Latest Newsletter

June 2025 Newsletter

New Website

We were very pleased to launch a new version of our website this month. The fundamental layout remains the same but with a more modern look, fit for years to come. We hope you like it!

The Workbench

Work has progressed on the Class 66 Enhancement Pack 2.0 at a slow and steady pace this month. In terms of functionality, there is now variable brake/power factor, improved brake simulation, gradient correction, wheelslip and GSMR/NRN radios in the same vein as the Class 92 Enhancement Pack; as well as much more.

We then moved onto audio. Separate engine sounds have been implemented for original and low emission variants, as well as individual sound sets for each cab so one end sounds different to the other. In addition, all three horn types are represented; the original loud ones which blast your head off, the pathetic modern variant which are barely fit for a Parry People Mover, let alone a heavy freight loco, and the tuneful 'Euro' variant heard on many of the imported examples from continental Europe. Cooler group, run, brake, cab switches/buttons and many other bits still remain to be done but we're getting there.

In the meantime, we'll leave you with a screenshot from the enhanced cab which has many labels/stickers/items improved in resolution; the most drastic change probably being the new gauges pictured below which are based on photos of the real thing, as well as having much more accurate lighting. The logo on the ammeter also changes depending on whether you're driving an original or low emission example!

Looking to next month and beyond, 'real life' influences are going to affect the amount of time we can put into projects for a good while. Since starting Armstrong Powerhouse in 2008, the rate at which we've released products has only been possible with working 12 hour days, 7 days a week, with the odd day off/holiday sprinkled inbetween. Please bear with us then as releases will likely be much fewer and farther between for the remainder of the year. We may not always get a newsletter out either if there's nothing of substance to report but do not fear, we haven't gone, just taking it easier for a while.

Blast From The Past