The annual Steam Autumn Sale has arrived and with it discounts on hundreds of Add-Ons for Train Simulator Classic. Discover a new route or learn a new locomotive with a wide-range of offers. Not got something on your Wishlist already? Read on for some Autumn Sale recommendations...


Some of the best arrivals from 2023 are featured in the Autumn Sale with some unique experiences ready to enjoy. Take on challenging US freight delivery with Saluda Grade (-20%). Explore stunning Scottish scenery with Glasgow to Dunblane & Alloa (-25%). Immerse in bustling rapid transit with Hamburg U-Bahn U1 (-25%). Experience exhillerating Chinese high-speed with Zhengxi Highspeed (-10%). If you missed these at launch now is the perfect time to try out these great routes.


If you're looking for the biggest discounts in the Autumn Sale you can find up to 70% off some famous Train Simulator Add-Ons. Take on one of the busiest routes on the British rail network with the stunning East Coast Main Line London-Peterborough. Enjoy spectacular scenery and large sweeping curves through the Rocky Mountains with Marias Pass. Or cross borders through epic picturesque Alpine landscapes with Mittenwaldbahn. These and more are 70% off.


With hundreds of routes on sale now is a good time to try out a new region or experience. Go round and round under the heart of Scotland’s most populous city with Glasgow Subway (-50%). Head into the breathtaking mountains of Turkey with Taurus Mountains (-30%). Discover the legendary Colorado narrow gauge aboard historic Steam with Rio Grande Southern (-50%). Or why not try a Swiss adventure with a route that runs through some truly incredible scenery with the Albula Line (-50%).


Master a new machine this Autumn with discounts on some legendary locomotives. Operate the massive and powerful General Electric E60 on the Northeast Corridor (-50%). Take the throttle of one of America’s greatest and most renowned steam locomotives and experience the glory days of steam with the Union Pacific Heavy Challenger (-30%). Head to New Zealand and the Midland Line aboard the footplate of the NZ Ja Class (-25%). Or if you're looking for something modern try the CRH2A EMU and fly across Chinese routes at 250 km/h.

Offers end 28 November. What will you be picking up in the Steam Autumn Sale? Browse offers here.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/

Today we’re rolling out all of the features and changes that have been included in the recent Public Beta (75.6a) on Steam. Now available to all on this update features plugin updates for SilverLining, and also addresses Visual Studio warnings related to 64-bit memory allocation. Overview on these changes...

• SilverLining Update - This has been updated to the current latest version of 6.39. This allows for greater detail on lighting, skies and weather effects. Snow and rain in particular are improved with this update giving an enhanced experience when driving, with a more realistic representation of distance-based visibility.
  
• Visual Studio Warnings - We have addressed more than 900 warnings related to 64-bit memory allocation. This substantially improves the overall stability of Train Simulator Classic.

This update should install the next time you launch Steam, please make sure you have automatic updates switched on.

What’s next? With this update the existing Public Beta will remain unchanged, so both this / standard Train Simulator will be the same for now regardless of which you use. In December we will be updating the Public Beta with some work on long-standing bug issues. More to come on this next month.

Thanks to all on the Beta forums who have helped with testing these changes, your feedback and support has made this update possible!

The Chinese rail network is one of the biggest and busiest in the world with over 155,000 km of track, serving billions of passengers each year. It's also one of the most technologically advanced, featuring the fastest trains operating today. Experience this thrill in Train Simulator Classic as you race past towering mountains, picturesque countryside and bustling cities at breathtaking speeds with Chinese add-ons for Train Simulator Classic. Discounted this week as part of our Chinese Singles Day Sale.

You can browse all of the Chinese DLC available on this Steam List. Sale highlights include...


