Train Sim World® 5 News

Continue the story of Thomas’ visit to the West Somerset Railway with the Thomas & Friends™ 80th Anniversary Expansion out now for Train Sim World 5!



[h2]Celebrate with a new story:
[/h2]



Sir Topham Hatt and Diesel are preparing to throw a surprise birthday celebration for Thomas, who has been given a special coat of paint!

Following the events of Thomas’ first full day on the West Somerset Railway (played out in the previous Add-on), preparations are underway to celebrate Thomas’ birthday. He’s very excited for his birthday and is looking forward to the big celebration!



Sir Topham Hatt has a very important job for Diesel, who has been trying to be on his best behaviour and is eager to please. Work with Diesel as he goes to collect The Troublesome Trucks filled with party supplies, but will they get up to their usual tricks?



Be a really useful engine as you take passengers on Annie & Clarabel and help out when others are in need.


[h2]Original Green Livery[/h2]



As a special gift, Thomas has asked to be repainted for his birthday! Travel with Thomas around the West Somerset Railway in his Original Green Livery, complete with his original number 70 and white pinstripe lining.

Thomas hasn’t been painted in these colours in a very long time and looks just like he did when he first arrived on Sodor! It only seems right that he should wear his original colours for the special day.



As was the case before his repaint, driving with Thomas has been set up to be as intuitive and accessible as possible for everyone to enjoy. Throttle and brake controls are simplified.





The 80th Anniversary Expansion continues the visit of Thomas and his friends to the West Somerset Railway with an additional 3-part narrated story.
You can also use Free Roam to take Thomas in his original colours on a tour of the mainland, or even visit his original hometown of Brighton for those with the East Coastway and London - Brighton route Add-ons.


Thomas & Friends™ 80th Anniversary Expansion is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for $9.99/£7.99/€9.99

The following content is required to make use of this Gameplay Pack:

• Train Sim World 5
  
• West Somerset Railway route Add-on
  
• Thomas & Friends™ Visit the West Somerset Railway Add-on
  

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If you’re new to Train Sim World, you can get all of the required content in a single Core Bundle: Train Sim World 5: Thomas & Friends™ Edition, so that you're ready for the 80th Anniversary Expansion, which is sold separately.

Train Sim World 5: Thomas & Friends™ Edition is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for $39.99/£29.99/€34.99



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Join JD, Matt and Jamie again for a release day livestream celebrating Thomas’ birthday with the Thomas & Friends™ 80th Anniversary Expansion on YouTube and Twitch.

Find out more about Train Sim World 5 by following @trainsimworld on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.

Attention! Skyhook Games have a top-secret mission for you conveying some special freight loads. Cargo Line Volume 4: Military is coming 5th June!

[h3]The Story So Far:[/h3]



Cargo Line Volume 4 continues Skyhook Games’ series of freight-themed gameplay packs that add different freight wagons to formations and more gameplay to selected Train Sim World routes.

Previous Cargo Line releases include:

• Cargo Line Volume 1: Petroleum (VTG TEA Tanker Wagon)
  
• Cargo Line Volume 2: Aggregates (HOA Bogie Hopper Wagon)
  
• Cargo Line Volume 3: Intermodel (FCA Intermodal Spine Wagon)
  
• Volume’s 1 & 2 added gameplay to Midland Main Line and Great Western Express.
  

Volume 2 also added services to Southeastern Highspeed and London Overground Suffragette line.

Volume 3 added rolling to stock to services in East Coast Main Line and West Coast Main Line.

You can learn more about these over on the Skyhook Games website.

[h3]Cargo Line Volume 4: Military[/h3]


In Volume 4, take charge of more secretive movements across the UK rail network; the transportation of military vehicles secured aboard KWA Warwell wagons.

[h3]The Rolling Stock[/h3]
KWA Warwell Wagons

The KWA Warwell wagon was introduced to the UK amidst the Second World War. These wagons feature a low profile for being laden with large equipment while keeping within Britain’s restrictive loading gauge.

The days of mass-importing Sherman tanks from across the pond have long since passed, but the railways still provide a vital role in modern national security. Rail-served Ministry of Defence sites are still dotted about the country to this day, and many pieces of equipment are still transported between them.



This brand-new wagon to Train Sim World is in a heavily weathered military green livery. The wagon consists of a main deck featuring a lower central portion and mounted on two wheeled bogies. Conventional draw gear and buffers are located at each end.

