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.

Saluda Grade: Legendary, historic, and both respected and feared by the generations of railroaders who tamed it – now comes to Train Simulator Classic with the Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route!



Created by acclaimed developer High Iron Simulations, this new Norfolk Southern (ex-Southern Railway) “Pro Range” route for Train Simulator Classic extends 70 mainline miles from Asheville North Carolina, to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and include the legendary and daunting 4.7 per cent grade that ascended the east slope of North America’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.

The climb and the descent of 4.7 percent Saluda Grade represented one of the greatest challenges in the history of North American railroading, and with this new Train Simulator Classic “Pro Range” route you’ll experience those challenges in full and ultra-realistic fashion. And in addition to unrivaled Saluda Grade, the route is tough and unforgiving from end to end, with numerous grade of more than 1 percent stretching in roller-coaster, “saw tooth” fashion over virtually the entire length of the line.

As is a hallmark of High Iron Simulations’ routes (which include the popular CSX Hanover Subdivision and B&O Mountain Subdivision routes), the new Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route is richly detailed, authentic, and includes a wealth of locomotive, rolling stock, and realistic scenarios.

Set in the 1980s/early 1990s, the route is remarkable for its variety of operations and railroading experiences. Anchored by sprawling Asheville and Spartanburg (Hayne) yards, the route features sidings, spurs, and branches that serve more than 40 industries, including the Skyland coal-fired power plant, the Cane Creek industrial complex, wood and lumber yards, and numerous cement, quarry, warehousing, and manufacturing industries.

Between Asheville and Spartanburg, you’ll also witness – and battle – the majestic and rugged Blue Ridge Mountains, totting tonnage through meticulously re-created and hallowed railroad locations such as Saluda and Melrose, Summit Lake and Tryon, Sand Cut and Tallowpot Rocks, Landrum and Biltmore.

Providing the motive power and included with the route are three all-new models of Norfolk Southern Electro-Motive diesels of the route’s era:

• A distinctive high-nose ex-Southern Railway Electro-Motive SD40-2 with authentic Southern-style “bi-directional” control stand and Southern Railway details.
  
• A low-nose ex-Norfolk & Western SD40-2 with standard control stand and N&W-specific details.
  
• The unique ex-Southern Railway GP35 with high-nose, AAR (Alco trade-in) trucks, and Southern-style “bi-directional control stand.

Each of the locomotives features advanced and realistic air braking, dynamic braking, and performance which promise to make the challenges of the Saluda Grade route both extraordinary and authentic. To help you master the challenges of Saluda, the “Pro Range” route includes:

• Saluda Grade Manual (External link)
  
• Saluda Grade Brake Guide (External link)
  
• Saluda Grade Video Guide (External link)

Joining the diesel power on the Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route is a superb selection of freight rolling stock in Norfolk Southern, Southern Railway, and Norfolk & Western liveries. Equipment includes a 50-foot boxcar, 2-bay covered hopper, 3-bay covered hopper, 100-ton coal hopper, woodchip gondola, ballast hopper, center-beam flat, bulkhead flat, gondola, and tank car.

With the now-available Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route, you’ll go right to work with a selection of ten realistic and ultra-challenging career scenarios (including both the ascent and descent of Saluda Grade and operating the Norfolk Southern’s massive and renowned “Belmont Coal Train”), three free-roam scenarios, and the route is Quick-Drive (QD) enabled.

Answer the call and accept one of North America’s greatest and most memorable railroading challenges, with the Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route for Train Simulator Classic, available now.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2403288/

Saluda. In American railroading, it is a word and a place that require no introduction. To append the phrase that made it railroading legend, Saluda was “The steepest standard gauge, mainline railway grade in the U. S.” And soon, the Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route is coming to Train Simulator Classic!


Tucked in the southwest corner of North Carolina along the east face of the towering and magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, Saluda Mountain stood astride the Southern Railway’s Carolina Division. The Carolina Division was large and bustling, extending from Charleston and Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina, and yet it was the remarkable railroad grade standing between the mountain hamlets of Melrose and Saluda, North Carolina that made the route both an American railroading icon and a name to be respected and, on occasion, feared by railroaders. Between Melrose and Saluda, stood a railroad grade averaging 4.7 percent – thus Saluda’s claim as America’s steepest standard-gauge mainline grade.