The latest release from developer SimTech Vision for Train Simulator. Enjoy scenic views of Henan Province travelling through agricultural landscapes, past rivers, rolling mountains, and rural villages. Push the throttle through this picturesque route to reach 350 km/h with the modern high-speed CR400BF EMU. Newly built for this route, the CR400BF is one of the fastest trains in the world. Nicknamed the ‘Golden Phoenix’ for its striking white/gold livery.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2403302/


Fascinating at every passing valley and breath-taking gradient, China’s high-speed network is never one to miss, and a fascinating section has come to life as developer Union Workshop bring 170km of modern, high-speed operations to Train Simulator. Take control of the Shinkansen-derived CRH2A EMU as you speed through tunnels and across bridges between between the respective capitals of the Guizhou and Guangdong provinces.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/980547/


Boasting over 570 km of truly rapid inter-city travel, the Southwest China High Speed Network, available for Train Simulator, is a wonder in and of itself; watch high-flying viaducts and scenic valleys soar past as you embark on one of the fastest sets of rails in the world from Just Trains. This route features the iconic CRH1A and CRH1E locomotives based on the Bombardier Zefiro 250 family. Take control of these high-speed units on this popular route.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/376954/

Pick up these Chinese Add-Ons and many more in our sale this week. Sale ends 13 November Browse discounts.

In October we've updated the Beta, launched a new loco, and celebrated both German and Austrian railways in Train Simulator. Read on to find out more about what's happened in the month.

The Beta build has been updated this month, with numerous bug fixes to the core code as part of our upgrade to the latest Visual Studio. This has resulted in a big leap in stability. You can find an overview on this update on the official Train Simulator forums, where you can also provide feedback on your experience with the Beta. If you haven’t joined the Beta yet, get involved.


Our big release for October was the fantastic Burlington Northern U25 from Digital Train Model. This content rich loco add-on features the GE U25B in two styles, steel cupola caboose, and six freight cars. All of which feature a wide array of liveries. An essential addition for any US collection. Head over to the Steam Store page to find out more. You can also find a nice Workshop scenario for this loco from High Iron Simulations here. Get the loco:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2403301/


With both German Unity Day and Austrian National Day in the month we’ve updated our hobby articles on Dovetail Live. You can find an introduction to German rail, as well as a definitive list on Austrian Add-Ons for Train Simulator Classic. Head to Dovetail Live to read these guides and more on our Hobby Page. Our Austrian Sale is also still running this weekend (ends 30 October), browse discounts.

This month a core scripting issue has been fixed on BNSF Montana Hi-Line, Stevens Pass and the Springfield Line. If you have automatic updates switched on you should have these already.


Upcoming in November you can look forward to a new Austrian route arriving on Steam from RSSLO with Wien - St.Pölten, a Southern Railway Retro Pack for Saluda Grade from High Iron Simulations, and more.

Discover the wonders of Austrian rail in Train Simulator this week as we celebrate Austrian National Day. You can find a wide range of Add-Ons from the region discounted as part of the event - covering a mix of breathtaking Alpine mountain landscapes, picturesque countryside, and vibrant urban centers.

You can browse the full list of Austrian DLC on the Steam Store. Highlights from the sale include...

https://store.steampowered.com/app/325990/
The picture postcard scenery of the Austrian Alps dominate the stunning Semmeringbahn: Mürzzuschlag to Gloggnitz route. This features some of the most stunning railway scenery seen anywhere in the world – two-storey high viaducts, more than 100 stone bridges, 16 tunnels and 11 iron bridges are prominent throughout the route. Drive this route with the Class 1116 in ÖBB Livery.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/820201/
Forming a connection between the Italian railway network at Verona and the Austrian network at Innsbruck, the Brennerbahn is an electrified line which crosses the valleys and passes of the Italian-Austrian border. Brenner station stands at a lofty 1,371 metres above sea level, making it the highest point on both the Austrian ÖBB network and the Italian FS network.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1109202/
A unique railcar, the ÖBB 5047 was built in 1987 following an order for a series of diesel railcars that were based off DB’s BR 627 units. They would be designed to fulfil quieter duties on rural routes, being made of only a single vehicle and featuring an on-board ticket machine, allowing people to purchase tickets without the need for machines or additional staff at every station.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/861885/
In the 1990s, passenger capacity on certain routes in Austria were reaching their limits, and something needed to be done to relieve the strain. The solution was the introduction of double-decker coaches. One locomotive that regularly ran these new coaches was the ÖBB 1144. Together they make for a great operational pair.

