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Train Sim World® 6 News

Play Train Sim World 6 Now!

[h2]Early Access: What you need to know[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]Early Access begins today, 25th September 2025, for players that pre-ordered Deluxe or Special Editions of Train Sim World 6.[/p][p]This will commence at:[/p]
  • [p]1600 BST for PlayStation and Xbox players[/p]
  • [p]1800 BST for Epic Games and Steam players[/p]
[p]For Steam players, this will also mark the time at which Compatible Content can be downloaded.[/p][p][/p][p]For Special Edition players on all platforms, this will include the 5 back catalogue Compatible Content Add-ons included.[/p][p][/p][p]A full rollout plan for Compatible Content can be found in our FAQs.[/p][p][/p][p]If you can’t wait to become part of the action, there's still time to pre-order Deluxe and Special Editions on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam! This will grant you immediate access to the game![/p][p][/p][p]Pre-ordering available bundles (including Standard edition) can entitle players to a 10% discount. Please see our TSW6 FAQs for more information on this for each game platform.[/p][p][/p][h2]What is there to do in Train Sim World 6?[/h2][p]
[/p][p]There's loads to get into when you first play, including:[/p]
  • [p]Operating new locomotives![/p]
    • [p]The Arrow III, GWR Class 802 and all three Deluxe Edition locos are brand new to Train Sim World![/p]
  • [p]Explore new horizons.[/p]
    • [p]Look out over the English Channel, go beyond Riesa all the way Leipzig and head out into the suburbs of New Jersey.[/p]
  • [p]Become the expert and solve train faults. - Manage your service with engine stalls, fix lights and wiper failures or sort door issues mid-service.[/p]
  • [p]Keep your eyes open... for Temporary Speed Restrictions[/p]
    • [p]and prepare to slow down when you least expect it.[/p]
  • [p]Keep you ears open... for Announcements![/p]
    • [p]Roam the platforms and check tickets in Conductor Mode all to a tune of audio announcements.[/p]
  • [p]Tailor your experience.[/p]
    • [p]Manage your layers, alter the frequency of faults and toggle new audio settings for a bespoke experience.[/p]
[p]Don't forget to send us your awesome screenshots! Head into Photo Mode and get creative! Share your best snaps via Dovetail Live or simple tag us on social media... we love to see what trains you're driving and the routes you're enjoying.[/p][p][/p][h2]The Story So Far...[/h2][p]If you’re just joining us and are learning about Train Sim World 6 for the first time... welcome! There’s a lot to catch up on![/p][p][/p][p]Over the last few weeks we’ve been showcasing all the new content available, from routes, to locomotives and the new features.[/p][p][/p][p]Here’s a summary of everything we’ve put out so far![/p][p][/p][h3]Dovetail Direct – The Big Announcement![/h3][p][/p][p]Train Sim World 6: Leipzig-Dresden[/p][p][/p][p]Train Sim World 6: Morristown Line[/p][p][/p][p]Train Sim World 6: Riviera Line[/p][p][/p][p]Train Sim World 6: New Features[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h2]Train Sim World 6: All You Need to Know[/h2][h3]How to Download?[/h3][p][/p][p]Our FAQs also have information for new and existing players on how to download Train Sim World 6 on each platform. We also have this in handy video format for Steam, Epic, PlayStation and Xbox players.[/p][p][/p][p]Here, you can also find technical information about how profile transfers work, how to continue use of the PC Editor (beta) and information about achievements and Creators Club content.[/p][p][/p][h2]Compatible Content[/h2][h3]Downloadable for Steam Players[/h3][p]Steam players can begin downloading their Compatible content for use in Train Sim World 6.[/p][p][/p][p]PlayStation, Xbox and Epic Games players will need to wait until full launch on 30th September.[/p][p][/p][p]A full rollout plan for Compatible Content can be found in our FAQs.[/p][p][/p][h3]Important News for Epic Games Players[/h3][p]
Following our previous statements in our FAQs concerning compatible content for Epic Games players, we have some good news![/p][p][/p][p]Your entire Train Sim World collection will be coming with you in Train Sim World 6![/p][p]Our team have been working hard behind the scenes to support the releases, which will come in phases over the coming weeks.[/p][p][/p][p]The rollout plan:[/p]
  • [p]Phase 1, Launch: At launch (Phase 1), you’ll be able to bring with you 43 Add-ons, featuring some of your favourite content, alongside content featured in editions of TSW6, and some of the content that layers into the new routes.[/p]
  • [p]Phase 2, October 14: This will be followed on October 14 by Phase 2, with 17 additional pieces of content.[/p]
  • [p]Future Phases: We will confirm dates for future phases to release the remaining Add-ons as soon as we can.[/p]
[p]You can see the content coming in both Batches 1 and 2 on our FAQs.[/p][p][/p][h2]Known Issues for Early Access[/h2][p]As we head into early access, we want to keep you as informed as possible by sharing an outline of a few key issues we’ve identified that we’re looking to address for launch and beyond.[/p][p][/p][p]If you want to report a bug, give feedback on the game, or have any other issues, you can send a ticket through our Support website.[/p][p][/p][h3]Key[/h3]
  • [p]🔴 Likely to impact gameplay[/p]
  • [p]🟠 Less impactful to gameplay[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Least Impactful / Unlikely to notice outside of specific situations[/p]
[h3]General[/h3]
  • [p]🔴 Random door faults can appear in scenarios. (We recommend that if you’re experiencing any difficulties when playing scenarios to disable train faults in settings)[/p]
  • [p]🔴 Train Faults may not appear on the UI correctly with driver assist disabled. To see guided solutions to each fault, see our Getting Started - Train Fault Guide.[/p]
  • [p]🟠 Temporary Speed Restrictions aren’t occurring after starting a service on foot[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Dovetail Live Sign-in button isn’t functioning for Mastery[/p]
  • [p]🟡 TSRs can unintentionally appear on special edition back-cat routes when switching to a second service after completing a TSW6 core route service with TSRs enabled.[/p]
[p]Please note, it is likely these TSRs appear in a non-prototypical manner (ie. US TSRs on a German route).[/p][h3]Riviera Line[/h3]
  • [p]🔴 On the Class 220 Voyager, with safety systems enabled, missing an acknowledge of the DSD/VC can set the brakes and they may not release correctly. (If this happens, restarting the service without DSD/VC enabled is recommended.)[/p]
  • [p]🟠 The 'Master Key' cannot be toggled during the 'Limited Power' scenario[/p]
  • [p]🟠 Class 802 '1J74 Plymouth to London Paddington' guard mode service fails to close doors after the ‘Load Passengers’ objective[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Class 52 rail tour locomotive is numbered incorrectly[/p]
[h3]Morristown Line[/h3]
  • [p]🔴 On PS5, sometimes when loading an ALP-45DP service, a game crash can occur[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Convent station on-board announcement audio missing the word “station”[/p]
  • [p]🟡 At Summit station, the ‘Climb Up’ prompt isn’t appearing at both platforms. If you find yourself stuck, you can fast travel back to the station using the Live Map or use the ‘Ctrl+0’ bind on PC to return to your cab.[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Station announcements at Secaucus and New York Penn stop working after ~20+ minutes at the platform[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Some interior lights fail to turn on in buildings around the Hoboken Terminal station[/p]
[h3]Leipzig Dresden[/h3]
  • [p]🔴 ‘Set the Front Right and Left Headlight to On’ objective fails to update during the 'Leipzig's Big Helper' scenario[/p]
  • [p]🟠 “Turn and Hold the Engine Start Switch” appears unlocalised in the DB BR 294 training module[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Incorrect AP scores are awarded driving under the speed limit during the 'Leipzig's Big Helper' scenario[/p]
  • [p]🟡 During service EZK 53379, all signals are incorrectly showing aspect ‘Sh1’[/p]
  • [p]🟡 Some vehicle models are seen floating near Leipzig Hbf station[/p]
[p]Please be sure to read out TSW6 FAQs website for more information about content before submitted any other reports to our team, and if you’d rather provide us with Suggestions or Feedback instead, please share this on our TSW6 Feedback Forums, or in our new Dovetail Games official Discord, where we’ve opened dedicated feedback areas.[/p][p][/p][p]Our teams are also looking closely at the frequency of train faults occurring at different settings, including when set to ‘High’ for the GWR Class 150 and CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager.[/p][p][/p][p]Please let us know your feedback if you’re playing along in Early Access.[/p][p][/p][h2]What’s Next? Full Launch: Tuesday 30th September[/h2][p]Full launch of Train Sim World 6 starts on Tuesday 30th September:[/p]
  • [p]1600 BST for PlayStation and Xbox players[/p]
  • [p]1800 BST for Epic Games and Steam players[/p]
[p]Train Sim World 6: Standard Edition[/p][p][/p][p]Players that have pre-ordered Train Sim World 6: Standard Edition will be able to start playing from this date.[/p][p][/p][p]Train Sim World: Free Starter Pack[/p][p][/p][p]Also releasing on 30th September is the Free Starter Pack, which will allow players to upgrade to Train Sim World 6 for free. The Free Starter Pack includes Training Center and 5 different trains to learn.[/p][p]It does not contain the routes or locomotives included in other Editions of Train Sim World 6.[/p][p][/p][p]Separate route and loco Add-ons[/p][p]The individual route and loco Add-ons for Train Sim World 6 will also be available to purchase from 30th September.[/p][p][/p][h3]Train Sim World 6: Boxed Edition[/h3][p]We can confirm that a boxed copy of Train Sim World 6 will be coming to selected platforms at a later date.[/p][p][/p][h2]Future Routes and Content[/h2][p]
