The Festival of Rail is now live on the Steam Store. Throughout the weekend (20-24 January) you can look forward to huge discounts on Train Simulator and Train Sim World 2 as well as streams from our very own Railfan TV team, reward giveaways for those watching the broadcast and some exclusive videos.

Join us from 20th-23rd January as we celebrate with our yearly Festival of Rail on Steam; featuring daily streams, community features and more!

The annual Festival of Rail begins Thursday 20th January on Steam, and as part of this our Railfan TV team will be broadcasting each evening from 7 PM UTC.

You can look forward to a developer update for Spirit of Steam (including the announcement of Train Sim World 2's first Steam route!) and a first look at the upcoming Creators Club for Train Sim World 2. Join us as we explore the scenic Welsh coastline in North Wales Coast Line: Crewe - Holyhead coming soon for Train Simulator 2022 and see exclusive videos from The British Ace, LauraKBuzz, Rob Jansen and more! See the full schedule below...











Festival of Rail will be live Thursday 20th January 7 PM UTC. Be Sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get regular updates on what's going on throughout the festival!

New driving experiences coupled with the formidable and undulating terrain of the Saxony Hills are yours to master, with the new Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz, available now on Train Sim World 2.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1664953/Train_Sim_World_2_Tharandter_Rampe_Dresden__Chemnitz_Route_AddOn/


Jump in the cab of a variety of interesting Locos and units synonymous with services of the early 2010s between the impressive stations and busy cities of Dresden and Chemnitz. Make your way across the 79 km (49-mile) route, climbing into the incredibly beautiful hills the Saxony region of Eastern Germany has to offer. This hilly terrain has gradients as steep as 2.6% and traverses deep valleys and sheer rocky hillsides, the route was constructed in the mid-19th century and has retained many of its historic features to this day. This cinematic landscape is combined with a variety of interesting railway architecture, from sprawling viaducts to roundhouse engine sheds, meaning there’s something new for you to experience at every curve.



Curves are an important feature of this amazing route. To conquer this difficult landscape railway engineers had to wind the line through the hills, finding the most optimal pathway for a railway. This results in a snaking, curving route that progresses gradually as you ascend the gradient. Thankfully the DB BR 612 DMU makes light work of this by leaning into the challenge. This highly detailed tilting Diesel Multiple Unit is the first of its kind in Train Sim World 2. With a tilt of 8° and banked tracks on many of the curves, passenger comfort is retained at higher speeds. Whereas passengers on a non-tilting train would find themselves thrown around or their belongings sliding off tables. Thanks to its ingenious design you are able to exceed conventional speed restrictions when controlling the DB BR 612 DMU, gliding through the twisting route much faster. This offers you a whole new gameplay experience!





These fast trains represent services bound for Dresden and more distant destinations, if you wish to take in the scenery at a more leisurely pace and visit each of the historic stations dotted along the route we have included the DB BR 143, and Dopplestock coaches, this simulates the region’s S-Bahn services on the Eastern half of the route and caters for other services that would otherwise stop between Dresden and Chemnitz.



Of course, if German freight is more to your taste Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz doesn’t disappoint. Due to the line's proximity to the German- Czech Republic (Czechian) border, and being a vital link between the larger cities of Northeast and Southeast Germany it experiences a fair amount of heavy freight traffic. We have introduced the powerful Railpool BR 185.6 resplendent in the elegant Railpool silver livery. This fully licensed modern freight electric locomotive has a variety of timetabled services that include consists featuring Roos-T, Habbins, and Laeers freight wagons, or mixed freight. To cover the lighter duties of shunting and preparing trains that are commonplace across the route we have included the DB BR 363 “V 60“, this veteran of German railways can be seen in sidings in a variety of locations across Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz.





Approximately 200 freight and passenger services are available as part of the 24-hour timetable, simulating that of one found in the early 2010s, 6 unique pre-planned scenarios also give you the freedom to enjoy Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz and get started quickly. This hilly Mix-traffic route has so many ways for you to explore and enjoy it, the choice is yours!