This week we're celebrating German rail in Train Simulator. As part of this you can find discounts across a wide range of German add-ons. You can browse all of the German add-ons available in this Steam List. Read on for some highlights of the sale...

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2288624/
Explore the U-Bahn Hamburg U1 from Just Trains, a bustling rapid transit line set in the heart of Germany’s vibrant city. Take a tour of Hamburg visiting residential neighbourhoods, wealthy districts and busy downtown areas as you deliver passengers to their destinations. On this route from Just Trains you will take control of the modern HHA Type DT5 EMU rebuilt in detail for Train Simulator.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2009528/
The picturesque countryside of Bavaria awaits! Lean into the scenic unelectrified curves and lush forested hills of Germany with Pegnitztalbahn: Nürnberg - Bayreuth. This route recreates the 93 km section between Nürnberg and Bayreuth, with 17 intermediate stations en route. Take on the tilting challenge of the DB BR 612’s unique controls, as well as other diesel traction across a variety of challenging scenarios.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/222545/
The second-generation Deutsche Bahn ICE 2 is synonymous with stylish high speed train travel in Germany, and now you can take control of this cool express train in Train Simulator. This EMU features a fully detailed cab and internal control panel with functioning AFB, PZB and LZB systems. Take it for a drive on your favourite route with Quick Drive, or try the Munich - Augsburg scenarios included (the route is also 40% off in the sale).

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1637257/
Cross the French/German border aboard high-speed traction and heavy freight motive power. Immerse yourself into the extensive and bustling operations on this key international route. Climb aboard the SNCF BR 186 and haul container traffic into Germany, make the return trip from the complex cabs of the TGV Euroduplex or ICE 3M, and hop on-board regional and additional ICE trains to Offenburg.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/325988
As one of the most important routes in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the Hamburg-Lübeck Railway forms part of the Vogelfluglinie, connecting Germany’s second largest city with the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. The route includes a number of prototypical rolling stock, including the DB BR 145 electric locomotive, DB BR 218 diesel hydraulic locomotive and DBAG BR 294 diesel freight shunter.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1429757
Explore the packed city of Dresden and discover various lineside industries. The Bahnstrecke Riesa - Dresden route for Train Simulator features both the fast and slow lines, allowing for two different views out the windscreen as you take on the challenges of inter-city, regional, s-bahn passenger services as well as freight. The route includes five DB locos, as well as a selection of coaches and wagons.

Head to the Steam List to find something new for your German collection. The sale ends 9 October.

This month we've kicked off our Public Beta and launched six new add-ons! Read on for the breakdown...


Our Train Simulator Classic Public Beta is now live, you can opt into this via Steam. The first Beta includes upgraded implementation of lighting, skies and weather via a SilverLining update. For those taking part in the Beta you can look forward to more in the coming months. Not joined in already? You can find out about the Beta and how to get access on the launch news.

• Read More

Two exciting new routes have launched in September. Experience the charm of Scotland and scenic diverse landscapes as you explore Glasgow to Dunblane and Alloa from Thomson Interactive. This feature-filled route is a must for UK railfans. Also released in the month is the exhilarating Chinese high-speed route, the Zhengxi passenger line from SimTech Vision. Take the controls of the new CR400BF EMU ‘Golden Phoenix’ at 350 km/h.

• Glasgow to Dunblane and Alloa
  
• Zhengxi Highspeed: Zhengzhou - Sanmenxia

Three new loco add-ons have arrived in September. Discover the Austrain rail legend ÖBB 5081 Schienenbus from RSSLO, the E412 multi-system ‘Brennerlok’ also from RSSLO, and the powerful heavy hauler Norfolk Southern SD70ACU from Travel by Train. It’s been a great month for new locos to learn, and we have more coming in October with the Burlington Northern U25 from Digital Train Model and a new Chinese loco from Just Trains.