How could it be that a key rail route of the great Southern Railway hosted a grade of nearly 5 percent? Simply put, there was no choice. The Blue Ridge Mountains are among the tallest in the Appalachian Chain and the eastern slope of the range largely lacks foothills to allow for a gentler climb. In history, the Saluda line was the great endeavor of Southern Railway predecessor Spartanburg & Asheville, and so it was the “S&A” climbed the mountain the hard (which is to say, steep) way. The line opened in 1878 and thirteen years later Southern Railway took control and operated the route for nine decades, until 1982 when Southern and Norfolk & Western joined to form today’s Norfolk Southern.

Giant Norfolk Southern operated over Saluda Grade until 2001, when tonnage on the line no longer justified its use as a through route. Today, the eastern portion of the line (Spartanburg – Landrum) remains a part of the Norfolk Southern system, while the western segment (Asheville – East Flat Rock) is operated by regional railroad Blue Ridge Southern.


As created for Train Simulator Classic by High Iron Simulations, the Saluda Grade: Asheville —Spartanburg route extends 70 route miles between Asheville North Carolina, and Spartanburg, South Carolina. In the Southern and early NS years, the line was known as the “A&S,” while later it was NS’s “W Line.” Asheville, set amid the splendor of the Blue Ridge, is a famous tourist destination and home to the Biltmore Mansion of railroad tycoon George Vanderbilt. In railroading terms, it was (and is) a focal point of railroading, as Southern Railway lines from all directions converged at Asheville.

Spartanburg, South Carolina, similarly was (and is) a busy junction between Southern Railway lines including the Saluda Grade route and the Southern Railway main line (stretching between Washington, D. C. and New Orleans, Louisiana). Both Asheville and Spartanburg (Hayne) are home to large rail yards.
Between Asheville and Spartanburg, the Saluda Grade route wends its way over and through the Blue Ridge Mountains. The legendary climb to Saluda from Melrose, with its 4.7 per cent grade is the signature element of the line, but it is far from the sole challenging feature of the route. In crossing the Blue Ridge, the line calls upon numerous additional grades of more than 1 per cent, and the rolling, “saw tooth” profile of the line makes operating trains a constant engineer’s challenge of effective throttle and braking use.

The route as created for Train Simulator Classic is also remarkably rich in rail-served lineside industries, lengthy spurs, and branches. There are more than 40 rail-served industries along the route, including the Skyland coal-fired power plant, the Cane Creek industrial complex, wood and lumber yards, and numerous cement, quarry, warehousing, and manufacturing industries. In the era represented by the route, a number of attractive ex-Southern Railway depots were extant and are included at trackside.
The Saluda Grade route is signaled single track, with lengthy passing tracks at key locations, including Asheville, Buena Vista, Naples, Hendersonville, Saluda, Melrose, Campobello, and Hayne. Track speed over much of the line is 40 mph, with the most treacherous mountain sections limited to 20 mph.


Few challenges in all of American railroading exceeded that of ascending and descending the 4.7 grade between Saluda and Melrose, and special procedures were utilized to ensure safe operations.
For the majority of trains climbing the grade westbound, “doubling” or “tripling” the grade between Melrose and Saluda was required. Once the first section of a train was taken to Saluda, the locomotives would return running light to Melrose and repeat the process. When the entire train was atop Saluda and reassembled, the train would continue west to Asheville.

Descending the grade was an even more daunting challenge. The descent process began when trains arrived at Saluda. Eastbound trains with 30 cars or less were required to stop west of Stop Board No. 1, while longer trains made their stop no later than Stop Board No. 2. Once stopped, an inspection was made, air brakes were fully charged, and retainers were typically set.

Upon the brakes being charged and retainers set, the train could begin its descent and dynamic brakes were immediately applied. Air brake applications were used as necessary in concert with dynamic braking to control speed. Descent speed between Saluda and Melrose was not to exceed 8 mph for trains and 15 mph for light locomotives. For a train moving at 8 mph, this required 22 minutes from Saluda to pass a timing board near Melrose. Retainers would be reset upon reaching either Melrose or Tryon pending the weight of the train.