Climbing up through the beautiful Saxony hills of Eastern Germany, diverse mixed traffic trains tackle the challenge of Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz. Coming to Train Sim World 2 on January 13th.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1664953/Train_Sim_World_2_Tharandter_Rampe_Dresden__Chemnitz_Route_AddOn/

Our first new route for 2022 arrives on Train Sim World 2 on January 13th. This beautiful recreation of Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz gives you the freedom to simulate a variety of interesting services across this scenic German route. We take a closer look at some of the varied locomotives and units




Introducing several firsts to Train Sim World 2, the DB BR 612 DMU is a real treat for railfans. With its unique tilting feature and integrated safety systems, you will be able to drive this unit in a completely different manner to that of the other locos that feature on the route, taking the banked curves much faster than its non-tilting counterparts and safely staying on the track. It is also the very first German Diesel Multiple Unit to feature in Train Sim World, bringing new gameplay and driving experiences to our German railfans.

Travelling between the cities of Dresden and Chemnitz you will simulate the faster services bound for Hof, Nürnberg, and Dresden, linking the Eastern and Southernmost German regions of Saxony and Bavaria, these faster services will feature in both scenarios and timetable services.

As you can see it's also a real treat if you want to get a railfan shot too, the route is crammed full of ideal locations for you to get some really striking images. So grab your camera and explore the route. If you would like to know more about the creation of this fantastic unit, we spoke to some of the designers who researched and recreated it. Find out more here






Representing the region’s S-Bahn services on the Eastern half of the route, and other services that stop across the full length of the route, the DB BR 143, and Dopplestock coaches add the busyness and consistency of local services you would expect to see in real life. With 74 timetabled services for you to complete, you can explore the entire route or short sections of it at a time at your leisure from the cabs of either the DB BR 143 or Dopplestock.

Unable to reach the higher speeds of the DB BR 612 DMU and stopping at significantly more regular intervals along the route, this veteran push-pull combination of electric loco and coaches offers an alternative driving experience, it’s the perfect way for you to enjoy the undulating terrain and rural stations of Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz.




Gliding across the Saxony landscape at the head of heavy freight trains is the Railpool BR 185.6, this fully licensed and highly detailed loco has been built to Railpool’s exact specifications and is ready for you to take control. As you explore the route you will see various yards and industrial developments that utilise the route's freight-carrying capabilities, with 20 different timetabled services bound for varied destinations across the East of Germany there is a plethora of mixed freight for you to enjoy.

Built by Bombardier and a member of the larger TRAXX family of locos the BR 185 is synonymous with modern German freight in a variety of locations across the country. Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz introduces the .6 variant of the loco which sports the eye-catching Railpool silver livery. Your consists will be made up of Roos-T, Habbins, and Laeers freight wagons, or mixed freight.

Just be mindful of those heavy trains as you approach some of those steep gradients. The combination of Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz’s hilly terrain and Train Sim World 2’s adhesion feature can present quite the challenge when controlling a heavily loaded freight train across this route.






Completing the compliment of locos and units that you can look forward to in the upcoming Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz we have this plucky little shunter, the DB BR 363 “V 60“, the heavy shunter variant of the same family of locos. This truly is a veteran of German railways, over 900 were built, and the oldest of its class has clocked up an impressive 65 years of active service this April.

You will spot the DB BR 363 patiently waiting for its next duty in sidings across the route, of course, you can also jump in and enjoy shunting duties of outgoing freight or prepare it for future stock movements. The version included in Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz features DB’s blue livery, a nice alternative to the bright red liveries predominantly seen across DB’s vast network.

Tharandter Rampe: Dresden – Chemnitz arrives for Train Sim World 2 on 13th January

The Steam Winter Sale is now on. Start or expand your collection today with many Train Sim World 2 Add-Ons available now at big discounts. Alongside the sale we've also launched new Train Sim World 2 Regional Editions. These incredible deals add Train Sim World 2 and additional routes/locos all for one amazing price!

The new Regional Editions are all 75% off in the Steam Sale. They include the original simulation featuring Schnellfahrstrecke Köln Aachen, Bakerloo Line and Sand Patch Grade as well as...

Train Sim World 2: UK Edition

Experience a bygone era of British Rail in the historic birthplace of railways and the heart of the British Steel industry in Train Sim World® 2: Tees Valley Line. Operate your trains over an aging rail network with out-of-date infrastructure on a route deep in transition between old and new. Adding to this route through the Northern industrial heartland of England is the venerable BR Class 20 ‘Chopper’ and BR Class 31, giving you an even greater selection of freight and passenger services to an already varied route.

