JR EAST Train Simulator News

JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line DLC will finally be released on Tuesday, March 26!

Thank you for playing JR EAST Train Simulator!
We are pleased to announce the JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line DLC, which will finally go on sale on March 26 (Tuesday).

*The screen is under development and the contents may change from the time of release.

[h3]Points of Appeal[/h3]
[h3]

Capable of operating other companies' (JR Hokkaido) routes
Capable of operating on the discontinued section (Ishikari-Numata to Rumoi)
Operation of upper and lower lines possible
Capable of operating a "OUT OF SERVICE" train (Fukagawa→Rumoi)
Implemented the voice of the automatic announcement actually used in the car at the time
Braking operation using "automatic air brakes" is available
Implemented audio of JR Hokkaido train driver's pointing and calling.
A paper diagram is mounted on the driver's cab

[/h3]

[h3]About the Route[/h3]
The Rumoi Line is a 14.4 km long JR Hokkaido line connecting Fukagawa Station in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido to Ishikari-Numata Station in Numata Town, Uryu County, Hokkaido.
The line used to run 66.8 km to Mashike Station in Mashike-cho, Mashike-gun, Hokkaido, but the Rumoi - Mashike line was discontinued in December 2016, followed by the Ishikari-Numata - Rumoi line in April 2023, leaving only Fukagawa - Ishikari-Numata as the only remaining line.
In the past, the Rumoi Line was serviced by the express train "Mashike," which runs directly from Sapporo Station, the express train "Rumoi," which runs directly from Asahikawa Station, and the "SL Suzuran" steam locomotive, a C11 class steam locomotive. As of March 2024, only seven regular trains per day operate on the in-bound line and out-bound lines.
Departing from Fukagawa Station, the train heads north through the Ishikari Plain, crossing the Ebishima Pass with its series of large curves and gradients on its way to Rumoi Station. Along the way, you will be able to experience Hokkaido's unique character in many places, such as Kita-Chippubetsu Station with its wooden platform and Ebishima Station adjacent to the station building where the TV drama "Suzuran" was set.
This DLC includes the in-bound line and out-bound lines between Fukagawa and Rumoi, including the discontinued section. We have decided to create this DLC not only as a driving experience, but also to preserve the scenery and memories of the discontinued section in the form of a simulator. We hope you will enjoy driving a line that you will never ride again with this DLC.

[h3]Route Information[/h3]

Section: Rumoi Line Fukagawa-Rumoi (in-bound line and out-bound lines)
Total length: 50.1 km (one way)
Number of Stations: 12
Security equipment: ATS-SN

[h3]Train schedules that can be operated[/h3]

Inbound line

Train Number：4920D
Type/Destination: Local train to Fukagawa
Section where you can drive: Rumoi(05:49)→Fukagawa(06:44)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Owada, Fujiyama, and Horonuka Stations are passed.
Train Number：4922D
Type/Destination: Local train to Fukagawa
Section where you can drive: Rumoi(06:47)→Fukagawa(07:49)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Stops at all stations.
Train Number：4924D
Type/Destination: Local train to Asahikawa　*The section that can be operated is up to Fukagawa Station on the way.
Section where you can drive: Rumoi(09:04)→Fukagawa(10:00)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Owada Station and Fujiyama Station are passed.
Train Number：4926D
Type/Destination: Local train to Fukagawa
Section where you can drive: Rumoi(12:18)→Fukagawa(13:13)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Mappu station and Kita-chippubetsu Station are passed.

Outbound line
Train Number：回5921D
Type/Destination: NOT IN SERVICE to Rumoi
Section where you can drive: Fukagawa(04:53)→Rumoi(05:39)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: None
Remarks: Non-stop between Fukagawa and Rumoi
Train Number：4921D
Type/Destination: Local train to Rumoi
Section where you can drive: Fukagawa(05:44)→Rumoi(06:36)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Kita-ichiyan Station, Chippubetsu Station, Kita-Chippubetsu Station, Mappu Station, Ebishima Station, Horonuka Station, and Fujiyama Station are passed.
Train Number：4923D
Type/Destination: Local train to Rumoi
Section where you can drive: Fukagawa(07:59)→Rumoi(08:55)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Kita-Chippubetsu Station and Mappu Station are passed.
Train Number：4925D
Type/Destination: Local train to Rumoi
Section where you can drive: Fukagawa(11:10)→Rumoi(12:07)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Kita-Chippubetsu Station is passed.
Train Number：4929D
Type/Destination: Local train to Rumoi
Section where you can drive: Fukagawa(16:08)→Rumoi(17:07)
Type of train: Series Kiha54-500, 1 car
Automatic announcement: Yes
Remarks: Stops at all stations.