The wagon is available in three conditions:

• Unloaded/empty
  
• Loaded with a generic tracked armed personnel carrier (APC)
  
• Loaded with a 3-axle Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP).
  

The pack also comes with the DB Cargo variant of the Class 66, previously seen in other Train Sim World Add-ons.

[h3]Timetable, Scenarios and Gameplay[/h3]


Gameplay takes place across two routes:

• Great Western Express
  
• West Coast Main Line: Preston-Carlisle
  

These are available as separate route Add-ons.

[h3]Great Western Express[/h3]


Gameplay on GWE represents military movements between bases in the Westcountry, Oxfordshire and Essex making use of the various yards on the route such as Southall and Acton.

The Scenarios for GWE are:
6V03 Warminster MoD - Shoeburyness MoD, starting at Langley and heading east to Acton Yard.

6M45 Shoeburyness MoD - Marchwood MoD, starting at Southall and heading west to Reading.

6A48 Bicester MoD - Shoeburyness MoD, starting at Reading and heading east to West Ealing.

There will also be 6 timetabled services to operate between London and Reading:

• 6M21 07:28 Shoeburyness MoD - Kineton MoD (Military)
  
• 6V03 09:11 Warminster MoD - Shoeburyness MoD (Military)
  
• 6A49 12:08 Shoeburyness MoD - Bicester MoD (Military)
  
• 6A48 14:14 Bicester MoD - Shoeburyness MoD (Military)
  
• 6M45 14:17 Shoeburyness MoD - Marchwood MoD (Military)
  
• 6V98 19:12 Shoeburyness MoD - Warminster MoD (Military)
  
• Journey Mode is also supported in ‘All Train Vehicles’
  

[h3]West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle[/h3]


On Just Trains’ West Coast Main Line: Preston – Carlisle route, gameplay represents movements that would have taken place in the late 1980s moving equipment to the coast or through the country to other military bases located off the map in Scotland or the Midlands.

These trains are hauled by the Class 47 included in the route Add-on, rather than the Class 66.

The Scenarios for WCML Preston-Carlisle are:
6G64 Longtown MoD - Heysham Harbour, starting at Carlisle Kingmoor Yard and heading south to Morecambe.

6M00 Kineton MoD - Longtown MoD, starting at Preston and heading north to Carlisle

6V64 Glen Douglas MoD - Bicester MoD, starting at Carlisle and heading south to Preston.

There will also be 8 timetabled services to operate between Preston and Carlisle:

• 6G34 06:03 Longtown MoD - Bicester MoD (Military)
  
• 6C01 09:06 Kineton MoD - Glen Douglas MoD (Military)
  
• 6M00 09:56 Bicester MoD - Longtown MoD (Military)
  
• 6G64 11:58 Longtown MoD - Kineton MoD (Military)
  
• 6V34 16:00 Glenn Douglas MoD - Kineton MoD (Military)
  
• 6S01 19:51 Bicester MoD - Glen Douglas MoD (Military)
  
• 6V64 20:02 Glenn Douglas MoD - Kineton MoD (Military)
  
• 6C04 23:34 Kineton MoD - Longtown MoD (Military)
  
• Journey Mode is also supported in ‘Armoured Personnel Carrier’
  

8th Generation Console Experience
Please note that for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the spread of other trains running around has been reduced to provide acceptable performance. This reduction does not apply to PC, Xbox S/X or PlayStation 5 versions.

Creators Club Tools
Both the KWA Warwell Wagons and Class 66 are supported in Livery Designer and Formation Designer, including both full and empty wagons.

The Class 66 also has Raildriver support.

A multitude of formation lengths are available to spawn in Free Roam and select in Scenario Planner.

Train Sim World 5: Cargo Line Vol.4: Military is releasing on 5th June for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for £9.99/€11.99/$14.99

*UK pricing will be £9.49 on the PlayStation Store

Find out more about Train Sim World 5 by following @trainsimworld on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and TikTok.

Continue the celebrations! The Thomas & Friends™ 80th Anniversary Expansion is set to release on Thursday 29th May!

As a special gift, Thomas has asked to be repainted for his birthday! Travel with Thomas around the West Somerset Railway in his Original Green Livery, complete with his original number 70 and white pinstripe lining.



You can read further details about the pack in our previous article, including what Train Sim World content is required to play the additional Scenarios and continue the narrative.