The upcoming Saluda Grade route for Train Simulator Classic replicates the procedures and challenges of operating on the historic grade with remarkable authenticity. Get ready for taking on the challenge of this Pro Range route with a video guide created by Smokebox and manuals from the dev team. You can find these through the below links.

• Saluda Grade Manual (External link)
  
• Saluda Grade Brake Guide (External link)
  
• Saluda Grade Video Guide (External link and below!)

The upcoming Saluda Grade route for Train Simulator Classic will include three realistic Norfolk Southern Electro-Motive diesel locomotives: a high-nose (ex-Southern Railway) SD40-2 with bi-directional controls; a low-nose (ex-Norfolk & Western) SD40-2 with standard controls; and a high-nose, AAR-truck-equipped (ex-Southern) GP35. All three locomotive types are all-new models, and each features advanced braking and operating features. Joining the diesels with be a selection of ten types of freight rolling stock and ten realistic career scenarios.

The Saluda Grade: Asheville-Spartanburg route for Train Simulator Classic is set circa 1984-1994, in the formative years of Norfolk Southern operations, and during the NS era, the Saluda Grade route hosted a range of freight operations, including:

• Manifest Freights: Manifest (mixed consist) freights were the workhorses of the route, operating between Asheville and Spartanburg.
  
• The Belmont Coal Train: Over the final decades of Saluda operations, the queen of the line was the massive Belmont Coal Train which operated east over the route while making a trip from a mine at Andover, Virginia to a powerplant at Belmont, North Carolina. To bring these loaded trains of as much as 13,500-tons down the Saluda Grade required extraordinary care. The loaded trains often were equipped with four six-axle locomotives on the head-end and three more placed mid-train. Accordingly, the heavily loaded and long Belmont trains did not make a halt at the Saluda stop boards. The returning Belmont empties often were also routed via Saluda and because the entire train was empty, these trains could ascend the grade in a single section.
  
• Woodchip Trains: A major tonnage staple on the Saluda route in its later years was dedicated woodchip trains operating west and bound for a paper mill in Canton, North Carolina. These were typically the heaviest tonnage trains to ascend Saluda Grade. Over the length of the line, the trains operated with consists of 39 heavy woodchip hoppers and from Melrose to Saluda the trains were taken to the summit in three 13-car cuts.
  
• Locals and Turns: To serve its many lineside rail shippers, the route called upon locals and “turns.” Notable among these was a busy local/switching job working out of Hayne Yard nicknamed “the Rouster Job,” and turns serving the “TR Line” branch at Hendersonville and the Skyland power plant

Saluda was, simply put, home to some of America’s most captivating and challenging railroading, look out for this route soon on Train Simulator Classic.



Would you like to see more in-depth articles like this on upcoming releases here? Let us know in the comments.

Enjoy incredible Alpine scenic views and unforgettable journeys aboard modern locomotives with Swiss add-ons for Train Simulator Classic. You can get discounts of up to -70% this week and there is also a new core bundle available giving you the perfect starting point into a Swiss collection.



Launched this week the new Train Simulator Classic Swiss Bundle is the perfect way to get started with Swiss rail action. This bundle includes the current core routes (Pegnitztalbahn, Huddersfield Line, LIRR), the famous Gotthardbahn Alpine Classic with the Re 460, challenging Arosa Line featuring the ABe 8/12 Allegra, and the RHB Enhancement Pack 02 which brings the Ge 4/4 II to the Arosa Line. This is a complete my collection bundle so you only pay for what you don’t already own.

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/31790/

Alongside the bundle you can find discounts on a wide range of Swiss add-ons. Discover a new route like the scenic Albula Valley, the stunning Lake Constance, or challenging Bernina Pass. Learn a new locomotive in the cab of classic rail icons like the Ge 4/4 II with anniversary liveries in RhB Enhancement Pack 02, or the modern feature-filled RABe 523. Own routes or locos already? Why not check out the Swiss gameplay packs that bring more challenges and gameplay. With discounts of up to -70%, browse all of the Swiss add-ons for Train Simulator right here.



The Swiss Sale runs until 7 August.

The Steam Summer Sale might be over, but we’ve extended offers on a range of routes, locomotives and packs for Train Simulator Classic. This Encore Sale runs until 20th July. Head over to the Summer Encore page to find out more.