[h3]International sales price: US$69.99[/h3]

The store page is also open to the public today.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2889350/JR_____54500/?beta=0

[h3]The following updates are planned to coincide with the release of the DLC.[/h3]
[h3]

[Common]

Hiding the mouse cursor during driving
Mouse cursor is hidden during driving, except in the pause screen.
Fixed the effect of HUD text
Further modifications to HUD text effects based on user feedback.

[Senseki Line DLC]

Implementation of crossing sound during station stops
Target: Yamoto station

[Oito Line DLC]

Implementation of crossing sound during station stop
Target: Shimatakamatsu station, Minami-Toyoshina station, Hosono station, Shinano-Matsukawa station, Azumi-Kutsukake station, Minami-Omachi station, Shinano-Kizaki station, Inao station.

[Takasaki Line DLC]

Correction of running sound when passing a railroad bridge
Fixed an issue where the running sound of a steel bridge was being played on a concrete bridge after departing Akabane Station.

[/h3]

In conjunction with the release of the Rumoi Line DLC, a live YouTube broadcast will be held on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. Japan time to discuss the latest DLC "Rumoi Line" and the update in an enthusiastic manner.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Please also check out this live webcast!

Please look forward to the release date!

Next route to be distributed

Thank you for playing JR EAST Train Simulator!

We hope everyone is enjoying the Takasaki Line DLC and updates that were released on Tuesday,
February 30.

We have received the following comments about the Takasaki Line DLC.
"I was able to drive while enjoying the scenery without getting bored while looking out over the wide plains of Gunma Prefecture."
"The addition of the station's crowded sounds made the experience much more immersive."
"I enjoyed driving the rapid "urban"!
We are encouraged by all of these positive comments and your candid reviews.
Thank you again for the many reviews and supportive comments.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]Now, the next route to be distributed, the one you have all been waiting for, that route, will finally be released!(1：18：32～)

You already know what "that line" is, don't you?[/h3]

・

・

・

[h2]Yes, JR Hokkaido's Rumoi Line![/h2]

Remember last April when we made this announcement?
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2111630/view/5657125992528268785

In the production of the Rumoi Main Line DLC, JR Hokkaido provided full cooperation by setting up a special train for filming just before the discontinuation of the Ishikari-Numata Station-Rumoi Station line on April 1, 2023, to record simulator images and running sounds.

▲Inside a Kiha 54 class car lined with monitors for recording

▲Rumoi Station as seen from inside a Kiha 54, which cannot be seen nowadays.

The simulator recording at that time was featured on Hokkaido Television Broadcasting(HTB).
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

A year has passed since we first announced the start of work on this simulator, and now the day has come when we can finally unveil it to you.
[h3]This is the first non-JR EAST line DLC for JR EAST Train Simulator.[/h3]

[h3]
Route: JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line
Section: in-bound line and out-bound line Fukagawa-Rumoi (50.1km one way)
Model: Type Kiha54 Series 500 (1-car train)
Release date: Scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024
International sales price: US$69.99 (in-bound line and out-bound line)
[/h3]

