JR EAST Train Simulator News

Thank you for playing JR EAST Train Simulator!

We hope everyone is enjoying the JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line DLC and update that was released on March 26 (Tuesday).

We have received the following comments about the JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line DLC.
"DLC that allows you to experience our industrial heritage."
"The sound of the engines and the running rails are implemented at a very high level of sophistication."
"The sound of the real driver pointing and calling is very good."
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, I hope you all got the hint about the next distribution route that I gave in the last YouTube live-stream.(1：31：00～)

Let's try to answer the question, what was the line that "God" represented?[/h3]

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[h3]The meaning of the word "God" was a reference to "Namahage," a visiting deity seen in traditional folk customs in the Oga Peninsula of Akita Prefecture who comes to warn people against laziness and to purge them of misfortune.
And when we talk about routes related to "Namahage," we are referring to the "Oga Namahage Line”.
When it comes to the line nicknamed "Oga Namahage Line," you already know what it is, don't you?[/h3]

[h4]So, the next DLC will be "Oga Line"![/h4]


[h3]

• Route: Oga Line
  
• Section: Outbound Akita Station ⇒ Oga Station (39.4km)
  
• Data before the opening of Izumi-Sotoasahikawa Station is included.
  
• Model: Series EV-E801 (2-car train)
  
• Release date: Scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, 2024
  
• International sales price: US$29.99
  

[/h3]

The Oga Line is a 26.4 km long line connecting Oiwake Station in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, to Oga Station in Oga City, Akita Prefecture.All trains operate directly to the Ou Line, and this DLC includes a 39.4 km long section, including a portion between Akita Station and Oiwake Station on the Ou Line.
The Oga Line began service in 1913 as the Funakawa Light Rail Line connecting Oiwake and Futada Stations, and later in 1916 the entire line was opened to Funakawa Station, which is now Oga Station. Currently, only regular trains operate on the line, but in the past, the night express train "Oga" departing from Ueno Station used to run to Oga Station as a temporary train.
The maximum speed changes depending on the section of track (Ou Line section: 95 km/h, Oga Line section: 85 km/h), and all trains are operated as one-man trains. (*In this DLC, implemented in two-man specification)
The EV-E801 series AC battery-powered trains began operating on the Oga Line in 2017, and now all trains on the line are operated by the EV-E801 series. The EV-E801 Series runs in two modes: between Akita Station and Oiwake Station, the electrified section, it runs on electricity from overhead wires, while between Oiwake Station and Oga Station, the non-electrified section, it runs on electricity stored in storage batteries with the pantographs down. The first track at Oga Station is equipped with recharging facilities so that passengers can recharge their batteries during the time the train stops before turning around.
On the way to Oiwake Station, the Ou Line section runs through a bedroom town of Akita City. After leaving Oiwake Station, the train enters the Oga Line section, where fields along the line become conspicuous, and from the Wakimoto Station area, the train winds through mountainous areas. Please enjoy driving the EV-E801 series AC battery-powered train with the sightseeing spot "Mt. Kanpuzan" in Oga City, Akita Prefecture in this DLC.

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!

Thank you for playing JR EAST Train Simulator!

In conjunction with the release of the JR EAST Train Simulator DLC Vol. 15 "JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line," we will be holding a live YouTube broadcast on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. Japan time to talk passionately about the latest DLC "Rumoi Line" and the update.
The usual members of the team will be on hand to introduce the features implemented for the first time in the Rumoi Line DLC, as well as to demonstrate the automatic braking operation of Kiha 54, and much more.
Please come and watch!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

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

Thank you for playing JR EAST Train Simulator.
Thank you for your patience, we have started to distribute the 15th DLC, "JR Hokkaido Rumoi Line" today, March 26 (Tuesday)!


[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.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

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

• 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!
• Implemented touch sound when confirming the train diagram!

[/h4]

[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]

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



[h3]The following features have been added and modified for the release of the DLC.[/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.
  
• The noise of footsteps during station stops has been modified to make the sound less noticeable.

【Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line, Yamanote Line DLC】
• Changed the color of the diamond-shaped mark to a color that is easier to identify when it overlaps the bar of the stop position target.

[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]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/2889350/JR_____54500/?beta=0

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!

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]

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[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!