Train Sim World 2: US Edition

In serving San Francisco and portions of California’s famed “Silicon Valley,” Caltrain has since its creation in the 1980s emerged as an innovative commuter railroad, carrying more than 17 million riders per year. Equipped with Caltrain’s EMD F40PH-2CAT diesels and Nippon-Sharyo Gallery commuter equipment, it will be your job to keep those thousands of daily commuters on time and happy. Enhancing your Bay-area experience is the Caltrain MP36PH-3C ‘Baby Bullet’, and Caltrain MP15DC Diesel Switcher, offering a unique commuter and shunting experience on this sunny Californian route.

Train Sim World 2: German Edition

Taking control of two icons of German electric motive power, the DB BR 185.2 freight locomotive and the DB BR 143 mixed traffic locomotive, It’s your job to carry freight and passengers over the historic Ruhr-Sieg Railway. Manage your powerful locomotives over the twisting railway carving its way through the Ruhr Valley and deliver your cargo on time. Offering an even greater variety of services, the DB BR 155 and DB BR 363 ensure all freight ranging from fast container trains on the high-speed lines to shunting duties and light freight work are yours to enjoy.

In addition to the new Regional Editions you can also find discounts on a wide range of route and loco Add-Ons for Train Sim World 2. Including big releases from this year like Rush Hour routes (-45%), Arosa Linie (-40%), Southeastern High Speed (-40%), Hamburg Lübeck (-40%), West Somerset Railway (-75%) and many more. To see everything in the Steam Winter Sale head over to our store page...

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1282590/

This brand-new collection is the perfect Add-on to the already cinematic Arosalinie. With a variety of festive-themed gameplay, 5 distinctive liveries for the Ge 4/4 II locomotive, and the white and yellow RhB observation coach, it offers plenty of new ways to enjoy and explore the famous Arosa Line.

The RhB is well known for introducing some of the most unique and eye-catching liveries ever seen on a locomotive. The 5 featured in the RhB Anniversary Collection Add-On stand out as some of the best, celebrating landmark Anniversary dates of over 100 years or more of the Arosa Line, the entire RhB, and a selection of other famous RhB routes. Each locomotive sporting a new livery is a railfan's dream, as they are easily identifiable and make for superb railfan shots.

Keep your eyes peeled for the following locomotives!

• No. 619 ‘Samedan’ “100 years Bernina 1910-2010“
  
• No. 620 ‘Zernez’ “100 years Bever-Scuol 1913-2013“
  
• No. 623 ‘Bonaduz’ “125 years RhB 1889-2014“
  
• No. 627 ‘Reichenau-Tamins’ “100 years Chur-Arosa 1914-2014“
  
• No. 630 ‘Trun’ “100 years Chur-Disentis 1912-2012“

In addition to these striking locomotives, Rivet has introduced the RhB’s white and yellow observation coach, popular amongst holidaymakers and Railfans, this open-sided and glass-roofed coach gives you or your passengers an entirely different perspective of the Arosa line. Primarily used during warmer weather it gives passengers a remarkable experience of the sights and smells of the mountains, valleys, and forests that surround Arosa and Chur. During the winter months, this can get rather chilly. There are two versions of the coach in the Add-On, one that has been given a festive touch, and includes twinkling lights and seasonal music that can easily be turned on and off, the other is without lights or music for the warmer months.

A new and additional timetable and five engaging scenarios let you put the locos and observation coach to work across mixed-traffic duties, getting you in the Christmas spirit with festive-themed gameplay. The “Christmas Delivery” scenario puts you in control of one of the most important loads of the year, the delivery of Christmas presents for all the stations along the route, Santa is never late, you need to stick to the timetable too!

Finally, to give the entire route a more festive feel Rivet has added colourful lights to station buildings and grand Langwieser Viaduct, Christmas trees with sparkling lights and huge snowmen. How many snowmen can you spot across the route?

Train Sim World 2: RhB Anniversary Collection is available now with 10% off for launch!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1664952

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1664951/Train_Sim_World_2_DB_G6_Diesel_Shunter_AddOn/


TSG’s (TrainSim-Germany) G6 Shunter is used as a DB locomotive rented directly from the manufacturer, performing complex shunting duties on the busy Rhein-Ruhr Osten route. Master the DB G6 across 5 scenarios using unique features such as dynamic braking, dual-mode cruise control and 2 gears for different speed limits. The DB G6 for Train Sim World 2 features authentic and highly detailed sounds recorded from the real locomotive.


Watch the RailfanTV team tonight as they put on their hard hats and put the DB G6 to work on the Rhein-Ruhr Osten route. Catch Matt and Natalie tonight from 20:00 GMT on our Twitch and YouTube channels.