The Rumoi Line is a 14.4 km line connecting Fukagawa Station and Ishikari-Numata Station on the JR Hakodate Line.
The line used to extend to Masuge Station, but was phased out between Rumoi and Masuge in December 2016 and between Ishikari-Numata and Rumoi in April 2023, leaving only the line between Fukagawa and Ishikari-Numata.
In the past, there was a direct superior train from Sapporo and "SL Suzuran" operated by C11 steam locomotive, but now only regular trains run 7 times a day on both the upper and lower lines (as of March 2024).
This DLC includes round-trip trains between Fukagawa and Rumoi, including the discontinued section.
Departing from Fukagawa Station, the train heads north across the Ishikari Plain toward its current terminus at Ishikari-Numata Station.
The train then crosses the Ebishima Pass, which has a series of large curves and gradients, and follows the Rumoi River to Rumoi Station.
Along the way, you will be able to experience the uniqueness of Hokkaido in many places, such as Kita-chippubetsu Station with its wooden platform and Ebishima Station adjacent to the station building where the TV drama "Suzuran" was set.
We hope that the distribution of this product will not only allow visitors to experience driving on the Rumoi Main Line, but also to keep the memory of the Rumoi Main Line alive for many years to come.
We hope you will enjoy driving a line that you will never ride again.

[h3]In addition, the Rumoi Line DLC will implement in-bound line and out-bound line" and "Automatic Broadcasting" for the first time in "JR EAST Train Simulator"! [/h3]

[h3]▶March 14 (Thursday) Press Release："JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line" live-action driving simulator is now available.[/h3]

We are working hard on the production so that we can inform you of the production status as soon as possible. Please look forward to further updates!

2/28(Wed) Minor correction

The following modifications have been made.

[h4][/h4]

【Takasaki Line DLC】

Incorrect speed limit setting for turnouts between Ueno and Oku Stations has been corrected.
Turnout limit immediately after departure
Before correction: 40 km/h → After correction: 30 km/h
Correction of an error in the speed setting of the signal present between Omiya and Takasaki Stations.
Before correction: caution signal 45km/h, deceleration signal 65km/h → After correction: caution signal 55km/h, deceleration signal 75km/h

We will discuss JR EAST Train Simulator DLC Vol. 14 "Takasaki Line" live today.

Thank you for playing JR EAST Train Simulator!

In conjunction with the release of the JR East Train Simulator DLC Vol. 14 "Takasaki Line" , a live YouTube distribution will be held on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. Japan time to talk passionately about the latest DLC "Takasaki Line" and the update.
In addition to the usual members, the main line drivers and conductors of the Kagohara train crew depot who actually work on the Takasaki Line will also participate in this time.
Please come and watch!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2844540/JR_____E2333000/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[h3]＼JR East Train Simulator official goods are now on sale!／[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2111630/view/3640648066056425520?l=english
[h3]*Products are available for overseas sales to 228 countries and regions around the world through "WorldShopping BIZ," a cross-border EC compatible service, by accessing from the links provided.[/h3]
[h2]▶To purchase, please visit the JRE MALL page[/h2]

DLC No. 14 "Takasaki Line" is now available!

Thank you for playing JR EAST Train Simulator.
Thank you for your patience, we have started to distribute the 14th DLC, "Takasaki Line" today, February 27 (Tuesday)!

[h3]About the Route[/h3]
The Takasaki Line is a 74.7 km long line connecting Omiya Station in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture to Takasaki Station in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. This DLC includes the Tohoku Main Line section between Ueno and Omiya stations, for a total length of 101.4 km.
The line has a relatively long history among Japanese railroads, with its predecessor, Nippon Railway Company, starting operations between Ueno Station and Kumagaya Station in 1883. The following year, in 1884, the line was extended to Takasaki Station and opened to full service. It was not until later, in 1909, that the line was officially named the "Takasaki Line".
Until the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen in 1982, the Takasaki Line was the main transportation link between the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Niigata and Hokuriku regions, with many limited express and sleeper trains operating on the line. Currently, most of the long-distance transportation role has been handed over to the parallel Joetsu Shinkansen, and as of 2024, only "Akagi Limited Express" and "Kusatsu-Shima Limited Express" trains regularly operate on the Takasaki Line as limited express trains.
The Takasaki Line has been used as a key interregional transportation line for commuting to work and school, etc. In 2001, the Shonan-Shinjuku Line started service directly to the Tokaido Line via Ikebukuro and Shinjuku Stations, and in 2015, the Ueno-Tokyo Line started service directly to the Tokaido Line via Tokyo and Shinagawa Stations, allowing passengers to travel between the northern Kanto region and Kanagawa Prefecture without changing trains. The new line allows passengers to travel between northern Kanto and Kanagawa Prefecture without having to change trains.
On the way from Ueno Station to Omiya Station, the line runs parallel to the Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and continues through the Tokyo bedroom community. After leaving Omiya Station, fields along the line become conspicuous near Konosu Station, and near Fukaya Station, you can see the fields of "Fukaya Negi" green onions, which are famous throughout Japan. We hope you will enjoy this DLC as you ride along the Takasaki Line at speeds of up to 110 km/h while gazing at the ever-changing scenery.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]Points of Appeal[/h3]
[h4]

