Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTGJamie
The LIRR: To millions of New Yorkers and “Islanders,” the railroad needs no introduction. Indeed, the Long Island Rail Road is, and has been for decades, a familiar part of life to those who live in and around “The Big Apple.” And soon, in a masterfully created route, the LIRR is coming to Train Simulator Classic, July 14!



The Railroad

The Long Island Rail Road is not only America’s busiest commuter carrier, but it also is the country’s oldest commuter railroad. Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road was originally envisioned as a rail-ferry-rail route between New York and Boston but emerged instead as one of the world’s busiest commuter railroads as Long Island’s suburban population grew dramatically in the early twentieth century. LIRR came under the control of the giant Pennsylvania Railroad beginning in 1900 and during its half-century of PRR-control was notable for using Pennsy-style equipment and signaling and for being an innovator, including the D. C. (third rail) electrification of much of the western end of its route system beginning in 1905. Following World War II and into the 1960s, the LIRR became a siren for New York train-watchers, first for its late operations of classic PRR-design steam locomotives, then for its eclectic diesel locomotive fleet that featured Fairbanks-Morse and Alco locomotives.

Like virtually all U. S. commuter carriers, the LIRR struggled financially and endured bankruptcy after WWII. What can be considered the modern era of the Long Island Rail Road dates to the mid-1960s, when, after more than a half-century of control by the Pennsylvania Railroad, the LIRR was taken over by the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority in 1966, and then in 1968, by its present owner and operator, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which is also the entity which governs the Metro-North Commuter Railroad and the region’s public transportation systems. The years of MTA ownership have been marked by continued enhancements to the railroad, including electrification extensions and fleet renewal and replacement programs.



The Route

Carefully researched and created with meticulous attention to detail, signaling, and accuracy, the upcoming Train Simulator Classic Long Island Rail Road route will extend from the LIRR’s trio of iconic New York City area terminals (Penn Station in Manhattan, Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, and Long Island City), eastward across “The Island” to Hicksville, New York. Included with be LIRR’s many famous and fascinating locations: the Big Apple, Woodside, Forest Hills, Jamacia, Hillside, Hempstead, Mineola, and Hicksville among them. The Train Simulator Classic edition of the Long Island Rail Road will include LIRR’s City Terminal Zone and its multi-track electrified “Main Line,” plus the captivating Hempstead Branch and the railroad’s short extension to history-rich Belmont Park of “Triple Crown” horse racing fame. Also included will be the LIRR’s East Williston station on the Oyster Bay Branch and St. Albans on the Babylon Branch. In total, the Train Simulator Classic route will include more than 45 expertly re-created route miles of trackage and 30 served rail stations.



The Equipment

On the upcoming Train Simulator Classic LIRR route, you will climb aboard the Long Island’s modern workhorse, the Bombardier-built M7 electric-multiple-unit (EMU). Once aboard the sleek silver, yellow, black, and blue-liveried M7, you’ll handle the EMU’s advanced controls. Like the route itself, the M7 for Train Simulator Classic promises superb realism, with authentic control features, cab and lineside signaling and safety systems, exacting performance, and actual sounds.

The era of the M7 on the LIRR began in May 1999 when MTA issued orders for Bombardier to begin construction of what would eventually become a fleet of 836 M7s for the LIRR. Following testing and trials, the first M7s entered LIRR service in 2002. Of stainless-steel construction, the Bombardier M7s receive power via LIRR’s 750-volt DC third rail and are equipped with asynchronous AC motors featuring IGBT inverters and ride upon outboard-bearing bolster-less fabricated trucks. The M7s employ traction motors each rated at 265 hp. Stretching 85-feet in length and weighing approximately 125,000 pounds per copy, the M7s were built in married pairs. Each married pair has a capacity of 211 commuters and on the LIRR, the M7s typically operate in consists of eight and up to 12 cars in length facilitated by the cars’ “pin and cup” couplers. Maximum operating speed for the EMUs on the LIRR is 80 mph and the M7s are equipped with regenerative braking and in-cab signaling and safety systems.



