Few experiences are as engaging as watching passionate and knowledgeable individuals explain their interests or showcase their skills. One enthusiastic Stardew Valley fan has recently captured the attention of the game’s creator, Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone. This fan made a persuasive case for more realistic train engines in the beloved farming simulation game.
Recently, Twitter user pilarhasballs (let’s just call them Pilar) reached out to Barone with a simple request: to enhance the authenticity of the in-game train. This amusing interaction caught my eye, and I felt compelled to share it with you.
Pilar’s four-part Twitter thread eloquently laid out their case, stating, “As an avid railroad enthusiast, it is my sworn duty (not really) to notice discrepancies in railroad art and train references throughout life.” They continued, highlighting one specific “discrepancy” in Stardew that they felt needed correction. Having known a train enthusiast myself, I can certainly relate to this level of detail.
Enhancing Stardew Valley’s Trains
Pilar elaborated, mentioning, “The locomotive in Stardew is a very old-fashioned ten-wheeler (4-6-0 wheel arrangement) that would’ve been manufactured in the latter part of the 19th century.” They went on to point out that “these locomotives were ALWAYS accompanied by a tender (coal car) which holds the fuel for the locomotive, water, and coal—or possibly wood at that time.” After this detailed breakdown, they paused momentarily for emphasis.
The fan continued, “The tender is REQUIRED for these locomotives since the engine lacks water storage tanks or a coal/wood bunker; essentially, the tender is half of the engine.” It’s important to note that all the emphasis in capitalization is entirely Pilar’s style.
In conclusion, Pilar pleaded, “So, as a railfan and someone who loves accurate train depictions, PLEASE add a tender to the locomotive in Stardew Valley. Without it, the train is anatomically incorrect. If you need design ideas, the in-game engine is already similar to the Sierra Railroad #3.”
Game and Train Lore Meeting
While I’m primarily a gaming journalist and not one who specializes in trains, a bit of quick research seems to back Pilar’s assertions. You’re likely familiar with the Sierra No. 3, as it has appeared in enough films to earn the nickname “Movie Star Locomotive.” Just imagine a classic black train engine, and you’re probably on point.
Barone responded to Pilar with, “Interesting, thanks for the info.” I can only picture how thrilled this train enthusiast must have been at receiving such acknowledgment from the game’s creator.
Did the inaccuracy of the train in Stardew Valley bother me before? Not at all. Will it nag at me with this newfound knowledge? Not really. And will Stardew Valley update its train mechanics in light of Pilar’s insight? I have no idea, but if it does happen, I’ll certainly think of Pilar in the process.
Barone describes his upcoming title, Haunted Chocolatier, as “more of an action RPG,” yet he maintains that it is still “a life sim” similar to Stardew Valley, albeit with a more “dark and mysterious” atmosphere.