The "Rapid Urban" can be operated!
Capable of operating at a maximum speed of 110 km/h!
Actual voice broadcasts by the current train conductor are implemented! (Broadcasting is handled by the Kagohara Train crew depot.)

[/h4]

[h3]Route Information[/h3]

Section: Takasaki Line Outbound Ueno(Horizon platform) ⇒ Takasaki
Total length: 101.4 km
Number of Stations: 24
Security equipment: ATS-P

[h3]Train schedules that can be operated[/h3]

Train Number：829M
Type/Destination: Local train to Kagohara
Section where you can drive: Ueno(07:11)→Kagohara(08:28)
Type of train: Series E233-3000 10 cars
Responsible for real voice train announcements: Kagohara train crew depot
Train Number：831M
Type/Destination: Local train to Takasaki
Section where you can drive: Ueno(07:32)→Takasaki(09:20)
Type of train: Series E233-3000 10 cars
Responsible for real voice train announcements: Kagohara train crew depot
Train Number：3922E
Type/Destination: Rapid train "Urban" to Takasaki
Section where you can drive: Ueno(09:28)→Takasaki(11:05)
Type of train: Series E233-3000 10 cars
Responsible for real voice train announcements: Kagohara train crew depot

[h3]International sales price: US$39.99[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2844540/JR_____E2333000/

[h3]The following features have been added and modified for the release of the DLC.[/h3]

【Common】

User-defined driver's cab viewpoint settings saved
The user-operated cab viewpoint for each car model is automatically saved at the end of operation.
Implementation of electronic sound for digital train radio channel switching
Target lines: Chuo Line Rapid Service DLC (Yotsuya Station), Joban Line DLC (Tokyo Station, Ueno Station), Sobu Line (Rapid) DLC (Chiba Station), Takasaki Line DLC (Omiya Station, Jimbohara Station - Shimmachi Station)
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Addition of miscellaneous sounds during station stops
To enhance the realism of station stops, noise has been added to the following line DLCs.
Target lines: Keihin-Tohoku Line, Negishi Line, Chuo Line Rapid Service, Joban Line, Nambu Line (including Nambu Branch Line), Takasaki Line, Keiyo Line (Soga Station to Shiomi Station), Sobu Line (Rapid) (Kinshicho Station to Narita Station), Saikyo Line and Kawagoe Line (all stations except Omiya Station)
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Improve HUD visibility (trial implementation)
Red and orange letters: Add black border
Other color letters: add shadow right next to the letter

Replacement of sound material for platform door closing sound
Replace the material to improve sound quality.

【Keihin-Tohoku Line, Negishi Line】

Implementation of platform door opening/closing sound to Akabane Station
Implement platform door open/close sound at Akabane Station, where platform doors are installed on the video.
As a result, the stopping position tolerance will be ±35 cm at Akabane Station, regardless of the difficulty setting.
Please note that the TASC function will not be implemented as a result of this update.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

【Joban Line DLC】

Implementation of level crossing sound while the train is stopped at Uchihara station
Implement the sounding of a railroad crossing located at the end of the platform.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

【Shin-etsu Line DLC】

1327M: Expand operating time between Kashiwazaki Station and Ibarame Station by 15 seconds.
With the expansion of the operating time, arrival times after Ibarame Station will be pushed back by 15 seconds.

【Koumi Line DLC】

Correction of incorrect gradient setting between Usuda Station and Tatsuokajo Station.
Near the level crossing just after departure from Usuda Station Before correction: 20‰ downstream → After correction: 3.0‰ downstream

[h3]If you like this update and the Takasaki Line DLC, we would appreciate your review ratings.
Your reviews are the driving force behind our work.
[/h3]

We will continue to update the software based on the reviews and comments we receive.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2844540/JR_____E2333000/