If you’re keen to hear about what’s next for Train Sim World 6, head over to Part One and Part Two of our August Roadmap where we talk about some of the exciting new routes coming as Add-ons to Train Sim World 6.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This includes the first Add-on to release post-launch with WCML: Birmingham - Crewe, along with other route Add-ons covering railways in Czechia, Portugal and Japan![/p][p][/p][p]We’ll have more to share in our October Roadmap which will come on Tuesday October 7th![/p][p][/p][h2]Have questions? Feedback? Get in touch![/h2][p]Our handy FAQs should give you all the information you need, along with the various information threads on our Forums.[/p][p][/p][p]You can also follow us on socials to keep up to date with everything happening through launch and beyond![/p][p][/p][h2]Join the DTG Discord![/h2][p][/p][p]What are you looking forward to most in Train Sim World 6?[/p][p][/p][p]Head over to our shiny new Discord Server to hear the latest news from our teams, get unique rewards in our Discord community, and be involved in exclusive Discord events.[/p][p][/p][h2]Early Access Livestream![/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Join Matt tonight for an Early Access Livestream over on YouTube and Twitch.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for all your enthusiasm, feedback, and questions as we've shown you all TSW6 has to offer. For those who will be playing in Early Access this weekend - we hope you enjoy it as much as we've enjoyed making it.[/p][p][/p][p]Find out more about Train Sim World 6 by following @trainsimworld on Twitter/X, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.[/p][p][/p]

Train Sim World 6 - New Trains at Newton Abbot!

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]One of the most requested routes and one of the most requested trains are coming to Train Sim World 6![/p][p]Coast along Britain’s Riviera Line with the return of GWR’s iconic branding and add more services in Deluxe Edition with the eagerly-awaited Voyager.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In this article we’ll dive deep into the Riviera Line’s timetable, outline all the trains you’ll get and opportunities for layering from other Train Sim World Add-ons.[/p][p]5-Day Early Access: Starts this week![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Before we head into the details of Riviera Line, a quick reminder that this week marks the start of Train Sim World 6 Early Access for players who pre-order Deluxe or Special Edition.[/p][p]This will commence on Thursday 25th September at:[/p]
  • [p]1600 BST for PlayStation and Xbox players[/p]
  • [p]1800 BST for Epic Games and Steam players[/p]
[p]For Steam players, this will also mark the time at which Compatible Content can be downloaded.[/p][p]For Special Edition players on all platforms, this will include the 5 back catalogue Compatible Content Add-ons included.[/p][p]A full rollout plan for Compatible Content can be found in our FAQs.[/p][p]If you can’t wait to become part of the action, there's still time to pre-order on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam![/p][p]Pre-ordering available bundles (including Standard edition) can entitle players to a 10% discount. Please see our TSW6 FAQs for more information on this for each game platform.[/p][p]The Route[/p][p]Riviera Line: Exeter – Plymouth & Paignton[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Both the Riviera and South Devon Main Lines were built in the mid-1800s. The challenging topography of the land saw rails navigate over hills and cling to coastlines, but was considered favourable over an alternative route over the granite Tors of Dartmoor. What followed was instant connections to seaside resorts and the ability to cross some of the most picturesque railway in England; as a result, the line soared in popularity.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In Train Sim World, the stretch from Exeter to Plymouth links Devonshire’s two cities via this dramatic and historic route. Long gone are the days of GWR’s infamous broad gauge and atmospheric railway systems, instead today, the Exeter - Plymouth line is part of the greater, modern UK railway network. It has often been described as one the most beautiful stretches of railway in Britain.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This is demonstrated as soon as players leave Exeter St Davids, heading south through the industrial estate of Marsh Barton, where a brand-new station was opened in 2023. A small opening party can be in-game celebrating the occasion! It is from here and on all the other station platforms in Riviera Line, where players can experience the new Platform Announcements feature![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]From there, the line begins to hug the Exe River, passing through the grounds of Powderham Castle, where the Earls of Devon have resided for hundreds of years. Isambard Kingdom Brunel was granted permission to build his atmospheric railway through the estate in the 1840s.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The first station beyond Exeter’s confines is Starcross. From there, trains through the harbour at Cockwood (a popular railfanning spot) and down to Dawlish Warren where the River Exe ends and meets the English Channel. Red sandstone cliffs, split by the occasional tunnel and accompanied by a coastal walkway (also good for railfanning), follow the railway line through to Dawlish town, famous for its black Swans and the storm of 2014 that necessitated extensive rebuilding of the railway line. The coastal running then continues through to Teignmouth.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]At Newton Abbot, the line splits, with the main line continuing on to Plymouth, via Totnes and Ivybridge and the Paignton branch line heading back towards the coast via Torre and Torquay.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The route reaches its southern extremity at Plymouth, where trains will run out of the map to serve Cornwall. Laira Depot is also included in the route, where GWR and CrossCountry trains stable and are maintained.[/p][p]The Trains[/p][p]GWR Class 802[/p][p]Train Sim World 6 sees the return of the iconic GWR branding to the game, since its first appearance way back when Great Western Express first released for TSW in 2018. Showcasing a livery that’s celebrating 10 years in 2025 is the modern Class 802 IET.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Though this train may look similar to the LNER Class 801 Azuma included in East Coast Main Line, it performs and sounds very different! The GWR Class 802 is bi-mode, with full diesel engine power to cope with the undulating terrain of the non-electrified Riviera Line as well as overhead electric power for use elsewhere.[/p][p]The interior also looked markedly different from the LNER variant, with the smart grey and green passenger areas which will have the new passenger announcements and passenger ambience features implemented for increased levels of immersion.[/p][p]CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager[/p][p]available in Deluxe / Special Edition[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]It’s been requested enough times... the Voyager is finally here in Train Sim World![/p][p]These distinctive trains were born from the idea to revolutionise some of the busiest and longest services in the UK, including the vast CrossCountry network. Entering service in 2001, the fleet of 34 Class 220s got busy traversing England & Scotland, with each member of the class clocking hundreds of miles per day.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Of the many lines and locations the Voyagers have served for the past 20 years, including the bustling city of Birmingham, and across the towering Forth Bridge in Scotland, perhaps the most ubiquitous is their stretch along the Devonshire seaside towns. Whether as part of the long-distance Aberdeen to Penzance marathon, or the occasional Manchester-Paignton jaunt, the Dawlish Sea Wall scenery is a highlight for travellers of all kinds.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In Train Sim World 6, be a driver or conductor aboard busy CrossCountry services along the scenic Riviera Line. Accelerate out of Exeter and race by on express services to Plymouth, crest over the Devon Hills and hurry past the Dawlish Sea Wall.[/p][p]Existing players will no doubt want to explore other UK routes in their collection by spawning the Voyager into timetable mode.[/p][p]We’ll talk more about implementation into back catalogue routes later in this article.[/p][p]Routes where Voyagers could be used in Free Roam include:[/p]
  • [p]Midland Main Line[/p]
  • [p]Fife Circle Line[/p]
  • [p]West Cornwall Local (albeit, different era)[/p]
[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Voyager will feature train faults (detailed further down) and passenger ambience in the passenger areas. Automated Passenger Announcements will be toggleable in settings – in reality, these are not automated on Voyagers and are instead read out by onboard train managers.[/p][p]The CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager loco Add-on will be available to purchase separately once Train Sim World 6 has released on 30th September.[/p][p]GWR Class 150 DMU[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Serving local stations is a more contemporary version of the ubiquitous Class 150 previously seen in both West Cornwall Local and Cardiff City Network Add-ons. This staple of the British Railway network was first introduced in the 1980s and has since seen action across the breadth and depth of Britain, including the Westcountry coastline and Devonshire branch lines.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]For Riviera Line, the Class 150 comes with a new GWR livery and reworked cab and passenger interior from the previous versions. In addition, sounds have been updated following an audio recording trip by our Audio Team which has also enabled the sounds for the TfW Class 150 in Cardiff City Network to be updated for Train Sim World 6 players. Some of these updated sounds are already implemented into the TfW version.[/p][p]The GWR Class 150 is included in Train Sim World 6’s Riviera Line route. Players do not need to own previously released content to access this train.[/p][p] [/p][p]NEW Features: Train Faults and Random Events[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Riviera Line and its trains will feature the new Train Faults and Random Events also seen in the other two core routes.[/p][p]This includes Signal Delays and Temporary Speed Restrictions.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Train Faults can be toggled in the Settings Menu, making it possible for a variety of faults to be encountered during a run in timetable mode.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]The list of faults available in the Class 150 and 220 trains are as follows:[/p][p]GWR Class 150[/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Diesel Engine stalls[/p]
