Best train, best route

[Poltergeist]

Hey all -- I find myself enjoying this game. I wanted to ask for hot takes on the best train and the best route to drive them on. So far, I enjoy passenger / electric trains because they seem easier to understand and drive. I can generally take what I know from one, and get the next one going.

How much am I missing out on the other types of trains? Just looking for opinions from folks who enjoy the game on what's super satisfying to drive. There's a lot of content/options!

[GenX-Gamore]

I like the freight runs and the shunting services, and the passenger runs, the US freight like Cajon pass Horseshoe curve, Sherman Hill, these can be challenging, keeping the train with the speed limit. San Bernardino has a nice mix of freight and passenger, as does the new MBTA.

A few to start with,

These from my TSW3 version but they are in TSW5 also.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1998969/Train_Sim_World_Sand_Patch_Grade_Route_AddOn__TSW2__TSW3_compatible/?snr=1_16_16_18_curator-tabs&curator_clanid=42779272

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1998879/Train_Sim_World_Caltrain_MP15DC_Diesel_Switcher_Loco_AddOn__TSW2__TSW3_compatible/?snr=1_16_16_18_curator-tabs&curator_clanid=42779272

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1998873/Train_Sim_World_Peninsula_Corridor_San_Francisco__San_Jose_Route_AddOn__TSW2__TSW3_compatible/?snr=1_16_16_18_curator-tabs&curator_clanid=42779272

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1998871/Train_Sim_World_BR_Heavy_Freight_Pack_Loco_AddOn__TSW2__TSW3_compatible/?snr=1_16_16_18_curator-tabs&curator_clanid=42779272

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1998850/Train_Sim_World_Great_Western_Express_Route_AddOn_TSW2__TSW3_compatible/?snr=1_16_16_18_curator-tabs&curator_clanid=42779272

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1998957/Train_Sim_World_RhB_Anniversary_Collection_AddOn__TSW2__TSW3_compatible/?snr=1_16_16_18_curator-tabs&curator_clanid=42779272

[Grumpy Englishman]

The blackpool/Preston routes are done so well and is a mix of old electric and diesel

[Rudolf Jan]

We cannot help you here. What does best mean for you? Freight, passengers? shunting, nice landscape? Fast, slow? You really need to give more information.

[Testikles]

I'm in love with the Niddertalbahn, it's a beautifully made map of high quality. Of course, the train choice is limited and it's mostly slow moving pax and a bit of cargo, so you need to decide if it is something for you.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2970100/Train_Sim_World_5_Niddertalbahn_Bad_Vilbel__Stockheim_Route_AddOn/?

[dougsie]

Southern Railways' passenger services are well represented with Brighton Mainline: London Victoria to Brighton route dlc along with the East Coastway route dlc and associated Class 313 EMU add-on.

These routes are in my favourites and features the Class 377/4 EMU, Class 387/2 EMU, Class 66 and obviously Class 313/2

Brighton Mainline is well AI populated and is a delight to carry out passenger timetable runs.

For high speed rail services, local passenger services and freight, all in one package, you will find Southeastern Highspeed: London St Pancras to Ashford hard to beat.

The mixture of three- rail and overhead line with Class 395 EMU, Class 375/9 EMU Class 465/9 EMU and Class 66 loco handling freight provides a lot of diversity.

There is also the additional Rail Head Treatment pack featuring the Class 66 with cleaning units and also the Thameslink Class 700/0 EMU add-on as well as the Operations Group 37/7 to round out the whole package.

You would enjoy both

[Fishing4Trains]

Anything by Just Trains will give you perfection. GWE is worth watching out for as there is a big free remaster coming for it.

[Poltergeist]

Thanks all so far. Gosh, it's hard for me to find a train I don't enjoy driving. I had no idea I would be this hooked. I already have 40 hours in game and this is my first train simulation.

I find I do enjoy "ease of use" when it comes to any train. I prefer trains that are very easy to control, such as the Vectron. I enjoyed both the freight and passenger version of that train. I don't like trains with "awkward" braking systems, such as the NJ Transit double commuter train (or perhaps I simply don't know how to drive it). I drive it constantly though, because I used to take NJ Transit from Princeton Junction to NYC often earlier in my career. I also find I enjoy most of the British trains so far.

I'm still learning though. I have no idea what "shunting" is yet and I have yet to try it out. I don't really enjoy messing with the map and operating the switches, I prefer the track to be setup for me.

I hope this helps calibrate. I suppose this makes me a lazy train driver? :)

[Ampyr]

There is a setting you can enable which will automatically set manual junctions for you. I used that early on but it seems like it doesn't work sometimes so I just turned it off and do it all by hand after I was comfortable enough and tired enough of the switches not automatically changing for me.

I also recently started with TSW4 and moved over to 5 with the free starter pack. Started with ECML, London Commuter, and SEHS. Loved every second of those but recently started enjoying the american engines more than I did at the beginning. Haven't touched the German routes yet but surely they are great as well. Have fun with whatever you enjoy!

[GenX-Gamore]

Messaggio originale di Poltergeist:

Thanks all so far.
*Snip
I'm still learning though. I have no idea what "shunting" is yet and I have yet to try it out. I don't really enjoy messing with the map and operating the switches, I prefer the track to be setup for me.

I hope this helps calibrate. I suppose this makes me a lazy train driver? :)

Shunting is moving the cars around the yard assembling a consist of cards to make up a train, that is basically it. The only time you would need to change switches/points is with freight services, moving from or to a yard. other than that it's all timetable services, no switches/points to change unless it's stabbing the train. Have fun, and remember there is plenty of info online to learn more.

[AWAYUK1]

for ease of enjoy and learning, i recommend modern high-speed train because they have much better automation

[cszolee79]

Any German train with AFB (basically, all modern electric locos), TGV, Acela.
Prettiest / most scenic route I have is the Berninalinie.