The Experience

To put you right to work as an engineer tackling the challenges of America’s busiest commuter railroad, seven challenging career scenarios, along with three railfan scenarios, will be included with the Train Simulator Classic route, which will also be Quick-Drive (QD) enabled. Undoubtedly, the talented creators in the community will develop a range of additional scenarios to be available at Steam Workshop.



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1922043/Train_Simulator_Long_Island_Rail_Road_New_York__Hicksville_Route_AddOn/
Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTGJamie
Visit Austria and drive through stunning scenery with RSSLO’s next instalment for Train Simulator; the Salzburg - Schwarzach-St. Veit route!



Built way back in the 1870s, the line between Salzburg and Schwarzach-St. Veit was part of the impressive Salzburg-Tiroler-Bahn, a feat of engineering running along the Salzach valley. The line is of vital importance, there is little road connections along the valley, making the railway the primary source of all passenger and freight traffic, on both local and long-distance duties.



Today, the line is as busy as ever, fully double tracked and electrified, it forms part of the Salzburg S-Bahn network. The route to Schwarzach-St. Veit is the S3 line, seeing frequent passenger services stopping at many stations up towards Salzburg, and through the city to Freilassing, where connections can be made to the S4 line.



Take charge of services on this line using modern ÖBB traction, the Salzburg S-Bahn awaits in RSSLO’s Salzburg - Schwarzach-St. Veit route for Train Simulator.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1869398/Train_Simulator_Salzburg__SchwarzachSt_Veit_Route_AddOn/
Train Simulator Classic 2024 - dtg_jd
Today we are bringing an update for Mount Shasta, Just Trains - South Western Expressways – Reading, Union Pacific F3 and Just Trains Common Library. Details of the patches below.


Mount Shasta - Rough download size of patch should be 583.6MB

  • Number added to back of SD9
  • Southern Pacific decals now visible looking back from SD9 Cabview
  • On/Off switches for Numberboard/Class lights had ON and Off in wrong position. This has now been corrected
  • Gyra Light Motor control can now be turned off on SD9 and SD40T-2, sound also added when changing switch
  • Terrain lowered under water in Klamath Falls area to help address flickering water
  • Rock outcrop fixed at low scenery
  • Blue, Red and green container floating issues fixed.
  • Mount Shasta - Scenario Portland Trailers I - Grammar mistakes in first message boxenic/terrain touch-ups

Just Trains - South Western Expressways – Reading - Rough download size of patch should be 937.6MB.

  • Replaced Level Crossing underlays throughout
  • Replaced vegetation to be more consistent throughout
  • Significant improvements to Bridgwater housing wise
  • Significant improvements to Exeter area scenery
  • Replacements for shops in Hungerford area
  • Newbury housing and shop improvements
  • Scenery refinements to areas between Castle Cary - Frome
  • Fixed tunnel occlusion lighting up cab at night
  • Terrain Texture improvements throughout route
  • Removal of most 3D trees which are distant from the track
  • Fix of 1M41 10:06 Paignton - Manchester Piccadilly as scenario was spawning player train in platform 6 rather than platform 5
  • Replacement of speed signs throughout route
  • Major signalling overall between Chippenham and Keynsham
  • NRN and CSR signage added where applicable
  • Countdown markers revised
  • Signal Warn boards added
  • Quick drives now have AI spawn in front of you, making the drive different every time
  • Chippenham scenery has been refined
  • Improved Textures (better weathering)

Union Pacific F3 - Rough download size of this patch should be 1.1GB.

  • Improved shaders (get rid of the shiny look of the entire rolling stock)
  • Improved headlight flare effect
  • Improved cab textures and shade
  • Labels added to the cab
  • Better cab shadow model
  • Caboose passenger view fixed (DRGW, MKT, MP)
  • Caboose trucks replaced for a more era accurate model (SP, CGW, CNW, WP)
  • Better number board light effect
  • Numberboard font replaced in several units.
  • Air gauges fixed
  • Customizable parts fixed
  • Missing part on the loco truck fixed
  • Fixes an issue with the doors If you open a door or window, the exterior view does not copy the amount of movement. It just goes from full closed to full open with no middle steps.

