Train Simulator Classic 2024 News

We catch up with Senior Producer Steve Dark to get an update on development progress for Train Simulator Classic and answer some of your questions from the last article.

Hello again, everyone! As promised, I’m here with an update on our current progress and, given the previous article has raised all kinds of questions, theories, wishes, desires, and concerns, I wanted to get a start on delving deeper into the detail and help answer questions and hopefully overcome any concerns.

If you missed the last developer update you can read it here.

2023 celebrates 100 years since the opening of New Zealand’s Alpine Railway, The Midland Line or ‘Kb Country’ as it was, and sometimes still is, affectionately known as – and what better way to celebrate than with the mighty Kb class itself for Train Simulator Classic! Available now on the Steam Store.

Experience heavy-haul steam in style with the latest addition to the Train Simulator Classic New Zealand loco lineup, the striking Kb Class from NZTS Workshops is ready for work on the detailed Midland Line.

Traffic on the Midland Line was heavy and constant, its importance led to many trains, both passenger and freight, traversing the line each day. As things progressed, many of the original steam locomotives built for the line were no longer up to the task, struggling in double-headed formation to meet with increasing demand.

Enter the Kb Class, a heavy and powerful 4-8-4 configuration steam locomotive which, as soon as the Midland Line’s viaducts and infrastructure were strengthened to support bigger traction, transformed freight traffic on the line. The fleet of Kb Class locomotives, thanks to their innovative booster engine which helped trains over the toughest of terrain, ensured a reliable movement of freight, even running ahead of schedule.

In Train Simulator Classic, experience the Kb Class in their waning years before the advent of dieselisation, brave the elements and conquer the Midland Line in this imposing and powerful steam mountain workhorse.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2202024

The picturesque countryside of Bavaria awaits with Pegnitztalbahn: Nürnberg - Bayreuth for Train Simulator Classic.

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The Pegnitztalbahn, or Pegnitz Valley Railway, is a long-distance and regional route through the countryside of Bavaria, Germany, linking across the south of the country and beyond into Czech territory. The line is one of several in Germany which is yet to be electrified, meaning all traffic is still provided by diesel traction.

From the winding rails of Chemnitz in Train Sim World, the DB BR 612 makes a bold appearance in Train Simulator Classic. Wearing the same Franken-Sachsen-Express branding, as the Pegnitztalbahn plays host to another section of the same service, the BR 612 makes easy work of the twisting line, leaning into corners for increased passenger comfort.

The diesel workhorse DB BR 648 fills in the gaps on regional traffic. While it doesn’t tilt, the BR 648’s low floor makes it an easily accessible unit for the rural Bavarian villages. Also supporting the cast is the long lost and tilt-equipped DB BR 605 ICE-TD; while now retired from passenger service, one unit was converted into DB’s Advanced Train Lab, a mobile testbed for new technologies.

In Train Simulator Classic, the Pegnitztalbahn 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.

The Pegnitz Valley awaits! Head to the store page to explore this new route. You can also get this route as part of the new German Deluxe Edition.

See the route in action below, with an exclusive preview video from Jamie.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2009528

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The Festival of Rail is now live on the Steam Store. Throughout the weekend (2nd-6th February) you can look forward to huge discounts on Train Simulator and Train Sim World 3 as well as streams from our very own Railfan TV team, reward giveaways for those watching the broadcast and some exclusive videos.

Head here for the Festival of Rail Page

Live now on the Steam Store from 2-6 February, the Festival of Rail brings a celebration of rail simulation. This weekend you look forward to discounts on a wide range of Add-Ons for Train Simulator Classic, as well as a special streaming event featuring some exclusive free rewards for those watching, and pre-order for our next big route.

Head to the Festival Page on Steam and read on to find out more about what's on this festival weekend.

[h2]Pegnitztalbahn Pre-Order[/h2]

Arriving for Train Simulator Classic on 9th February, Pegnitztalbahn is available for pre-order now as part of the Festival of Rail. Get 10% off this new German route, a diesel main line running through the picturesque countryside of Bavaria. The route features the DB BR 612 and DB BR 605 ICE-TD for long-distance duties and the DB BR 648 regional workhorse. Find out more and see the first screens on the store.

[h2]Festival Discounts[/h2]

There are hundreds of add-ons discounted as part of the Festival of Rail. With something on offer for all railfans no matter the country, era or traction type you prefer. Will you pick up a new route to explore like Taurus Mountains? Maybe a new locomotive to master like the Amtrak E60? Or a new way to play with your existing collection with a Scenario Pack? You can browse all of the offers on the Steam Store.

[h2]Live Streams[/h2]

During the Festival Weekend you can find something to watch every night on the event page. On Saturday night Train Simulator Classic is featured and you can join streams from Train Simulator Driver who will be driving Philedelphia - New York, the British Ace on Brighton Mainline, Train Sim Play on Cologne – Koblenz and an introduction to Train Simulator Classic from Jamie. Watch on the event page each night.

[h2]Steam Rewards[/h2]

If you’re tuned into the streams each night you’ll also be able to get some exclusive rewards. Watch on Steam to get profile backgrounds and emotes for both Train Simulator Classic and Train Sim World. The Train Simulator Classic rewards feature WCML South, Tehachapi Pass and Bahnstrecke Leipzig – Dresden. As with previous years these rewards are available for this weekend only, so make sure you don’t miss out.

The Festival of Rail is live now, join the celebration!