  • [p]Passenger Door Stuck[/p][p]CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager[/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Diesel Engine stalls[/p]
  • [p]Passenger Door Stuck[/p]
[p]Train Faults will be implemented into the GWR Class 802 in a post-release update.[/p][p]You can read more about these features in our previous article.[/p][p]Timetable, Layers, Scenarios & Gameplay[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The timetable for Riviera Line has been developed with the help of Tyler, a Game Designer at Rivet Games. You may remember Tyler from the West Midlands Railway / CrossCountry Class 170 article, where they described in detail the work they’d done for the new Birmingham Cross-City timetable (more on that later...)[/p][p]Riviera Line Timetable Deep Dive:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The scenic Riviera Line boasts a surprising density and variety of traffic. Let's take a journey along the line for an overview of playable and AI services.[/p][p]A priority for many players is accuracy, and we share that priority. The data for our timetable comes from the Working Timetable (WTT), an official publication for the railway industry in the UK. We're using the May 2023 version and have included every service listed in the passenger and freight timetables, whether playable or AI. Arrival and departure times from intermediate stations are straight from the WTT, not auto-generated. Station stops after a train leaves the modeled route, shown on platform and train information screens and known as "virtual destinations" are also from the WTT.[/p][p]From Beaches…[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The shared trunk of the route is from Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot, where the line splits: the Paignton branch follows the coast to Paignton and the main line climbs over the South Devon Banks to Plymouth.[/p][p]Local stations on the trunk and Paignton branch are primarily served by the Class 150 on a half-hourly stopping service between Paignton and Exmouth (playable as far as Exeter St Davids, where the AI reverses in the station and heads out of the map for Exmouth). These trains are stabled at Exeter Depot, adjacent to Exeter St Davids, so early morning and late evening are a flurry of depot services shunting across the River Exe between the depot and station.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Exeter St Davids is the busiest station on the route, with eight playable trains per hour plus AI trains from off map locations such as Barnstaple, Okehampton and Exeter Central. It is also the terminus of Class 159 services from London Waterloo, which are represented by the East Midlands Trains Class 158, layering in from Midland Main Line. It's "close enough" to our eyes, but if you disagree you can always disable the layer in Layer Selector.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let's depart Exeter St Davids and head to the outskirts of the city. In 2023, the new Marsh Barton station opened as part of the Devon Metro improvement programme. In the "Grand Opening" scenario, you'll drive a VIP service to the station's opening ceremony, but the new station is also interesting in timetable mode for the Class 150: Outside peak times, every other Paignton-Exeter train skips the stations between Exeter St Davids and Dawlish, forming one stopper and one express each hour. Going toward Paignton, the stopper serves the new station, but in the opposite direction the stopper skips it while the express stops.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The next station, Dawlish Warren, is on twin passing loops forming a short stretch of quadruple line. Many stopping services wait here for a faster train to overtake them, giving you a chance to trainspot, look for collectibles, or simply get a cup of tea. That said, we value your time so we've split waits longer than 10 minutes into a separate service allowing you to get your score, go back to the menu, and start Part 2 immediately.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Leaving Dawlish Warren behind, we're soon winding along the coast until we reach the red cliffs at Dawlish. The sea can be rough here, with waves crashing onto the line, a theme explored in the Wave Wall Rescue scenario. The track further from the ocean is signalled bidirectionally between Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth for flexibility in bad weather. We leave the ocean at Teignmouth for a short sprint along the River Teign to Newton Abbot.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]After Newton Abbot, we split off the main line and head through leafy suburbs until we reach the town of Paignton. Some trains change ends in the station to form the next service, while others continue past the station to Goodrington Sidings. The carriage sidings use manual junctions, so make sure you set the points correctly before moving![/p][p]The Class 150 isn't the only train you'll see on the Paignton branch. The 802 and 220 also serve the town, but more on them in a bit. Nor is the Class 150 restricted to this branch, some run to Plymouth. Finally, if you own Great Western Express, the Class 166 will handle some of these services, bringing Turbos to the seaside.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Paignton shares a station with a steam heritage railway, which layers in using the Jubilee and 8F from Peak Forest Railway and Mk1 coaches from West Somerset Railway. The run-around shunting moves at Paignton are playable, and AI handles the off-route trips to Kingswear, all using the railway's real timetable and providing year-round service.[/p][p]…to Banks[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]A trip to the seaside is lovely, but it's time for a workout. If we turn right at Newton Abbot instead, we immediately launch into a stiff climb of Dainton Bank, a two-mile slog as steep as 1 in 36 or 2.8%. This is the third-steepest main line bank on the British mainland. The steep gradients and winding curves of the South Devon Banks have challenged drivers since the 1840s, but today's trains are more than up for the task.[/p][p]The GWR Class 802 is a bi-mode (diesel and electric) multiple-unit train known as the Intercity Express Train, or IET. These provide an hourly service between London Paddington and Plymouth, with some trains continuing to Penzance or Newquay. They also provide three daily round trips between London and Paignton. These operate in 5, 9, and 10-carriage sets.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The CrossCountry Class 220, or Voyager, also tackles this portion of line on hourly services between Plymouth and Edinburgh, as well as three round trips between Paignton and Manchester Piccadilly. These operate in 4- and 8-carriage sets.[/p][p]The GWR Class 43 HST, layered from Great Western Express, has been bumped from top-line express trains by the IET but can still be found on the route working shorter four-carriage regional services between Penzance and Cardiff. In 2023, not enough modernised "Castle" sets had been completed so some unrebuilt classic sets were still in use, which is what is depicted here. You'll also spot static HST stock around Laira Depot.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Dainton tunnel marks the summit of the first climb, so shut off power and be ready on the brake as you drop down into Totnes, where we find our second heritage railway holding a diesel gala. The Class 33 and Mk1 coaches from West Somerset Railway operate April-December, joined by the Class 101 from West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle from June to August. These services are AI-only but provide something interesting to look out for while driving past.[/p][p]If you're running express through Totnes, put the power on as you pass the station to get a running start at Rattery Bank. It's not as steep as Dainton but it's twice as long. If you did stop at Totnes, you'll have a long, slow climb to Rattery Viaduct. The grades ease up for a while, before you drop down the steep Hemerdon Bank to Plymouth. In the past, some HST services were sometimes advised not to stop at Totnes in the down direction, in order to have a decent ‘run up’ before Rattery![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]At Plymouth, both the IET and Voyager are stabled at Laira Depot. This fully-playable facility bustles with traffic throughout the day, and also includes a triangle (wye) for turning trains and a train wash. Three Class 08 shunters are stabled at the depot, and we've included several of these in railtour layers (more on those later). Plymouth Station is a mile past the depot, giving plenty of empty coaching stock gameplay between the station and depot. You'll also find some longer stock movements between Laira, Exeter, and points north. Many trains terminate at Plymouth, but others continue as AI services toward Penzance. The station is also served by AI traffic including Class 150 services to Gunnislake.[/p][p]Freight Flows[/p][p]The Riviera Line has less freight today than in the past, but what remains will give you a run for your money. Many freight services start or end at Exeter Riverside Yard, just north of Exeter St Davids, which is fully playable.