SubwaySim Hamburg News

Today we would like to introduce you to our brand new platform displays in depth. The SubwaySim MEGA update is not only about fundamental improvements to the game - it's also about the visuals!

In response to your feedback, we have decided to redevelop our platform displays from scratch - this time with maximum attention to the original! In addition to a revised 3D model, this means many improvements especially to the display itself.




Some of you may have noticed that HOCHBAHN uses two different types of real-time info displays: On the one hand, the orange colour version in the picture at the very top, which is used for stations above ground. On the other hand, there is a second version for tunnel stations, as shown in the second picture above.

For the overground version, all the light points use the same colour. In contrast, for tunnel stations, each metro line has its own colour scheme - including one colour for the line number and another for the destination.

If you take an even closer look, you will notice that the two versions differ in more than just their colours. The overground displays are built with a resolution of 160 x 48 pixels, whereas the underground version's display spans across 200 x 64 pixels, making it appear in considerably higher resolution.

The consequence is, of course, that different fonts are used on the two displays. This can be easily recognised by the fact that the underground displays can spell out the destination WANDSBEK-GARTENSTADT, whereas the above-ground displays have to abbreviate it to WANDSBEK-GARTENST.



For this reason, we analysed countless real-life photos down to the last pixel for both versions of the platform displays. This resulted in a total of 4 different fonts, of which (almost) every single letter was copied pixel by pixel from original references. In addition, there is a specially developed Unreal Engine 5 material that ensures the typical matrix effect of the displays.

In addition to the graphic aspects, the functionality of Hamburg's platform displays should not be underestimated. The displays can show all kinds of different texts - and of course they do so too in SubwaySim Hamburg. One example for this is the current closure of the U2/U4 lines until April 2024, which is also resembled in SubwaySim Hamburg until then.




You will certainly come across another function rather frequently: The displays recognise whether the current train is a passenger train or not. For example, if you are travelling as an empty train in expert mode, the display changes accordingly and shows when the next passenger train will run.




Starting in the MEGA update, the real-time information displays will also identify short trains. On the U1 and U2 lines, the trains are usually made up of 3x DT5s, while 2x DT5s typically run on the U3 and U4 lines. As soon as the train length falls below the planned length, the text "short train" appears on the displays.




By the way: Our info displays are equipped with even more features that will play a role in the MEGA update. But that's a topic for another day.

Speaking of the SubwaySim MEGA update: Everything you need to know!

In the next few weeks, we'll be releasing a MEGA update, in which we've made fundamental changes to the game. We've rebuilt all the core systems of the game from the ground up to provide you with the best possible gaming experience.

We have decided to include a few additional features - such as the platform indicators - in the MEGA update compared to our initial plan. For this reason, we don't want to publish a release corridor just yet. We will of course let you know as soon as there is a release date.

As always, stay tuned - there are more announcements about the MEGA update to come!

We have already reported that we have re-engineered almost all the core systems in SubwaySim Hamburg from scratch as part of the MEGA update. This also applies to the input system, which handles the processing of keyboard and joystick inputs.

With the new input system, you will have the option of assigning up to 3 buttons or joystick buttons per function. Starting with the release of the MEGA update, greatly improved controller support will also enter the beta phase. This means that you can freely assign buttons and axes from your devices and the buttons will usually be recognised automatically.

By the way: Virtually any settings in the game have been redeveloped from the ground up. In the future, you will have many more options to adjust the quality of the game to your liking - from graphics and acoustics to specific gameplay settings. The game will also use a benchmark test to automatically identify which settings are recommended for your individual gaming setup.

The SubwaySim MEGA update: Not long to go until the release!

In the next few weeks, we will be releasing the MEGA update, with which we have made fundamental changes to the game. To do this, we've redeveloped all of the game's core systems from the ground up to provide you with the best possible entertainment.

As always: Stay tuned - there are more announcements to come on the MEGA update!

We are happy to announce that we have implemented a new vehicle into the game: Say hi to the DT5.1 series!

The background: In the real world, the DT5 was delivered in a total of 10 batches during the years from 2011 to 2023. There are various differences in detail between the different batches, and the equipment of the DT5 was also modified over time. Up to now, we had exclusively focused on the DT5.2 series in SubwaySim, and from now on, you will be able to experience the DT5.1's particular features as well.

There are a number of differences between the DT5.1 and DT5.2 series, for example regarding the exterior, the interior and the cab. The vehicles 301 to 418 are referred to as the DT5.1 series, and vehicles 419-463 are associated with the DT5.2 series.