Thomas & Friends™ 80th Anniversary Expansion will be available from 29th May for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for $9.99/£7.99/€9.99

Join Matt and Jamie again for a release day livestream of the Thomas & Friends™️ 80th Anniversary Expansion on YouTube and Twitch.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Find out more about Train Sim World 5 by following @trainsimworld on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]





Frankfurt S-Bahn cover three distinct lines as part of Frankfurt’s S-Bahn network and introduces the DB BR 430 for the first time. Additional rolling stock and plentiful layers from previous Train Sim World Add-ons also feature, making for a sprawling route with many stations and lots of traffic.

[h2]The Route[/h2]



As the title of the Add-on suggests, there are three lines that form part of this route.

These are:

• S1: Frankfurt to Wiesbaden via Frankfurt Höscht
  
• S8: Frankfurt to Wiesbaden via Flughafen & Mainz Hbf
  
• S9: Frankfurt to Wiesbaden Flughafen & Mainz-Kastel

The route is set prior to the opening of Frankfurt Gateway Gardens, offering the chance to traverse over the original airport approach which no longer exists.

ICE services running across the route from Frankfurt to Wiesbaden via Flughafen Fernbahnhof will be available for players with Train Sim World 5’s core Frankfurt – Fulda route. Flughafen Fernbahnhof mostly serves long-distance trains, which is uncommon in Germany. It has an average of one ICE every 9 minutes during peak times - equating to around 160 ICE stops every day.

The addition of the long-distance airport station to the route was done so following player feedback.
Additionally, to support this, the freight loop in Mainz will now also be in the route, enabling trains to enter Mainz from the north after coming from Frankfurt.

[h2]The Trains[/h2]
[h3]DB BR 430 [NEW][/h3]



New to Frankfurt S-Bahn is the hard-working DB BR 430 EMU, which operates the bulk of traffic on the S1, S8 and S9 lines. This 4-car, high-capacity EMU has been in full operation on the S-Bahn Rhein-Main since their introduction a little over a decade ago.



The design is reminiscent of the DB BR 422, although with more modern fittings and tweaks befitting of a busy network such as Frankfurt. The 430s replaced the much-lamented DB BR 420 and expanded the size of the fleet to offer a total of 9 trains an hour in each direction, spread across all 3 lines, with up to 12-car formations.

Audio was sourced courtesy of a recording trip and the interior is fitted with modern PIS in the passenger area and digital screens in the cab.

[h3]DB BR 423[/h3]



Supplementing the BR 430 is the DB BR 423, a staple EMU for S-Bahn networks across Germany.

The version included with Frankfurt S-Bahn will feature a new interior to represent the S-Bahn Rhein-Main variant, as well as some physics upgrades. The BR 423 fleet is certainly no stranger to the Wiesbaden lines, although spends a majority of its time serving other destinations, making it a key part of the scene around Frankfurt Hbf.

[h3]DB BR 143 + Dostos[/h3]



Providing a regional touch is the DB BR 143 and Dosto combination, which runs RB services out of Wiesbaden.

[h2]Additional Service layers[/h2]





The action takes place over a full 24-hour timetable, with services running throughout and providing gameplay at all times of day. The new DB BR 430 will operate on the many hundreds of services that keep the commuters of Hesse on the move.

The addition of the Frankfurt Airport long-distance station opens up new types of gameplay for players with additional content in their collection.



AI-only traffic such as ICE and freight will also suitably layer in across the route, with freight operating both locally and end-to-end. RE and RB traffic also features as AI, utilising the timetable from Frankfurt – Fulda and trains from other route Add-ons such as Maintalbahn for the DB BR 642.



The full list of Add-ons that layer services into Frankfurt S-Bahn is as follows:

Playable and AI services:

• Kassel-Würzburg
  
• Frankfurt-Fulda
  
• DB BR 101 loco Add-on
  
• Bremen-Oldenburg
  
• Maintalbahn
  
• Ruhr Sieg Nord and DB BR 363 loco Add-on

The BR 628 from Niddertalbahn will also feature as AI traffic.

Freight services utilising Frankfurt-Fulda's DB BR 193 Vectron will haul stock layered from S-Bahn Vorarlberg (Laaers), Dresden-Riesa (Zacns), Kassel-Würzburg (VTG Eanos) as well as Sggmrss and Habbiins wagons.