[/p][p]Sand from Burngullow flows to Bow for making concrete. While the empty train handles 16 wagons at once, viaduct weight restrictions restrict loaded wagons to eight at a time, so the loaded train runs twice, leaving the first batch of wagons at Exeter Riverside Yard and then running light back to Plymouth to pick up the rest. Requires WCML: London Euston - Milton Keynes and Southeastern Highspeed[/p][p]China clay is mined in Cornwall and flows from Burngullow through Exeter Riverside Yard. These are represented by the PGA wagon, standing in for the CDA wagons which handled clay traffic until 2023. This layer is seasonal to represent the "as-needed" traffic which doesn't run every day. Requires WCML: London Euston - Milton Keynes and BR Class 20 'Chopper' loco Add-on (with Tees Valley Line)[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Nuclear waste is transported from Plymouth Dockyard, removed from decommissioned submarines. Like the real services, these operate with top-and-tail DRS Class 66s, two flask wagons, and an aircon Mk2F rider carriage. These services have been planned into the in-game timetable ahead of Skyhook Games’ Cargo Line Volume 5: Nuclear release, currently on the Train Sim World Roadmap. Further updates on release plans will be detailed in future Roadmaps and articles.[/p][p]Requires Edinburgh - Glasgow: Engineering Express, Cargo Line Vol. 5 - Nuclear, and BR Class 86/2 & Mk2F Coaches.[/p][p]Exeter Riverside Yard stores disused aggregate wagons, included as static stock to match satellite reference photos. Requires Great Western Express[/p][p]Rail Care[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Every railway needs inspection and engineering to keep the infrastructure in good condition.[/p][p]The Rail Head Treatment Train works a full tour of the line to blast leaf debris off the rails, twice daily in October and November.[/p][p]An ultrasonic inspection train makes weekly visits to the line to check for internal defects within the rails. This is formed of top-and-tail Class 37s and several modified Mk1 and Mk2 coaches, and visits the entire route plus a trip to Exeter Depot for fueling. This layer is seasonal to represent the once-weekly schedule and is represented by existing rolling stock from other Add-ons albeit in their native liveries and variants. Requires West Cornwall Local, West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle, and BR Class 86/2 & Mk2F Coaches[/p][p]Sleepers and Railtours[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We don't have any sleepers in TSW, but how could we have the Riviera Line without the famed Night Rivera sleeper? We've substituted a heritage railtour using first-class Mk3 carriages, pulled by a Class 47. Requires West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle[/p][p]When it comes to the other railtours, we referenced a variety of photos and videos to research accurate consists and routings. Some are a combination of multiple tours to create interesting and varied gameplay that's still as realistic as possible.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The South Devon Banks will give you a run for your money at the throttle of a steam engine or Class 52 "Western”, so naturally we started there. Three railtours run from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth and back. Each unloads at Plymouth and turns on the triangle at Laira Depot, staying there for a few hours for servicing before returning to Plymouth to board. Because Laira Depot is a mile away from Plymouth, another locomotive is needed on the rear of the train to lead the way.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Cathedrals Express railtour, behind Flying Scotsman and assisted by a Class 08 based at Laira Depot. Requires LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman and West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Western Pilgrim railtour, behind D1015 Western Champion in BR blue and assisted by a Class 08 based at Laira Depot. Requires Diesel Legends of the Great Western, West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle, and BR Class 86/2 & Mk2F Coaches[/p][p]The Devonian Double railtour, behind double-headed Class 40s and assisted by the Class 47 on the rear of the train. Requires BR Heavy Freight Pack (with Northern Trans-Pennine) and West Coast Main Line: Preston - Carlisle[/p][p]A further railtour runs from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth, continuing off the route before returning several hours later for the return trip.[/p][p]The South Devon Explorer railtour, behind a maroon Jubilee. Requires West Cornwall Steam Railtour[/p][p]Two railtours run from Exeter St Davids to Paignton.[/p][p]The Western Sunrise railtour, behind D1015 Western Champion in red along with a green Class 47, unloads at Paignton and continues to Goodrington Sidings to run around its train before returning to Paignton for the return trip. Requires BR Class 52 'Western', West Somerset Railway, and LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman[/p][p]The Torbay Express railtour, behind a green Class 47, continues as AI onto the steam railway at Paignton, returning several hours later for the return trip. Requires West Somerset Railway[/p][p]We've reached the end of our journey through the timetable. I hope you enjoy playing it as much as we enjoyed creating it![/p][p]For clarity, the full list of Add-ons required for all playable and AI layers is as follows:[/p]
  • [p]Great Western Express[/p]
  • [p]Diesel Legends of the Great Western[/p]
  • [p]West Somerset Railway[/p]
  • [p]Class 33 loco Add-on[/p]
  • [p]Class 52 loco Add-on[/p]
  • [p]LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman[/p]
  • [p]Peak Forest Railway[/p]
  • [p]Midland Main Line[/p]
  • [p]WCML: Preston-Carlisle[/p]
  • [p]Class 86/2 loco Add-on[/p]
  • [p]WCML: London-Milton Keynes[/p]
  • [p]Southeastern Highspeed[/p]
  • [p]Railhead Treatment Train[/p]
  • [p]West Cornwall Local[/p]
  • [p]West Cornwall Steam Railtour[/p]
  • [p]Northern Trans-Pennine[/p]
  • [p]BR Heavy Freight Pack[/p]
  • [p]Tees Valley Line[/p]
  • [p]Class 20 ‘Chopper’ loco Add-on[/p]
  • [p]Cargo Line Volume 5: Nuclear (yet to be released)[/p]
[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Seasonal Variation of Services is as follows:[/p]
  • [p]Class 52, Western Sunrise: April[/p]
  • [p]Jubilee, South Devon Explorer: May[/p]
  • [p]Flying Scotsman, Cathedrals Express: June[/p]
  • [p]Class 47, Torbay Express: July[/p]
  • [p]Class 52, Western Pilgrim: September[/p]
  • [p]Class 40, Devonian Double: October[/p]
  • [p]Clay, 6V05 and 6C10: March-December[/p]
  • [p]Clay, 6C99 and 6C53: May-September[/p]
  • [p]Ultrasonic Test Train: May-September[/p]
  • [p]Railhead Treatment Train: October-November[/p]
  • [p]South Devon Railway Class 33 AI: April-December[/p]
  • [p]South Devon Railway Class 101 AI: June-August[/p]
[p]The in-game month can be altered in the timetable menu, along with the weather settings.[/p][p][/p][h3]Save on selected layers Add-ons: Steam Weeklong Deal[/h3][p][/p][p]Get prepared by grabbing some of the relevant Add-ons to activate layers on Steam! These discounts are available from 1800 BST, Monday 22nd September, until 1800 BST on 29th September.[/p][p]The Add-ons on sale are:[/p][p]For this sale, the Train Sim World 5 versions of the Add-ons have discounts applied. Purchasing these will entitle players to the Train Sim World 6 Compatible version of the Add-ons at no extra charge.[/p][p]8th Generation Console Gameplay[/p][p]After further reviewing performance on previous-generation consoles, we've amended the timetables to provide a suitable experience for these players (Xbox One and PlayStation 4).[/p][p]There will be no additional services (playable or AI) from layered content from other Add-ons.[/p][p]Layers for other route Add-ons[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Rivet Games have confirmed that gaps were planned for the CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager service in their recent Class 170 Birmingham Cross-City timetable. These layers will be implemented in a future update.[/p][p]Players with the West Somerset Railway Add-on and Riviera Line will see the Class 150 services replaced with the GWR version, which was used in real life during the 2019 shuttle trials that took place. The Class 220 Voyager will also appear as AI on the short section of Great Western main line, for players with Deluxe/Special Edition or the loco Add-on. These changes will be implemented in an update post-launch.[/p][p]These additions will apply to the Steam Gala timetable, available for players with the Peak Forest Railway and West Somerset Railway Add-ons.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]ATS similarly have plans for an update implementing the Class 220 Voyager into Manchester Airport Commuter and the first post-launch Add-on by All Aboard Studios, WCML: Birmingham – Crewe, will also have Class 220 Voyager layers available to play.[/p][p]Game Designer Liam has also confirmed that AI Class 220 Voyager services will appear in the Great Western Express Remaster.[/p][p]Scenarios & Gameplay[/p][p]There are 8 Scenarios in total for the Riviera Line: 5 with the route and 3 with the CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager Add-on. These feature situations themed around Hallowe’en, the inclement weather causing trains to fail at Dawlish and the opening of Marsh Barton Station.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Mastery Challenges are also included, requiring you to perform certain tasks on a route, like completing certain Scenarios or travelling a certain number of miles in a specific locomotive. Tier 1 Challenges unlock Posters that can be seen throughout each route. Tier 2 Challenges unlock toggleable Scenery Tiles.[/p][p][/p][h2]Livestream: Riviera Line Route Preview[/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Join Jamie and Matt on the Railfan TV team, with guests Tyler and Joe from 1800 UTC on Wednesday 24th September on YouTube and Twitch.[/p]