You can find a massive 80% off selected routes and locomotives. Cross the French/German border aboard high-speed traction with Bahnstrecke Strasbourg – Karlsruhe, try to keep to time in the busy South London Network as you tour London’s famous landmarks, or take on the challenging North Jersey Coast & Morristown Lines that features a mix of gameplay and operating experiences on a bustling line. These and more add-ons are 80% off in the sale.


Many popular and fan favourite routes are included in the sale. Drive into Waterloo Station for the 175 year anniversary with Portsmouth Direct Line (-50%) or take to the rails on the picturesque North Wales Coast Line (-50%) aboard Avanti West Coast traction. Also featured in the sale is Great British Railway Journeys at –70% off – If you own Train Simulator Classic this is a great way to add five famous British routes to your collection.


Looking for a new US add-on? Soak up the sun with Miami West Palm Beach (-60%) as you run the Amtrak P42DC along this coastal railroad, or climb into the cab of the EMD F59PHI for another stunning coastal route with Pacific Surfliner (-50%). For an East Coast add-on why not check out NEC New York New Haven (-50%), featuring the sprawling Big Apple and bustling city of New Haven, as well as many of New York’s famous landmarks.

EXPLORE FAMOUS GERMAN LINES

Head into Germany to explore a variety of big cities and famous lines. Experience inter-city Express traction at the controls of the DB BR 406 ICE 3M with Frankfurt High-Speed (-50%). Or pick up Bahnstrecke Riesa – Dresden (-50%) along with the Bahnstrecke Leipzig - Riesa Route Extension (-50%) for another high-speed long-distance journey with the tilting DB BR 411 ICE-T.

Find these and many more over on our Summer Encore page.

The Summer Sale is live now! As well as 40% off the main simulation you can find discounts across a wide range of routes, locos and marketplace packs with up to 80% off. Head to the Train Simulator Classic DLC page on Steam to find something new for your Train Simulator collection, or read on for some sale highlights.


Updated this week by NZTS Workshops with some fantastic new scenery, Midland Line: Aickens – Springfield is –25% off. Discover the sights and challenges of historic New Zealand rail as you explore the rugged and beautiful Southern Alps on the South Island. The route is set in 1968, featuring Eo and Dj class locomotives which have been locingly recreated here. If you like this route you can also add some steam-era traction to the line with the detailed 1920’s Ja Class, also featured in the sale at –20% off.

• Midland Line
  
• New Zealand Ja Class

One of the busiest routes on the British rail network springs to life in the stunning East Coast Main Line route for Train Simulator. Available at –50% this route runs from London Kings Cross, passing Alexandra Palace before opening up into Hertfordshire countryside and terminating at Peterborough. As well as this route you can find the legendary Flying Scotsman Centenary at –50% off. Celebrate 100 years of this Gresley’s almighty LNER A3 Pacific with 10 scenarios for the ECML route.

• East Coast Main Line
  
• Flying Scotsman Centenary

Take on the famous and challenging Wasatch Grade! This Union Pacific line is re-created during the captivating steam-to-diesel transition era of the mid-1950s, available in the sale at –50% off. Created by Milepost Simulations, the route extends from Evanston, Wyoming to Ogden, Utah. You can also find some steam legends from Smokebox in the sale for this route, including the Union Pacific Heavy Challenger (-15%) and Big Boy (-30%) which both include scenarios for this route.

• Wasatch Grade
  
• Heavy Challenger
  
• Big Boy

The S1 Line of the Hamburg S-Bahn is the city’s second largest, initially traversing the outskirts before diving into the heart and serving many locations including the nearby international airport. Take command of the ever-busy ‘Mass Transit Metro’ over the Hamburg S1 S-Bahn with –80% off. This route includes the DB BR 474, 218, 145 and 294 locomotives. You can add more gameplay to the line as well with the DB BR 114, this popular locomotive is available at –50% and adds more scenarios to the route.

• Hamburg S1 S-Bahn
  
• DB BR 114

Head over to the Train Simulator Classic DLC page to find these and many more add-ons discounted in the Steam Summer Sale. You can also look forward to some streams on Railfan TV during the event, including some runs along Riviera Line in the Fifties and the newly updated Midland Line.