Just Trains Common Library - Rough download size of this patch is 517.1MB

  • This build adds assets and texture that are required for the upcoming Southwestern Expressways - Reading route update.

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.
Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTGJamie
Go round and round under the heart of Scotland’s most populous city with Thomson Interactive’s authentic rendition of the Glasgow Subway in Train Simulator!

Dating back to the early 1890s, the Glasgow Subway is the third-oldest system of its kind in the world. The line was constructed as a twin-track circular loop almost entirely underground, apart from the train depot, serving a total of 15 stations spread across both sides of the River Clyde. The line was built to an unusual 4ft narrow gauge, with tunnel bores of just 11ft, making for a very diminutive train appearance.



Originally built to be cable-driven, third rail was later installed and energised to be 600V, and following major overhauls in the late 1970s, the line has fitted with Automatic Train Operation, which allowed for a radical transformation in service frequency. To align with this upgrade, a brand-new second generation of rolling stock was built for the line; a fleet of 33 railcars which can operate independently, and up to 3-car formations.



Now ageing, the second generation of stock is due to be replaced, but it is still working hard below the streets of Glasgow day in, day out, and now in Train Simulator you can experience the full Glasgow Subway line, masterfully recreated by Thomson Interactive!

Featuring full ATO simulation, you have the power to decide how to drive – manage the line as real drivers do, operating the doors and “ready to start” button, or take on the challenge of driving the line manually, where stopping at stations will take all your skill. Shuttle trains in and out of Broomloan depot, using the train wash, and immerse yourself in the detailed passenger view, complete with new passengers that dynamically vary throughout the carriage.

You can get 25% off Glasgow Subway for launch on the Steam Store.

Note: If you purchased prior to the discount going live you can request a refund via the Steam store and re-purchase to get the discount.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1869393/

Watch Jamie tackle Thomson Interactives Glasgow Subway route tonight at 8pm BST on Railfan TV. Watch on Twitch or YouTube.


Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTGJamie


Train Simulator Classic is now available on Steam and includes three routes for you to add to your collection. Witness the legendary Tehachapi loop with Tehachapi Pass, experience the pinnacle of UK high-speed travel with WCML South, and master complex signal systems in Bahnstrecke Riesa - Dresden which also includes the new Leipzig - Riesa route extension that adds an additional 65 km!

This package brings these three popular Train Simulator routes together, and a new route extension, for one great price. The perfect time to start a new hobby if you're a new player, or a great way to expand your collection for existing players who are looking for new routes to explore.

Also for existing players, alongside Train Simulator Classic launch today, we've updated all of the routes featured, with improvements and fixes released for each. Read the full update on the official forum.

Pick up Train Simulator Classic today on Steam.

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






Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTGJamie
Train Simulator Classic is coming to Steam April 21st, featuring three routes, including the new Leipzig – Riesa Route Extension!



Train Simulator Classic will release on Steam, April 21st, priced at £19.99/€24.99/$29.99 and feature three routes for you to add to your collection. The legendary pantheon of American railroading with Tehachapi Pass, the pinnacle of UK high-speed travel with WCML South, and the newly extended 153km iconic Deutsche Bahn traction with Leipzig-Dresden.

Train Simulator Classic represents a celebration of 12 years of Train Simulator, with a return to a classic art style4, and a change of name to match. Whilst the name, art and release date has changed this doesn't mean anything is changing with your collection. You can look forward to continued support and many more Add-Ons from both Dovetail Games and our partners. There are no updates to the main simulation with this release, but you can expect some updates to the routes included in Train Simulator Classic. Read on for more on the routes and what to expect.

Bahnstrecke Leipzig - Dresden



The new Leipzig - Riesa route extension adds an additional 65 km to the popular Riesa - Dresden route, making it a whole new experience as you drive the DB BR 411 ICE T and S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland DB BR 442 across the full 120km Bahnstrecke Leipzig - Dresden, as well as through the modern Leipzig City Tunnel! 4Included with Leipzig – Riesa and new to the other routes in Train Simulator Classic are ONE and Hapag-Lloyd branded containers.

NOTE: The extension will also be available to purchase separately on launch.