1 Week To Go! Everything you need to know: Train Faults, Random Events and more.

[p]New features are coming in Train Sim World 6! Get ready to expect the unexpected with moments and events that will impact gameplay, such that no two services will ever be the same.[/p][p]In this article, we outline what players can expect from day one, across the three new routes and new trains that are included.[/p][p]This includes some new Train Faults not previously mentioned in previous articles and a video to highlight some of them in action.[/p][p]We also highlight parts of these features that are planned for post-releases updates.[/p][p][/p][h2]Random Events - An Overview[/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Signal Delays[/h3][p]Signal Delays will occur in timetable mode, meaning certain signal aspects will alter later than is normally expected in Train Sim World. Whilst the effect might not be immediate in one isolated delay, the knock-on effect may result in AI trains overtaking yours or a build up of delays over the course of a full service run.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Signal Delays will be available in the new routes and will be applied to back catalogue routes for Train Sim World 6 players.[/p][p][/p][h3]Temporary Speed Restrictions[/h3][p][/p][p]The other Random Event is the enforcement of Temporary Speed Restrictions.[/p][p]Signs will appear beside the track to give a visual indication of where any restrictions start and end.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The HUD will also react to these restrictions, giving you a clearer guide as to when you need to slow down to comply with the restrictions.[/p][p]After reviewing the complexities of adding non-authentic assets to certain routes (i.e. modern-day assets on a historic route, or German signage appearing on a Dutch route, for example), we will just be implementing this for launch on TSW6 routes and will review opportunities to add to older content in the future.[/p][p][/p][h2]Train Faults - The Full List[/h2][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Train Faults can be toggled to ‘Enabled’ in the Settings Menu to trigger a selection of equipment failures to occur at random within trains that are included in Train Sim World 6.[/p][p]When a failure occurs, a Driver Assist pop-up will appear on screen that explains the fault and gives guidance on how you can overcome it. This may require you to vacate the seat and go looking for a breaker or fuse to reset.[/p][p][/p][p]The full day one list of faults for each train is as follows:[/p][p][/p][h3]NJ TRANSIT® Arrow III[/h3][p][/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Headlight Fuse[/p]
  • [p]Ditchlight Fuse[/p]
  • [p]Marker/Platform/Number Fuse[/p]
  • [p]Cab Heating Fuse[/p]
  • [p]Passenger Door Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Pantograph Drops[/p]
[p][/p][h3]NJ TRANSIT® ALP-45DP[/h3][p][/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Headlight Fuse[/p]
  • [p]Ditchlight Fuse[/p]
  • [p]Cab Heating Fuse[/p]
  • [p]Pantograph Drops[/p]
[p][/p][h3]GWR Class 150[/h3][p][/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Diesel Engine stalls[/p]
  • [p]Passenger Door Stuck[/p]
[p][/p][p]The GWR Class 150 DMU also has newly recorded sounds. You can learn more this in our future UK focus article.[/p][p][/p][h3]CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager[/h3][p][/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Diesel Engine stalls[/p]
  • [p]Passenger Door Stuck[/p]
[p][/p][h3]DB BR 442[/h3][p][/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Circuit Breaker Opens[/p]
  • [p]Pantograph Drops[/p]
  • [p]Handbrake Applies[/p]
  • [p]Passenger Lights Off[/p]
  • [p]Tempomat Zero Speed[/p]
  • [p]Passenger Door Stuck[/p]
[p]The DB BR 442 included in Leipzig-Dresden also has updated Suspension physics.[/p][p][/p][h3]DB BR 294[/h3][p][/p]
  • [p]Wiper Stuck[/p]
  • [p]Handbrake Applies[/p]
  • [p]Control Stand Deactivate[/p]
  • [p]Diesel Engine stalls[/p]
[p][/p][h2]Post Release Updates:[/h2][p]We are focusing on launching Train Faults with selected trains included in each route to provide a stable and engaging experience.[/p][p]Our plan is to add to the other trains included in the pack after full release, and we'll provide more details of this in future Roadmaps:[/p][p]These will be:[/p]
  • [p]GWR Class 802[/p]
  • [p]NJ TRANSIT® ALP-46[/p]
  • [p]NJ TRANSIT® MultiLevel cars[/p]
  • [p]DB BR 411 ICE-T[/p]
  • [p]DB BR 146[/p]
  • [p]DB BR 185[/p]
[p]In all cases, Train Faults will only apply to the player train and not AI trains.[/p][p][/p][h3]Settings Menu[/h3][p][/p][p]Random Events and Train Faults are toggleable in the Settings Menu. There is also a setting to alter the frequency of these events and faults.[/p][p]Setting this to 'High' will almost guarantee an event or failure occuring during a service run.[/p][p][/p][h2]Passenger & Platform Announcements[/h2][h3]And Passenger Ambience[/h3][p][/p][p]Passenger and Platform Announcements will be heard in passenger train coaches and multiple units, as well as on station platforms.[/p][p]Platform Announcements are emitted local to specific platforms. If the player is standing on Platform 1, an announcement heard on Platform 4 will be quieter than that of announcements on Platform 1.[/p][p]An optional, toggleable speaker inside the cab has been implemented in the Settings Menu, so that anyone wanting to hear announcements whilst they're at the helm can do so.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Also implemented for TSW6 is additional Passenger Ambience. These are sound effects of chatter and bustling within the passenger compartments of trains and are based on train loadings. Busy trains with every seat full will feel busy and crowded with noise, whereas quiet trains won’t. Conductor Mode players will hear this most clearly as they walk through the train moving baggage and checking tickets.[/p][p]Announcements and Passenger Ambience are available in Train Sim World 6 routes.[/p][p][/p][h3]Passenger Behaviour Improvements[/h3][p]There will also be improvements to some passenger behaviours, notably in the manner in which they board trains from the platforms.[/p][p]Some of this was demonstrated in our Preview Stream of the Morristown Line.[/p][p][/p][h2]8th Generation Console Experience[/h2][h3]8th Generation Console Gameplay[/h3][p]After further reviewing performance on previous-generation consoles, we've amended the timetables to provide a suitable experience for these players (Xbox One and PlayStation 4).[/p][p]We can confirm the following amendments for each of the three core routes:[/p][p][/p][h3]Leipzig-Dresden:[/h3][p][/p][p]All playable services in timetable mode will use the BR 442. Other included trains (ICE-T, BR 143, BR 146, BR 185) will be available to operate in Scenarios.[/p][p]The only additional layer will be for a selection of playable BR 294 services. There will be no AI-only traffic (services that are not otherwise playable) or freight services.[/p][p]Players on 8th Generation Consoles with Leipzig - Dresden will also have access to the Dresden - Riesa Add-on entitlement, which will have the current 8th Generation timetable level of services available to it on TSW6, and may provide a better experience if you're looking for a busier timetable on that section of the route.[/p][p][/p][h3]Morristown Line:[/h3][p][/p][p]No additional AI service layers will appear in the schedule for these platforms. All ALP-46 services have been removed. The ALP-46 will still be available to play in Scenarios.[/p][p][/p][h3]Riviera Line:[/h3][p][/p][p]There will be no additional services (playable or AI) from layered content from other Add-ons.[/p][p]We will detail the full Riviera Line timetable for PC and 9th Generation Console players, including the full list of Add-on layers, in next week's UK focus article.[/p][p][/p][h2]An Update on Epic Games Compatible Content[/h2][p][/p][p]Following our previous statements in our FAQs concerning compatible content for Epic Games players, we have some good news![/p][p][/p][p]Your entire Train Sim World collection will be coming with you in Train Sim World 6![/p][p][/p][p]Our team have been working hard behind the scenes to support the releases, which will come in phases over the coming weeks.[/p][p]The rollout plan:[/p]
  • [p]Phase 1, Launch: At launch (Phase 1), you’ll be able to bring with you 43 Add-ons, featuring some of your favourite content, alongside content featured in editions of TSW6, and some of the content that layers into the new routes.[/p]
  • [p]Phase 2, October 14: This will be followed on October 14 by Phase 2, with 17 additional pieces of content.[/p]
  • [p]Future Phases: We will confirm dates for future phases to release the remaining Add-ons as soon as we can.[/p]