• ÖBB 5081 Schienenbus
  
• E412 Electric Locomotive
  
• Norfolk Southern SD70ACU

Scenarios packs are a great way to get more from your favourite routes, and the Saluda Grade Scenario Pack 01 from is no exception. Featuring 10 new scenarios for the route that closely match real-world operations, this pack gives you a great excuse to get back into the iconic and challenging Blue Ridge Mountain route from High Iron Simulations. The route has also been updated on Steam this month to fix an issue with user created scenarios, these can now be uploaded to the Workshop.

• Saluda Grade Scenario Pack 01

September has been a busy one for Train Simulator, what have you been playing this month?

Available now from acclaimed developer Thomson Interactive, this new Scottish route brings an array of new features and unique driving experience.



Originally opened in 1848 the Glasgow to Dunblane line is a key transportation route for Scotland, serving commuters and travellers for over a century. Electrification of the 35-mile route from Glasgow Queen Street to Dunblane was completed in 2019, and the 7-mile branch from Stirling to Alloa was also electrified as part of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP). As part of this route you can enjoy new ‘Series 2’ overhead catenary which has been built with realistic detail. The signalling system has also been enhanced with “high speed approach control with aspect release” and “approach control from red” at key diverging junctions.

Start out your journey at the urban hub of Glasgow Queen Street, this iconic station has been authentically recreated for the route. As you leave Glasgow you will pass through suburban neighbourhoods, picturesque countryside and rolling hills whilst passing 70+ unique bridges and many famous landmarks like the National Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle and the Falkirk Wheel. At Stirling the line splits to both Dunblane and Alloa where your journey ends.

Today Class 385 Electric Multiple Units provide service on Glasgow to Dunblane. First used in 2018 on the route these 100 mph EMUs were built by Hitachi for ScotRail, with a total of 70 units ordered consisting of three and four car sets. This feature filled EMU includes a detailed driver cabin fitted with the latest Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) panel that differentiates between “AWS Fail to Cancel”, Overspeed and SPAD emergency events. An operational Train Management System (TMS) is also provided. The TMS includes dynamic graphics, train information, lighting control, destination selection, driver advisory system, safety prompts and more.

To add to the driving challenge “car stop” boards have been integrated at stations that dynamically provide “accuracy bonus” points based on where you stop your train.

The Class 385 and the stations on the route also include a new custom-built dynamic Passenger Information System (PIS). Once your destination is set, displays in the passenger cabins and on-board announcements will update based on your current location. On station platforms the PIS will display destination, calling stops and announcements will update passengers. These also include late running visuals and announcements if you’re not keeping to time! The manual for this route includes a detailed guide on how to implement this new PIS system in your own scenarios.

Discover Glasgow to Dunblane and Alloa for Train Simulator, boarding now on the Steam Store.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2403286

Hello again! We’re now at a stage of the development process where we are ready to invite you to take part in Beta Testing the new improvements to the core builds.

Your feedback from the last phase of development work was clear in that you wanted to be able to opt into the updates and leave yourself with a fallback option. So, this is how we’ll proceed moving forward. You’ll therefore need to opt into the Beta to try out the new features/bug fixes, etc. We provide full instructions further into this article – see the section on Opting in and Opting Out.

The Beta is planned to be what we call a “Rolling Beta”. This means that the Beta will continue over a period of a year or more with the new features and fixes coming to the Beta first, and after receiving your feedback and any fixes applied, will then get rolled out to the Live Public branch. This process will continue throughout the Public Beta with builds coming in regularly depending on the work being done.

The first Beta will include the upgraded implementation of the Lighting, 3D Skies and 3D weather engine, SilverLining by SunDog Software. We have implemented the latest cutting-edge version of this which brings a host of improvements and fixes to the Dynamic Lighting and 3D Weather in Train Simulator. Over the course of the next year, the plugin will be tuned, with your feedback, to take advantage of additional performance improvements coming later. This means greater detail, better looking skies and enhanced environmental effects. The first implementation you should already see a difference in how snow and rain render as you drive, with a more realistic representation of distance-based visibility.