For players that own all the relevant content, the full timetable provides the busiest experience ever seen in a German route Add-on, with approximately 1,000 services included.
Frankfurt S-Bahn Layers Bundle



https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/53103/Train_Sim_World_5_Frankfurt_SBahn_Complete_Layering_Bundle/

You can save on a selection of these layers in the Frankfurt S-Bahn Layer Bundle available on Steam from launch at approximately 1800 BST on Tuesday 20th May. This bundle does not include Frankfurt S-Bahn itself.

[h2]Timetable variants across platforms[/h2]



In order to provide a suitable experience across all platforms, two variants of the Frankfurt S-Bahn timetable have been developed, a Standard and a Full version.

The following platforms will see different options available to choose from:

PS5 and Xbox Series S/X

• Standard timetable

Steam and Epic Games

• Full timetable with all additional layers

The standard timetable features just over 600 playable services in total. These are formed from the three included trains (430, 423 and 143 + Dostos) and playable service layers for the DB BR 411 ICE-T for those with Frankfurt-Fulda.

The standard timetable will also be available to Steam and Epic players in addition to the full timetable.

[h2]Further down the Tracks: DB BR 420[/h2]



In the March 2025 Roadmap, we re-announced the upcoming DB BR 420 Loco from the TSG team, helping support gameplay on the upcoming Frankfurt S-Bahn route.

You can read some more details in the April 2025 Roadmap. We’ll be sure to check back with the TSG team in a later Roadmap to provide an update on progress.

Note: when complete, the DB BR 420 loco Add-on will also release on PC and Gen 9 console platforms only (Xbox Series S|X & PS5).

[h2]Additional Gameplay[/h2]

With Free Roam, players can explore the multiple paths along each line in their favourite traction.



There’ll also be Route Hopping with Frankfurt – Fulda (at Frankfurt am Main Hbf) and with Linke Rheinstrecke at (Mainz Hbf). For players with these routes and Schnellfahrstrecke Kassel-Würzburg, a monumental 320km journey awaits between Koblenz and Kassel with three hopping points across four route Add-ons!

[h2]Mastery Challenges:[/h2]



Mastery on Frankfurt S-Bahn unlocks the new in-game Posters for the route that we introduced to selected Train Sim World 5 route Add-ons (Tier 1) and a Scenery Tile at Wiesbaden.

The Scenery Tile represents the popular Festivals that take place, with music included during both day and nighttime for those who choose the toggle the Scenery Tile on.

Complete timetable services and Scenarios or drive a pre-set number of kilometers to unlock them!

[h2]Preview Livestream in English and German[/h2]

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Rewatch the preview streams on Railfan TV and TrainSimPlay over on YouTube and Twitch

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Train Sim World 5: Frankfurt S-Bahn: S1, S8 & S9 is out now for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for €35.99/£29.99/$39.99

Find out more about Train Sim World 5 by following @trainsimworld on
Bluesky, Threads, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.

Tap into classic British AC traction with BR Class 86/2 services on the West Coast Main Line. Just Trains’ latest Add-on is coming soon!

[h3]The Story So Far:[/h3]



We've already talked a little bit about Just Trains’ first Train Sim World loco Add-on as have they in their Development Blog entries.

This includes:

• Reveal in Week 1 of our 2024 Season of Reveals
• An update on developing the locomotive in the January 2025 Roadmap
• An update on the coaches included in the February 2025 Roadmap
• A look at the coach interiors in the March 2025 Roadmap

[h3]Rolling Stock[/h3] BR Class 86/2

The Class 86 brings additional challenges to the stunning WCML: Preston - Carlisle route, as well as all-new variety in the form of British Rail’s Mk2F coaches.

The Class 86 entered service in the mid-1960s after years of testing different designs to run on the newly electrified West Coast Main Line. Known originally as the AL6, it would become the first mass-produced AC loco for the new fleet with 100 examples built.



Over time, a revision to the suspension was undertaken to solve issues of rough riding and track wear, these changes resulted in what became known as the Class 86/2 subclass. Being the precursor to the Class 87, the Class 86/2, with less horsepower, was capable of 100mph which makes for a more challenging driving experience. Other differences from the 87 include the plated over headcode box, and the distinctive triple windscreen.

In more recent years, both the Class 87 and Class 86 have seen some international service in Europe, predominantly in Bulgaria, where some are still used on freight trains under various operators.