Today we are bringing updates to Sherman Hill and London – Brighton ahead of the G6 release on Thursday.

• Updated decals to no longer project on to the level crossing on Sherman Hill
  
• Updated player collectable point so that they are no longer blocked behind an invisible wall.
  
• Improved the hight of the Cab camera so it no longer feels too high in the SD70ACe
  
• [Console/Epic only] Resolved an issue whereby SD70ACe bell was inoperable
  
• [Console/Epic only] Improved sky rendering performance
  
• [Console/Epic only] Updated signals at Hermosa to now show the correct aspects.
  
• [Console/Epic only] Updated crossings at Wycon to now give a warning when trains are approaching

• Addressed an issue whereby unloading passengers at Brighton station could cause a title crash.

The update will download automatically for owners when it becomes available. Players should allow at least 24 hours after restarting Steam for the update to appear and before contacting Customer Support.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1282590/Train_Sim_World_2/

Union Pacific’s Sherman Hill, one of America’s most historic, legendary, scenic, and busy rail lines, now comes to Train Sim World 2!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1664950/Train_Sim_World_2_Sherman_Hill_Cheyenne__Laramie_Route_AddOn/


Built in the late 1860s as a vital link in America’s Transcontinental Railroad, a century and a half later, Sherman Hill still stands tall as one of the country’s most dynamic and bustling routes for rail tonnage moving across the U. S. And now, the new Train Sim World 2 Sherman Hill route brings all the elements that make Sherman Hill extraordinary – magnificent scenery, tough and demanding grades, heavy tonnage, big motive power, and an endless flow of diverse freight – to full life.

The Train Sim World 2 Sherman Hill route is anchored by two of America’s most renowned railroad cities – Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming. Cheyenne is home to a classic and magnificent Union Pacific depot, UP’s famed shops which are home to its heritage steam fleet, a sprawling yard, and nearby industries. Laramie is likewise a hotspot of Union Pacific main line, yard, and lineside railroading action.



Between Cheyenne and Laramie, the Sherman Hill line – traditionally known as the Laramie Subdivision of UP’s Wyoming Division – stretches across 57 memorable miles of multi-track main line that crosses a rugged spar of the Laramie Mountains and tops the American Continental Divide at 8,015-feet above sea level. With lengthy westbound gradients of up to 1.55 percent, the route is challenging, and it is mesmerizing, too, for its vast High Plains western scenery and classic railroad locations which include Sherman Summit, Dale Junction, and Union Pacific’s 1,800-foot-long Hermosa Tunnels.

Dating to the days of steam and the likes of Union Pacific’s famed 4-8-8-4 Big Boys, Sherman Hill has always been home to super motive power and the new Train Sim World 2 Sherman Hill route features a meticulously modeled Union Pacific EMD SD70ACe plus the venerable and able EMD SD40-2. Accompanying the burly diesels is a selection of contemporary freight equipment and more than 121 timetables services and 6 scenarios which will put you to work totting the diverse and heavy rail tonnage that crosses Sherman Hill in a never-ending flow of traffic, from massive double-stack consists to manifest freight, auto traffic, grain, coal, and more!






As an engineer on the new Train Sim World 2 Union Pacific Sherman Hill route, you’ll climb aboard the advanced and modern 4,300-horsepower, six-axle SD70ACe and take command of lash-ups (including front-end and DPU power sets) generating tens-of-thousands of horsepower, and you’ll also take the throttle of the landmark EMD SD40-2 to tackle local and switching duties.



Wearing Union Pacific’s classic and long-lived yellow, gray, and red livery, a duo of EMD SD40-2s are working yard duty, a task the veteran diesels are often assigned to. The Union Pacific’s use of vibrant Armour Yellow dates back to 1934 and its earliest streamliners.






With Train Sim World 2’s new Sherman Hill route, you will climb aboard to take the throttle and controls in meticulously re-created and authentic locomotive cabs. The SD70ACe for Train Sim World 2 features state-of-the-art console-style engineer’s controls and realistic operating characteristics and sounds.







Experience all the challenges and enjoyment of an American railroading legend -- with Train Sim World 2’s new Union Pacific Sherman Hill route, available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store and Steam! Join Nat and Matt on Railfan TV tonight as they celebrate the launch. Watch live on Twitch and YouTube at 20:00 UTC 25th November.

Stay up to date with everything Sherman Hill, Train Sim Word 2, and more by following @TrainSimWorld on Twitter and Facebook