[p]You can see the content coming in both Batches 1 and 2 on our FAQs.[/p][p]Thank you for your patience and continued support – and we hope you’ll join us enjoying Train Sim World 6 on September 30th (or 25th for all those with Deluxe or Special Editions!). We’ll see you on the rails![/p][p][/p][h2]October Roadmap[/h2][p]We'll detail the inclusion of Train Faults for all remaining trains and the implementation of TSRs on selected back catalogue routes in the October Roadmap on Tuesday October 7th.[/p][p][/p][h2]Pre-order Train Sim World 6: Deluxe Edition[/h2][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]If you can’t wait to become part of the action, remember that you can pre-order Train Sim World 6 now![/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Pre-ordering available bundles (including Standard edition) can entitle players to a 10% discount. Please see our TSW6 FAQs for more information on this for each game platform.[/p][p]Deluxe / Special Edition players can pre-order now to get 5-day Early Access and will also receive the CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager, NJ TRANSIT®ALP-45DP and DB BR 294 in addition to all the core routes listed above.[/p][p]Special Edition players will also receive additional back catalogue route Add-ons.[/p][p][/p][p]Find out more about Train Sim World 5 by following @trainsimworld on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.[/p][p]Images displayed in this article may depict content that is still in development. The licensed brands may not have been approved by their respective owner and some artwork may still be pending approval.[/p]

TSW6: Morristown Line Preview Livestream

[p]Join the Railfan TV team from 18:00pm UTC on Wednesday 17th September, on YouTube and Twitch.[/p][p]See our event below and tune into the next live showcase of Train Sim World 6![/p][p][/p][h3]Morristown Line Preview Livestream[/h3][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Morristown Line: From the Railfan

[p]New Jersey's Morristown Line is coming to Train Sim World 6! A new route, with new trains coming out of New York Penn and heading deep into New Jersey State.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]American Railfan, photographer and author Gary Dolzall explains more about the real-world route and rolling stock associated with this historic line, from a railfan perspective. This is covered in two halves: The Route and The Equipment.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Information given here reflects that of the real-world railroad. Images provided are captured from within Train Sim World 6. For more details about the Morristown Line gameplay in Train Sim World 6, you can head to our previous article.[/p][p][/p][h2]The Route: The Morristown Line[/h2][p][/p][p]NJ TRANSIT®, across its dozen commuter rail lines and 920 directional route miles, displays countless distinctive styles of railroading and delivers diverse commuter railroading challenges. And perhaps there is no better example of a single route demonstrating this remarkable variety than NJ TRANSIT®'s Morristown Line.[/p][p][/p][p]The character of the Morristown Line – and its attendant operating challenges – range from dense, fast-paced, multi-track urban commuter railroading at the likes of Hoboken and Newark to a twisting, steep climb through the stout, rugged hills of northeastern New Jersey. Operations on the route can take the form of long strings of NJ TRANSIT® MultiLevel coaches powered by ALP-46 electrics hustling “Midtown Direct” commuters to and from Manhattan at rush hour to a more leisurely off-hours local service equipped with NJ TRANSIT®’s venerable Arrow III EMUs.[/p][p][/p][p]The Morristown Line demonstrates both the verve of today’s bustling NJ TRANSIT® – and recalls the rich history and heritage of the bygone Delaware, Lackawanna & Western.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Like most NJ TRANSIT® rail lines, the Morristown Line serves New York Penn Station (reached via Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and the Hudson River tubes), as well as famed Hoboken Terminal (via their own route between Hoboken and Kearny, New Jersey). The NJ TRANSIT® Morristown route splits from the Amtrak Northeast Corridor at Swift Interlocking (also known as the Kearny Connection) and via its own Passaic River swing bridge calls at classic Newark Broad Street Station. From Newark, the Morristown Line begins its journey across often-rugged northeastern New Jersey. NJ TRANSIT® Morristown Line extends under electric catenary west through “the Oranges” (East Orange, Orange, and South Orange), through Summit and to its namesake town of Morristown, then on to Dover, New Jersey (western terminus of the upcoming Train Simulator World route and site of NJT’s Dover Yard). The rail distance from New York Penn Station to Dover is 43 miles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Beyond Dover, the NJ TRANSIT® route extends to Hackettstown, New Jersey. The Morristown Line is considered part of NJ TRANSIT®’s “Morris & Essex” lines which, along with the Morristown Line includes the Gladstone Branch (which connects to the Morristown Line at Summit). The Morristown Line also has connections with the Montclair-Boonton Line just west of Newark and at Denville, New Jersey.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Today, the Morristown Line is a key NJ TRANSIT® commuter artery, and yet in times past the route served a different role – that of the main line of the famed Delaware, Lackawanna & Western (or “Lackawanna” for short) and as the steel path of DL&W’s much-beloved flagship passenger train, the famed Phoebe Snow. The Lackawanna Railroad, which stretched from Hoboken and the west bank of the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York on the shores of Lake Erie, was in no small part born to carry anthracite coal from the mines of northeastern Pennsylvania. But the Lackawanna was also a conveyor of bridge traffic and of hauling passengers. On its east end, the Lackawanna was in its own right a dense commuter carrier. What is today the Morristown Line owes its origins to the Morris & Essex Railroad, which was chartered in 1835 to connect New York Harbor with Morristown, and in the following years was extended westward and in 1869 became part of the Lackawanna.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Morristown Line was first electrified by the Lackawanna Railroad in 1930 and for decades thereafter was home to the railroad’s traditional, heavyweight Pullman-green electric MUs (as well as steam, then diesel-powered passenger and freight trains). The Lackawanna merged with the Erie Railroad in 1960 (forming the Erie-Lackawanna), which in turn was folded into Conrail in 1976. Finally, in the early 1980s, NJ TRANSIT® assumed all commuter operations in the state, including those on the Morristown Line.[/p][p][/p][p]The Morristown Line is one of three NJ TRANSIT® routes, along with the Gladstone Line and Montclair-Boonton Line, whose trains originate (or terminate) at either New York Penn Station or Hoboken Terminal and call at Newark Broad Street Station. Busy in its own right, sections of the Morristown route also host trains to and from the Gladstone branch and Boonton line, which makes the action on the Morristown Line all the more frenetic and captivating.[/p][p][/p][p]A short distance west of Newark Broad Street Station, at Roseville Interlocking, the Montclair-Boonton Line diverges from the Morristown Line, taking a northerly route via Wayne, New Jersey, then reconnecting with the Morristown Line at Denville.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Today’s Montclair-Boonton Line is a combination of ex-Lackawanna and ex-Erie Railroad trackage. The Gladstone Line shares trackage with the Morristown Line west through Summit, New Jersey, then the line (still often called the “Gladstone Branch”) diverges on a south-westerly path to its namesake town. Like the Morristown Line, the Gladstone Branch has a Lackawanna Railroad heritage.[/p][p][/p][p]Thus, in addition to the scores of NJT trains operating solely on the Morristown Line, Gladstone Line trains operate on the Morristown route east of Summit and select Montclair-Boonton Line trains operate on the Morristown Line both west of Denville and east of Roseville Interlocking.[/p][p][/p][p]Weekday NJ TRANSIT® trains operating in whole or in part on the Morristown Line generally fall into the following series of commuter operations:[/p][p][/p][p]6600-series trains: These are the Morristown Line’s flagship “Midtown Direct” trains operating between Dover and New York Penn Station. Typically, Midtown Direct trains operate with ALP-46 or ALP-46A power and MultiLevel cars, although they may on occasion employ Comet single-level equipment. The locomotives on Midtown Direct trains may be positioned on either end of the consist.