on my list at the moment. I adjusted some gantries so that they don't look as if they are sticking awkwardly out of walls. Basically just cleans them up a bit so they look better. Added some missing gantries and fixed a few strange looking ones. 

I have added some assets to Cologne Deutz Feld to try to make it a bit more realistic. Google earth was a help in showing just how much is missing. Also added some things at Cologne Messe Deutz station. Again, without proper assets I have had to use what I had available within the default route so you will need to use your imagination a little. One part is supposed to represent what I believe is a train wash in reality. The things I have added due to the limited assets available are just representative of what is supposed to be there. My aim was to make it more believable, not an exact replica. There has been some artistic licence at some points as I haven't found any really good reference material to work with. 

If you don't like the update then just reinstall the default. If you like it or see major errors then leave a comment.

Enjoy,
HH