Firstly, a caution. Please note that any beta builds that are uploaded, as with any beta software, there are no guarantees or warranties implied. Whilst we take every effort to make sure builds are suitable and usable by players, we cannot factor every eventuality, every configuration of PC, or every player ability when making this software available. Crashing, things not working as they should, poor performance, etc. are all things you should expect. You therefore opt into it at your own risk.

Before you opt into the Beta, it is worth reading the below to make sure you are properly prepared and have taken the proper precautions to safeguard your collection.

Whilst there is minimal chance of anything we upload affecting your collection, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that opting into the beta branch will not trigger a verify process. This process is instigated by Steam itself and we have no control over it. It is known to take some time, depending on how large your content library is, and can sometimes overwrite files which have been modified to be different than what is downloaded from Steam. You should therefore only opt into the beta when you have enough time to complete the process.

If you’re using modded content or content installed from sources outside of Steam, then you should take steps to safeguard your collection by making a backup of your Content and Asset folders. If you need help to do this, please contact Customer Support or ask in the forums for help.

We would recommend that you spend a couple of days if you have a large content library to do the opt in process. Spend the first day backing up your content, and making sure you’ve considered everything, including any accompanying applications (announcements) and supporting documentation (manuals), then spend the second day opting into the beta and allowing Steam to complete a verify if needed.

As part of the Beta programme, you will likely need to opt in and opt out of the Beta several times during the course of testing.

Opting into the Beta is easy, follow the steps below to opt into the Beta:

• Navigate to your Steam Games Library and locate Train Simulator.
  
• Right-Click on Train Simulator and then left-click on Properties.
  
• Click the Betas option on the left-hand side of the Train Simulator Properties dialog.
  
• On the right, where it says “Beta Participation” select “public_beta” from the dropdown box.
  
• Close the Train Simulator Properties dialog.
  
• A download will commence and once completed, you will now have opted into the Beta.
  
• You can verify you are on the right build by noting the build number in the starting screen, which is currently 754b.

Opting out of the Beta is also easy, follow the steps below to opt out:

• Navigate to your Steam Game Library and locate Train Simulator.
  
• Right-Click on Train Simulator and then left-click on Properties.
  
• Click the Betas option on the left-hand side of the Train Simulator Properties dialog.
  
• On the right, where it says “Beta Participation” select “none” from the dropdown box.
  
• Close the Train Simulator Properties dialog.
  
• A download will commence and once completed, you will now have opted out of the Beta and will be back on the live public build.
  
• You can verify you are on the right build by noting the build number in the starting screen, which is currently 74.2c.

To make it easier for us to keep track of feedback specific to the Beta, we have set up a special forum on Dovetail Live for you to post in. Please use only this forum to post feedback on the Beta, and only the aspects of the Beta that are currently being tested. Visit the new Beta Forum.

Please do not send your feedback to Customer Support as it will be rejected, and no-one will receive your feedback.

We would also ask you to respect our many partners and do not bombard them with support requests if anything you experience in the beta happens to affect any of their products. Please post the feedback in the forums as it is our responsibility to ensure that all content remains as usable in the Beta as it is in the Public Live build. We will co-ordinate with our partners if we deem it necessary.

Each new build we upload will be accompanied by a suitable forum post which will outline what has changed as well as the current build number and key areas to test. Updates to core code are often relatively small of around 60 mb or less. If you receive a download without seeing an accompanying forum post, it is likely something in your content library has been updated and core will remain unaffected – you can verify this by making a point of checking and tracking the build number each startup.

Now go and check out the Beta and let us know how you get on! You can also find an FAQ below covering this first Beta launch.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010

Where do I post feedback?
You can post feedback in the new Beta Forum on Dovetail Live.

I have some ideas for improvements you should make to the beta, where do I post that?
In the forum linked above, there will be an Improvement Ideas thread for you to post in. All thoughts and ideas are welcome.