[/p][p][/p][p]600-series trains: Dover-Hoboken services. Traditionally, these trains often merited Arrow EMUs and still do, but as the fleet of venerable Arrow cars has diminished, the trains often are assigned Comet equipment with ALP-46, ALP-45DP, or diesel power. Trains operating to and from Hoboken typically operate with motive power on the west end of the consists.[/p][p][/p][p]300- and 6300-series trains: Summit-Hoboken and Summit-New York (Midtown Direct) services, respectively.[/p][p][/p][p]400- and 6400-series trains: Gladstone-Hoboken and Gladstone-New York (Midtown Direct) services, respectively. Gladstone Branch services to and from Hoboken have long been a primary haunt of NJ TRANSIT®’s iconic Arrow EMUs.[/p][p][/p][p]800-series trains: Hackettstown/Mount Olive-Dover-Hoboken trains operating via the Morristown Line. All trains operating west of Dover utilize ALP-45DP or diesel power.[/p][p][/p][p]1000-series trains: Hackettstown/Lake Hopatcong-Hoboken trains operating via Denville, the Montclair-Boonton Line, and Roseville Interlocking.[/p][p][/p][p]200- and 6200-series trains: Montclair University (on Montclair-Boonton Line)-Roseville Interlocking-Hoboken and Montclair-University-Roseville Interlocking-New York trains, respectively.[/p][p][/p][p]In addition to busy commuter operations, the NJT Morristown Line hosts limited local freight services provided via trackage-rights agreements by both Norfolk Southern and the regional Morristown & Erie Railway. CSX has a small but important footprint on the route, too, in that it interchanges with the Morristown & Erie at Harrison and Kearny, New Jersey.[/p][p][/p][h2]The Equipment[/h2][h3]NJ TRANSIT® Arrow III EMUs[/h3][p][/p][p]Nearly half-a-century. That’s how long it has been since NJ Transit’s veteran Arrow III electric-multiple-unit railcars began rolling out of General Electric’s erecting halls. The Arrow III has been an iconic fixture of New Jersey’s commuter railroading scene for more than a generation, serving on NJ TRANSIT® routes including the Morristown Line, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Gladstone Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, and Princeton Branch.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As enduring as the operating careers of the Arrow III EMUs have been, the genesis and family tree of the railcars date even further back. Following its great electrification project of the early 1930s (creating much of what is today the Northeast Corridor), the Pennsylvania Railroad amassed a fleet of more than 500 MP54 EMUs which would serve as the mainstay of the PRR commuter fleet for decades. But by the late 1950s, the classic PRR MP54s needed replacement. At about this same time, the Budd Company had created its Pioneer III lightweight passenger car, which, with the decline in U. S. intercity rail travel, proved to have no market. In an attempt to find another purpose for its Pioneer III concept, Budd recast the design into an EMU, and in 1958 the Pennsylvania purchased six EMU prototypes, designated PRR MP85s. No further Pioneer III EMUs would be constructed, but in 1963 the City of Philadelphia’s Passenger Service Improvement Corporation funded the purchase from Budd of 38 “Silverliners” for use on the PRR and another 17 for duty on the Reading Railroad. In core design, the Silverliners were generally similar to the prototype Pioneer III EMUs. In 1967, another 20 Silverliners, these built by St. Louis Car Company, arrived for use on the Pennsy, and then in 1973-1976 more than 200 Silverliners, assembled by General Electric with carbodies built by Avco, were acquired by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for use on Philadelphia-region ex-PRR and Reading lines.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Meanwhile, north of Philadelphia – in the state of New Jersey – there was also a need for new-generation EMUs to serve on both ex-PRR and ex-Lackawanna electrified lines. In 1968-69, the New Jersey Department of Transportation purchased, from St. Louis Car Company, a group of 35 “Arrow” (often called “Jersey Arrow”) EMUs. Although there were differences – in pantograph design and carbody details, for example – the design roots of the Arrow cars to the kindred Silverliners was clearly apparent. This original order of Arrow EMUs was earmarked for service between New York City and Trenton, New Jersey on the Northeast Corridor.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In 1974, an order of 70 “Arrow II” cars arrived from General Electric, primarily for service on ex-PRR lines. Then, in 1977-78, a large order of 230 “Arrow III” cars were constructed by General Electric, again with carbodies by Avco. This order consisted of 100 two-car married sets (with cabs on one end of each carbody and a shared pantograph) and 30 single cars with dual cabs. The Arrow III EMUs were largely intended to replace aged commuter equipment on the Morris & Essex Lines (Hoboken Division) that dated back to the days of the Lackawanna Railroad yet were used extensively elsewhere while a modernization of the electric systems on those lines was completed into 1984. Today, the Arrows III fleet has been trimmed by retirements, but approximately 170 cars remain as an integral member of the NJT roster (Arrow I cars were removed from service in 1980 and Arrow II cars were retired in the 1990s). A fleet of 174 NJ TRANSIT® Alstom Multilevel III Hybrid EMUs, now under construction and testing, are earmarked to eventually replace the venerable Arrow III fleet.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]A key reason for the longevity of the Arrow III railcars was a fleet-wide rebuilding program undertaken in collaboration with ABB Traction in the early 1990s that included replacement of the EMUs original DC propulsion with microprocessor-controlled AC systems as well as addition of dynamic-braking capabilities and other upgrades.[/p][p][/p][p]Especially in rebuilt form, the Arrow III cars have been noted for their ability – critically important on commuter lines with numerous and closely-spaced station stops – for fast acceleration and crisp braking. Accordingly, the EMUs have often drawn duty on NJ Transit’s “all stops” local schedules. Another attribute of the Arrow IIIs is versatility in train lengths, which can range from one car (usually on the Princeton Branch) upwards to 13-car consists, although on the Morristown Line consists are typically limited to no more than five cars.[/p][p][/p][p]One unusual trait – and operating limitation – of the Arrow III cars is their inability to switch “on the fly” between the 12,000V and 25,000V electrical power variously used on NJ Transit routes. Thus, for example, Arrow III cars cannot be used on Midtown Direct trains operating to/from the Morristown Line and New York Penn Station (which would require an “on the move” change from the 25,000V power of the Morristown Line to the 12,000V of the NEC route). The Arrow III cars can, however, be set up to operate exclusively on either of the two voltages.[/p][p][/p][h3]NJ TRANSIT® ALP-46 electric locomotive[/h3][p][/p][p]NJ TRANSIT® has a remarkable heritage of electric locomotion. It is a heritage that began with the final regular-service use of the iconic GG1s originally constructed for the Pennsylvania, and that has included hand-me-down General Electric E60s and purpose-built Swedish ABB Traction ALP-44CW – and now is entrusted to a fleet of 64 powerful and fast German-built ADTRAN/Bombardier ALP-46 and ALP-46A electric locomotives.[/p][p][/p][p]If one ventures to NJ TRANSIT®’s multiple routes which stand under catenary alive with alternating current (A.C.) power, odds are that the trackside experience will soon include an ALP-46 flashing past at speed. It was back in 1999 that NJ Transit placed an order with Adtranz (then Bombardier, now Alstom) for construction of 29 electric locomotives at the company’s Kassel, Germany facility. Based on the design of the Deutsche-Bahn Class-101 electric locomotives that had been in service since 1996, NJ Transit’s new electrics were given the designation ALP-46 and began arriving in the U. S. in 2001 (“ALP” stood for “American Locomotive Passenger.”)[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Compared to the classic final handful of ex-Pennsylvania GG1s NJT had inherited and briefly employed at its formation in the early 1980s, the ALP-46 is, in technology and visual appearance, simply from another world. The ALP-46 drive system includes a transformer, two type GTO independent traction converters (which permit continuous dynamic regenerative braking), and squirrel-cage induction. The traction converters also include an integrated GTO inverter supplying auxiliary power (HEP). Riding atop two-axle (B-B) “Flexifloat trucks, the ALP-46 delivers 7,100-horsepower (with all that power controlled via MITRAC electronic controls) and is capable of 100-mph operations.