Interior

The most striking difference for passengers is probably the vehicle's interior. The DT5.1 series are equipped with older screens for the passenger information system (PIS). These screens are comparably small and built with an aspect ratio of 4:3. Since the delivery of the DT5.2 in 2020, larger PIS screens in 16:9 have been used, which look much more spacious and modern.

Driver's Cab and Door Controls

In the past, some of you had pointed out to us that the door controls of the game's DT5 were not the same as the original. In fact, the HOCHBAHN has made significant changes to the door controls in recent years, causing the confusion.

We have therefore decided to feature the DT5.1 series in its original state, similar to how it was delivered in 2011. In this state (on the left of the screenshot), there are 3 yellow buttons (L, A, T) for door controls as well as two buttons for side-selective door unlocking. Force-opening all doors is possible by holding down the door unlocking button for 3 seconds or more.

In contrast, the DT5.2 (the current 2024 version) is equipped with a separate button dedicated to force-opening the doors (in the centre in white), and its button layout therefore deviates from the DT5.1. Another special feature of the DT5.2 is that the doors can only be released on one side when the cab is activated. If you want to unlock both sides, you will need to deactivate the cab.

Attention: Due to the different button layout in the cab, the keyboard assignments of both variants are also slightly different, so you will actually notice a difference when driving.


Exterior and Front

As part of the MEGA update, we have also reworked the front of the DT5. The front section and the rubber seals of both variants are now even closer to the original, and the windscreen wipers have also received a facelift. However, the differences between the DT5.1 and DT5.2 are less obvious on the outside than in the interior. The contemporary version of the HVV logo is noticeable, and there is also a difference in the headlight arrangement, which is reversed on the DT5.1 compared to the DT5.2. You can see the difference in the arrangement of the white and red lights in the screenshot above.


Audio

There's one more detail, namely the vehicle's audio. Recently, the DT5 vehicles at HOCHBAHN received a software update so that the brake squeal when stopping is no longer present. Accordingly, DT5.1 and DT5.2 will differ in SubwaySim: The DT5.1 will continue to have the typical squealing sound, while the DT5.2 will only brake electrically (and therefore silently) until at standstill.


The SubwaySim MEGA update: Not long to go until the release!

In the next few weeks, we will be releasing the MEGA update, with which we have made fundamental changes to the game. To do this, we've redeveloped all of the game's core systems from the ground up to provide you with the best possible entertainment.

Stay tuned - there are more announcements to come on this topic!

Gone are the days when the interlocking system would stop your journey in SubwaySim Hamburg! We have decided to rewrite the entire signalling and interlocking system from scratch.

Since the release of SubwaySim, some of you have repeatedly reported problems with the current interlocking system - like permanently red signals, collisions with AI trains and incorrectly set points/switches. All of these issues are now a thing of the past!

But how exactly does our new interlocking system work? In short: almost exactly like a real signalling system. Put simply, five steps are necessary before the train can set off:

1. First, the start and destination signals are determined. A route must always end at a signal.
   
2. Next, we check which train should receive clearance next. It is important that the trains always follow the correct sequence, especially when departing from siding tracks on the line.
   
3. Then we check whether the track is really free of vehicles. As soon as a vehicle is in the way, the signal of course cannot change to green.
   
4. If all these conditions are met, the points/switches are set and locked.
   
5. Shortly afterwards, the signal and the corresponding advance signal will turn green.
   

All these steps are now simulated correctly - and must also be taken into account by the timetable accordingly. Thanks to all these new features, there are now also two new signals, which we would like to introduce to you below.



New signal: Advance Signal with Speed Indicator

Actually, many of you have requested this signal. Thanks to it you will be notified when the main signal displays a speed limit - in this case 30 kph. This will allow you to slow down in time before the new speed limit becomes valid.



New signal: End of Route

The special feature of this signal is that you are never allowed to drive past it. It is only located at certain platforms. With our new signalling system, we also had to install this signal.

The reason: As mentioned above, our routes must always go from signal to signal. For sidings, the buffer stop counts as the destination signal, but what if we want to enter a platform track against the direction of travel - for example because we want to turn around there?

In this case, we need a signal that tells us the maximum distance we are allowed to travel. And that's exactly why there is this little red light on many platforms, such as here on Saarlandstraße at platform 2 (heading towards Barmbek).


We hope you appreciate these deep insights into the development process behind the upcoming MEGA Update and we're looking forward to your responses!

Good news: We've not just worked on the DT5, but also on AI services in general. We have drastically reduced the performance impact of AI trains. Look forward to AI trains on all underground lines - and better performance at the same time!