WCML South: London Euston - Birmingham



Go the distance with WCML South: London Euston - Birmingham in striking Avanti units, the sleek electric BR Class 390 Pendolino and versatile diesel BR Class 221 Super Voyager, tackle the rush hour aboard the reliable BR Class 350 Desiro, dressed for London Midland duty. WCML South features updated signalling that provides a more realistic experience for Train Simulator Classic.

Tehachapi Pass: Mojave - Bakersfield



A heavy tonnage artery for both Union Pacific and BNSF, Tehachapi Pass sees a steady flow of intermodal, unit train, and manifest freight traffic, tackling twisting grades of 2.2 percent with the use of potent diesels such as the AC4400CW and ES44DC. With the release of Train Simulator Classic we have made improvements to the ES44AC brake systems and updated the terrain textures.



Train Simulator Classic will be launching on Steam on 21st April. You can also look forward to a preview of Leipzig – Dresden route on Railfan TV on Wednesday 13th April. Stay up to date by following @railsimulator on Twitter and Facebook.
Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTG Natster
Join Jamie for an evening of Train Simulator 2022, he will be going back to the basics and showing everyone how to get acquainted with everything Train Simulator 2022 has to offer.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/Train_Simulator_2022/?curator_clanid=32976291

Don't miss out! During SimFest you can get you hands on some exclusive discounts. It's a great way to start your collection.



Join us Live from 19:00 UTC!
Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTG Natster


Join us on Steam for March Madness, an annual event featuring a massive sale and loads of exciting Railfan TV broadcasts...

March Madness is now live on the Steam Store. From 14th March, through to the 28th March, you can look forward to huge discounts on Train Simulator as well as streams from our Railfan TV team, Steam reward giveaways for those watching the broadcasts and some exclusive videos from our special guests.

Head to the March Madness page to take part here.
https://store.steampowered.com/sale/dovetailmarchmadness



Big Discounts

During March Madness you can enjoy incredible discounts of 60% on Train Simulator 2022 Deluxe and up to 90% on Train Simulator Add-Ons. Climb on-board and visit the Kent Coast with the sprawling and complete Chatham Main Line, from regional express to bustling freight, experience a multitude of operations in Eastern Germany with Bahnstrecke Riesa - Dresden, and master the bustling southern portion of the “NEC” – from Baltimore, Maryland, to America’s capital city, with Northeast Corridor: Washington DC - Baltimore. Head to the store now to check out these amazing Add-Ons and more!

Railfan this week TV

Throughout the weekend we will be live on Steam, broadcasting on the March Madness page. This is your chance to get your very first look at the upcoming S-Bahn Zentralschweiz: Luzern – Sursee by Rivet Games, and another chance to see the Harlem Line both for Train Sim World 2! We also have guests joining that include exclusive feature videos from LazerJet, Trainsimulatordriver and more!



Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTG Natster

Join us on Steam for March Madness, an annual event featuring a massive sale and loads of exciting Railfan TV broadcasts...

March Madness is now live on the Steam Store. From 14th March, through to the 28th March, you can look forward to huge discounts on Train Simulator as well as streams from our Railfan TV team, Steam reward giveaways for those watching the broadcasts and some exclusive videos from our special guests.

Head to the March Madness page to take part

https://store.steampowered.com/sale/dovetailmarchmadness

Big Discounts

During March Madness you can enjoy incredible discounts of 60% on Train Simulator 2022 Deluxe and up to 90% on Train Simulator Add-Ons. Climb on-board and visit the Kent Coast with the sprawling and complete Chatham Main Line, from regional express to bustling freight, experience a multitude of operations in Eastern Germany with Bahnstrecke Riesa - Dresden, and master the bustling southern portion of the “NEC” – from Baltimore, Maryland, to America’s capital city, with Northeast Corridor: Washington DC - Baltimore. Head to the store now to check out these amazing Add-Ons and more!



Railfan this week TV
Throughout the weekend we will be live on Steam, broadcasting on the March Madness page. We have guests joining that include exclusive feature videos from MegaSim, AJ Omega, Trainsimulatordriver and more!
Make sure you're tuning in to watch each night on Steam from 7 PM UTC. You can see this weeks schedules below, keep an eye on our social channels for next week's schedules. We’ll have more for you next week, including a dedicated Train Simulator stream with exclusive videos, interviews, and more!