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Externally, the ALP-46 certainly shares a close family resemblance to its European cousins, featuring a striking, 64-foot-long dual-cab carbody that in the case of the NJ TRANSIT® fleet was dressed in a flamboyant multi-color livery designed by Cesar Vergara. Regularly powering NJT’s push-pull consists in and out of New York Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal, the ALP-46s (road numbers 4600-4628) quickly proved ideally suited to the commuter carrier’s demands, and, as a result, NJ Transit returned to the builder for an advanced version – designated the ALP-46A. In 2008-2011, NJ Transit acquired 35 ALP-46As (4629-4664), which, aside from minor details, are visually similar to their slightly elder sisters, and offered both more horsepower (7,500) and a higher top speed (125 mph). Together, the ALP-46s and kindred ALP-46As are the electric workhorses that power a sizeable share of NJ TRANSIT® nearly 700 weekday train movements. NJ TRANSIT® uses its ALP-46 and ALP-46As quite interchangeably, powering push-pull trains on electrified portions of its route system.[/p][p][/p][h3]NJ TRANSIT® ALP-45DP dual-power locomotive[/h3][h3][/h3][p]NJ TRANSIT®, with its mix of electrified and non-electrified routes, is ideally suited to utilizing a dual-power locomotive, and events which would bring such a locomotive to NJ Transit began in 2008 when Bombardier (now Alstom) won a contract to build 26 (later expanded to 35) dual-power locomotives, which came to carry the designation ALP-45DP and wear NJ Transit road numbers 4500-4534. NJ Transit placed its first ALP-45DPs in service in May 2012.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]To no small degree, NJ TRANSIT®’s distinctive ALP-45DP locomotive is a close cousin in core technology to the railroad’s ALP-46/ALP-46A electrics. The major difference, of course, is that the ALP-45DP employs a pair of four-cycle, turbocharged Caterpillar 3512HD 12-cylinder high-speed diesel power plants to fulfill its dual-power promise. Each “Cat” diesel is matched with its own alternator, providing a combined maximum of 4,168 horsepower for diesel-mode operations. In electric operation, the locomotive can deliver up to 5,364 horsepower. The ALP-45DP is also different from its electric brethren in being a single cab design rather than a dual-cab configuration. Nonetheless, an ALP-45DP, at 72 feet in length, is nearly eight feet longer than its electric cousins, and, at 288,000 pounds, is almost 90,000 pounds huskier than an ALP-46. The ALP-45DP is nonetheless a capable racehorse, rated for 125 mph operation in electric and 100 mph operation in diesel mode.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Operationally, the premium benefit of the ALP-45DP is its versatility and ability to provide NJ TRANSIT® customers with “single seat” service to and from New York Penn Station or Hoboken across routes that require a mix of electric and diesel propulsion. The ALP-45DPs have become regulars on the Morristown Lines and indeed are frequently seen across much of the sprawling NJ Transit rail system.[/p][p][/p][p]In December 2017, NJ Transit ordered seventeen more dual-power locomotives, designated ALP-45DPA, and this order was increased by eight units in 2020. The first ALP-45DPA was delivered in June 2021 and all of the railroad’s twenty-five ALP-45DPA locomotives (NJT road numbers 4535-5559) are now in service. The ALP-45DPA meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 requirements.[/p][p][/p][h3]NJ TRANSIT® MultiLevels[/h3][p][/p][p]As the calendar clicked over to the twenty-first century, NJ TRANSIT® faced a challenge. Demand for its rail commuter services during peak travel periods was outstripping available capacity. Simply adding more scheduled trains was not feasible because all rush-hour operating slots at busy New York Penn Station (shared with Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road) were filled, and NJ TRANSIT® consist lengths on peak-period trains were already at the realistic maximum.[/p][p][/p][p]Their solution rested with a new fleet of commuter cars that could provide more passenger capacity per car, while at the same time maintaining or enhancing passenger comfort and accessibility. But how? By tradition, the New York area’s commuter railroads (presently Metro-North Commuter Railroad, the Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit) had largely been a land of single-level passenger equipment, a reality required by tight confines at the likes of New York’s Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, the Hudson River, and East River tubes, et al. The Long Island, in fact, was the only area commuter railroad that had embraced, at least on a limited scale, bi-level equipment, operated a fleet of heavyweight “up and downs” beginning in the late 1940s and, since 1997, utilizing 134 locomotive-hauled Kawasaki-built bi-levels.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]For NJ TRANSIT®, the answer would come in the form of Bombardier-built “MultiLevel” locomotive-hauled coaches and cab cars. The term MultiLevel (versus “Bilevel”) refers to the fact that the MultiLevel cars feature main upper and lower seating areas and, at the car ends, also include an “intermediate” level” (or as NJ TRANSIT® phrases it, a “mezzanine”) which provides additional space for standing passengers, luggage, and the like. With a height of 14-feet, 6-inches, the MultiLevels stand approximately 18 inches shorter than a typical BiLevel as used by railroad’s such as California’s Metrolink and some 20 inches lower than an Amtrak Superliner, and thus the MultiLevel design could comfortably fit within NJ TRANSIT®’s clearance restrictions.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In 2003, NJ TRANSIT® placed an initial order with Bombardier for a 234-car fleet of MultiLevel cars which would include 201 coaches and 33 cab cars for push-pull operations. Passenger seating per car in the Bombardier design varies from 142 (in coaches without rest rooms) to 127 (in cab cars) and even though the MultiLevels would feature more comfortable “2 by 2” rather than “2 by 3” seating, the new equipment would offer a capacity-per-car increase of up to 20-percent compared to NJ’s existing Comet-series single-level equipment. Weighing in at 68 tones per car, the average cost of each MultiLevel was $1.82 million.[/p][p][/p][p]The first MultiLevel train sets entered revenue service in December 2006, and thereafter rapidly expanded the new fleet: By 2010, 321 MultiLevel cars were in service, and the number grew to 429 cars by 2015. Naturally, the MultiLevel cars have become staples of system operations, whether the services be a Midtown Direct train, runs over the Raritan Valley or the Northeast Corridor, or journeys up and down the North Jersey Coast Line.[/p][p][/p][h2]We Are Railfans Podcast[/h2][p][/p][p]A few years ago, the Team at We Are Railfans were delighted to get the opportunity to talk to an American railroad engineer Mr. Jim Rooney of NJ TRANSIT® for the We Are Railfans Podcast.[/p][p][/p][p]In this episode, Jim talks briefly about the operations around Hoboken and the Morristown Line, as well as the Arrow EMUs and ALP locomotives.[/p][p][/p][p]You can listen to the episode here.[/p][p][/p][h2]Pre-order Train Sim World 6: Deluxe Edition[/h2][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]If you can’t wait to become part of the action, remember that you can pre-order Train Sim World 6 now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam![/p][p][/p][p]Pre-ordering available bundles (including Standard edition) can entitle players to a 10% discount. Please see our TSW6 FAQs for more information on this for each game platform.[/p][p][/p][p]Deluxe / Special Edition players can pre-order now to get 5-day Early Access and will also receive the CrossCountry Class 220 Voyager, NJ TRANSIT®ALP-45DP and DB BR 294 in addition to all the core routes listed above.[/p][p][/p][p]Special Edition players will also receive additional back catalogue route Add-ons.[/p][p][/p][p]Find out more about Train Sim World 6 by following @trainsimworld on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.[/p][p][/p][p]Images displayed in this article may depict content that is still in development. The licensed brands may not have been approved by their respective owner and some artwork may still be pending approval.[/p]