Operating the Class 86 in-game will be a challenge for new and existing players on WCML Preston – Carlisle. The locomotive works in a similar way to the Class 87, with tap changer controls that require a degree of planning to manage speed limits, stops and gradients.



Unlike the Class 87 however, the Class 86 has less power. As a result, poor timing with the power before the climb up to Shap can result in time lost, as the train builds speed slower than expected.



The Class 86 has a fully accessible engine room (this is where the DSD isolation is located) and a detailed, weathered cab. It also comes in two liveries: BR Blue and Intercity Executive with specific details implemented on individual locomotives, such as those on ‘City of Coventry’ detailed in the March Roadmap.



Included are several external variations of the 86/2 which feature changes such two different types of Pantographs, RCH cables, a centrally mounted High Intensity head light and a single Rally light uniquely fitted to 86225. The eagle-eyed amongst you will remember this light from the first ever teaser image for the 86/2.

Amongst the numerous liveries included is Locomotive number 86233, named Laurence Olivier, is unique in the 86 fleet for having a white cab roof at both ends during the mid-1980’s. This distinctive marking was applied to commemorate the 21st Anniversary of the creation of Inter-City.

[h3]Mk2F Coaches & Mk1 RMB[/h3]


Also included in the pack are Mk2F Coaches, in BSO, TSO and FO variants.

The air-conditioned Mk2s were the mainstay of many long-distance passenger trains after their introduction in the 1970s, and have seen use ever since, in both service, engineering and railtour duties.



The feature coach of the Class 86/2 is the much-requested BR Mk1 RMB Buffet Car.

RMB standing for Restaurant Miniature Buffet. The RMB is basically a British Railways Mk1 TSO (Tourist Standard Open) coach where the centre vestibule seating area has been replaced with a buffet counter a small seating area along with standing space and store cupboard. Either side of this is the normal full seating areas. The RMB’s were built between 1957 and 1962. There are still quite a few in service on heritage railways across the UK.



The RMB features the InterCity Executive and BR Blue Grey liveries.

When you enter the RMB, make your way to the Buffet area where behind the operating roller shutter you will see a fully stocked area with a great variety of top-quality (curly) sandwiches, fresh (yesterday) Pork Pies (in two sizes), bags of crisps, bottles of soft drinks with flavours such as Apple, Orange, and Berry!



Timetable services and additional gameplay

Both the Class 86 and Mk2 Coaches will substitute into the current WCML: Preston – Carlisle timetable in place of some Class 87-hauled services.

The timetable for WCML: Preston – Carlisle has Class 87 services running cross-country trains across the route. These services will be substituted by Class 86 locomotives as would have been the case during the period.

As the Class 86/2 was not a common feature on freight services, these will all continue to be Class 87 hauled.



5 new Scenarios will also be available to play on the route, ranging from a football Special out of the map to Wembley to represent England playing against Scotland during April 1986.

Others including a delayed service requires some rerouting and the southbound express bound for London requires some assistance... can you take on the challenge?



Players keen on making use of the Mk1 RMB will be able to do so in Formation Designer, along with the Mk2F Coaches and the Class 86 with these coaches can be spawned in Free Roam.

Train Sim World 5: Class 86/2 & Mk2F Coaches is releasing soon for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for £19.99 / €24.99 / $24.99

You can learn more in Just Trains' Development Blog entries.

Just Trains’ latest route for Train Sim World is the longest UK route ever developed! Thrash both the electric Class 87 and diesel Class 47 up Shap Summit across almost 100 miles of northwest tracks between Preston and Carlisle.

Class 101 DMU and Class 08 shunting services are also included, with layered services and AI featuring for players with Just Trains’ other route Add-on: Blackpool Branches and other Train Sim World Add-ons like Flying Scotsman and Northern Trans-Pennine.

Steam players can get a 10% discount on WCML Preston - Carlisle in the final day of the May Madness Sale!

Xbox players with Game Pass Ultimate can also get 10% off selected Add-ons.

Additional Class 87 liveries

Players with WCML: Preston – Carlisle also received some additional liveries as part of a recent patch update. You can read the full details for this route and others in the Patch Notes.

The additional liveries include two variations of the existing intercity executive, one with red buffers and one which is heavily weathered as well as another two variations with an extended yellow panel at the front with black and red buffers and finally one variation with a full yellow front with black numbers and decals.

The Class 86 loco Add-on is not required in order to receive these additional Class 87 liveries.