Having read and re-read the TRS19 announcement from N3V, I was a bit confused so I hopped over to the other forum to see if there is some clarification
My main query is if you want any of the goodies for TRS19, you need a subscription, otherwise it's base content plus legacy content. Seems that may well be the case if this answer from Tony means what I think it does.
I have no intention of pursuing the subscription method but I'm also not sure if the standalone package is much use if you don't get access to the TRS19 pretty stuff without the basic membership. Okay, I buy a FCT currently but even if I don't, I can still access the features of TANE, if I'm reading this correctly, that is not the case with TRS19.I am aware that some people don't like subscriptions. I am also aware that very early on day 1, many more people are purchasing the Gold Class option than the pre-order option (by a significant margin).
I posted in another thread, but it is worth copying here as well so that we're comparing apples with apples:
Traditional Store purchases:
* TRS19 = $69.99
* FCT = $34.99/yr
* One DLC - Trainz Route: Coal Country = $39.99
Total = $145
Gold Class Membership = $149
* TRS19 included
* FCT included
* 75 DLC items included(worth hundreds of dollars)
* Preview Pass included(to enjoy all new DLC items for 14 days per-release)
* Trainz Plus included (access to new Trainz features before anyone else)
* 25% discount code (save 25% off items even when they are already on sale)
It's interesting to note that Tony suggests there has already been a high uptake of membership, especially gold. Maybe I'm just cautious but that sounds like a bit of a risk given we haven't really seen much of the new sim; some screen shots, some glossy videos. Yes, it looks very nice but my biggest gripe is there is no mention of improved vehicle physics or sound so what you essentially get is a shinier version of TANE that looks, well, it looks very good as far as I can tell, but that means nothing if trains and sounds aren't enhanced to match.
I'm going to go out on a limb though and bet that TRS19 will continue to utilise the external Rock The Boat™ vehicle sway.