What’s different about the beta than what I currently have?
Aside from it being beta software, there have been some changes to the core code. To see what those changes are, please refer to the forum thread or read the section of this article entitled “What’s new in the first Beta”.

I don’t have the space to backup everything, what can I do?
We would recommend not participating in the Beta. This kind of software is inherently unpredictable, and we cannot guarantee that it will not have any effect on any modded content in your library. If you choose to do so without backing up your content, please be prepared to reinstall any mods after you opt out.

I only use content from Steam, is it safe for me to opt in without backing up my content?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re only using content that you’ve bought from Steam, there is no risk to your content library as Steam will re-instate your content exactly as it was when you bought it. We would, however, recommend you at least backup your “PlayerProfiles.bin” file which is a small file that records your progress. You can find this file in your installation folder (typically this is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steamapps\Common\Railworks\Content). Just copy the file to a safe place on your computer somewhere, for example, your desktop.

I’ve opted in and now Train Simulator won’t start at all, what do I do?
Firstly, this is useful information for us to know. Please post in the forum thread linked above and let us know – someone will reach out to you privately to obtain some details from you. Once we’ve done so, opt out of the beta. If you continue to see problems starting Train Simulator after opting out, contact Customer Support.

Is this a one-off Beta or can we expect to see more Betas in the future?
Our plan is to keep updating the Beta as we bring improvements to the core code. This is likely to take a year or more so you can expect to receive regular updates. Some updates may take longer than others, and there may be weeks or even months between updates. Please be patient and we’ll try to keep you informed of our progress as we go, either in the forum or in a Developer Diary article.

What’s the point of the Beta?
We’ve reached a point in the development of Train Simulator where it would be more practical and useful to include more players in the testing of the new features as they come along. Train Simulator is more than just a hobby for many, and as we’re committed to improving it for everyone, what better way to do that than to give everyone an opportunity to be a part of shaping its future.

Will I only get the new features in the Beta?
Once we’re happy that the new features are stable, and we’ve done all we can to limit bugs and other undesirable effects, the current Beta will be promoted to the Live branch and at that point, both the Beta and Public will be the same until we upload the next Beta build. Ultimately, everyone will get the new features but only after they have been through the Beta and bug fixing process first.

In August we've visited the "steepest standard gauge mainline railway grade in the US", explored a vibrant German city, announced a new Scottish route and more! Read on for the highlights of August.


Announced today! Experience the charm of Scotland and scenic diverse landscapes as you explore Glasgow to Dunblane and Alloa. Arriving for Train Simulator on 14 September and available to pre-order now with -10% off. This feature-filled route includes a detailed Class 385 EMU, incredible unique scenery, dynamic platform and on-train audio announcement system and so much more. Head over to the store page for the full route details. Pre-order now.


Created for Train Simulator Classic by acclaimed developer High Iron Simulations, this historic Norfolk Southern (ex-Southern Railway) route extends 70 miles from Asheville, North Carolina, to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and includes the legendary and daunting 4.7 per cent railroad grade that ascended the east slope of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. Buy now.


Take a tour of Hamburg visiting residential neighbourhoods, wealthy districts and busy downtown areas as you deliver passengers to their destinations. The U-Bahn Hamburg U1 is your gateway to German urban exploration. On this rouote take control of the modern HHA Type DT5 EMU with fully operational onboard computer and automatic announcements spoken by Ingrid Metz-Neun. Buy now.


As promised in our recent developer article we have updated the default start up option to be 64-bit instead of 32-bit. This does not affect your ability to select or play either 32-bit or 64-bit. If you have already saved a default option to play each time you load Train Simulator, you will need to re-select an option to save as your default option. Read the full dev update on Dovetail Live.


The Union Pacific Big Boy, Union Pacific Challenger, and Union Pacific FEF-3 have all received updates this month adjusting injector values to compensate for the fix to the core code. These updates also included a new static model for the Union Pacific Big Boy and added handbrake key command for the Union Pacific FEF-3. You can find these legendary steam locos and many more add-ons from Smokebox on the Steam Store.