Jan 27, 2022
Train Simulator Classic 2024 - DTGJamie


As part of our latest update to the Chatham Main Line: London Victoria & Blackfriars - Dover & Ramsgate route, we added a little bonus for you to enjoy - the East Kent Railway!

See the latest patch notes here

Situated just to the East of Shepherdswell station lies the preserved East Kent Railway, this short heritage line stretches for a little over 2 miles and is all that remains of Colonel Stephens’ efforts to serve Kent’s Coalfields. Stephens’ specialty was to build cheap but effective rural light railways, and in his career would be involved in the engineering, building and managing of no less than 16 light railways in England & Wales.
Following the discovery of the Kent Coalfields before the First World War, during early efforts to dig a channel tunnel, plans were quickly drawn up to set up collieries and serve them by rail. The theory was flawless, it would bring great industry and business to otherwise lightly populated areas – the village of Aylesham, the station of which is situated on the Chatham Main Line, is just one example of the anticipated change as it was built in 1926 to house the miners expected to be living in the area.
The plan however did not go as expected, the vast network never materialised, and many of the collieries didn’t make it into production. Instead, what was built was a single line which branched off the Chatham Main Line at Shepherdswell and weaved its way to Richborough Port near Ramsgate. Coal traffic would traverse the line through the early 20th Century, alongside local passenger trains serving the nearby villages. Economics eventually got the best of the line, and it eventually closed for commercial operations.
With the valiant efforts of enthusiasts though, the line’s history was able to continue, a short section was restored and re-opened as a heritage railway. From Shepherdswell to the next station along the line, Eythorne, trains shuttle along this little stretch of line that recalls the history of Kentish light rail travel. Today the line is home to a wide variety of rolling stock, from small steam locomotives and diesel shunters right up to multiple units, including two Class 142s and one day, even a Class 365 will call the EKR home.
Alongside the latest update to the Chatham Main Line route, and thanks to Danny, our Senior Artist for Train Simulator, the East Kent Railway has been added as a free bonus onto the route, so hop off the train at Shepherdswell and explore what the East Kent Railway has to offer!



After alighting a Southeastern service at Shepherdswell (above) signs are immediately pointing one in the direction of the East Kent Railway; it’s only a couple of minutes' walk and before you know it, you’re transported back in time, and just in time too! Looks like a service is preparing for departure (below). Please note that all trains and rolling stock are available separately.





Immediately following departure, we crawl past the siding where the EKR stores most of its rolling stock, including the Class 142 Pacer, their most recent arrival (above). Meanwhile, a sign of things to come it seems, as it’s been said that a Class 365 will soon be sent to the EKR for preservation as a static display and will become a restaurant, exhibition area, and a major events venue. (below).





Only the best heritage railways feature a level crossing, always a fantastic place to watch an old steam locomotive roll by. Seeing it haul Mk2 coaches and part of a 4-VEP is unconventional, but very East Kent!



A short while later and the train arrives at Eythorne (above). Because there are no facilities to run locomotives around here, loco-hauled services must be top & tailed, and today a Class 08 is going to be taking us back towards Shepherdswell (below).





It’s a tough start for the 08 as it commences the steep climb back towards Shepherdswell. Despite the short line and inability to support large locomotives, the EKR’s unique topography and construction makes it nonetheless captivating.



At the midpoint of the journey is Golgotha Tunnel. At 436m long it is the 8th longest tunnel on a British heritage railway and follows the design principles of Colonel Stephens; a twin-track bore but with only a single track in the tunnel itself. This measure helped on saving costs in the long run.



And so concludes one of many return trips that can be enjoyed on the East Kent Railway, with a varied roster of steam, diesel and electric stock from Train Simulator’s extensive library, there is no end to what this little line can offer.



We return to the main line with the hopes of visiting the East Kent Railway again soon, it’s time to go back towards Medway and change for a Thameslink service into the capital. With the Chatham Main Line, the Thameslink BR Class 700 and new bonus East Kent Railway, tell your own Kentish rail stories in Train Simulator!



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