Train Simulator Classic - Your UK Hobby

British railways are one of the world's oldest and most influential rail transport systems with a rich history spanning two centuries. This story began with pioneering railways like the Stockton and Darlington Railway (1825) and the Liverpool and Manchester Railway (1830). These paved the way for rapid growth in the Victorian era. A time when thousands of miles of track were built connecting cities and towns across the country by competing companies.

In 1923, over 20 of these companies were amalgamated by a government act to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The 'Big Four' were created. You can read more about these and representation in Train Simulator on Dovetail Live. The Big Four were: Great Western Railway, London and North Eastern Railway, London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and Southern Railway. Click the links to see more on each of these.

After World War II, the government nationalized the railways in 1948, creating British Railways, which aimed to modernize and standardize the network. This period saw the introduction of diesel and electric trains. This continued until the 1990's when privatisation came into effect with the 1993 Railways Act - Where ownership of lines and rail services moved to private companies.

Today the British railway system consists of various operators running services under franchises awarded by the government. Recreate experiences from this rich history and extensive network across England, Scotland and Wales with Train Simulator Classic. You can enjoy everything from modern high-speed into big cities to classic steam running through British countryside. Read on for recommendations of where to get started with UK routes.

Travel at between major cities like London, Birmingham and Glasgow. WCML South is one of the best places to start here. Experience the pinnacle of high-speed travel in the UK and bustling commuter services from London Euston to Birmingham New Street. This route features the tilting Class 390 Pendolino which runs at 125 mph along the line in striking Avanti West Coast livery. This route also includes a mix of commuter and freight services with additional rolling stock. (Steam Store)

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Connecting cities to towns, seasides and beyond, local regional services provide important connections for passengers across the country. The Chatham Main Line, updated and released for Train Simulator in 2021, recreates 130 miles of this popular east coast region running from London Victoria to Dover and Ramsgate. Discover the Garden of England and the Breezy Kent Coast aboard the BR Class 465, Class 395 and more. (Steam Store)

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Local lines provide fast convenient travel for commuters across major cities. Start your journey here with the authentic recreation of Glasgow Subway from Thomson Interactive. Go round and round under the heart of Scotland’s most populous city on this unique 4ft gauge track system with second generation subway cars. Drive the line in manual mode or take advantage of full ATO (Automatic Train Operation) simulation as used on the real line. (Steam Store)

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Freight services have been used throughout the history of UK rail, providing a backbone for the country's industy. Many UK routes in Train Simulator Classic include these services alongside passenger, a great place to start for freight action is West Coast Main Line Over Shap from KrossRails. This is one of the busiest busiest freight routes in Europe, experience the line here in BR Blue era at the controls of the Class 87 as you take hoppers, wagons and tankers along this 90 mile route. (Steam Store)

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No British rail adventure would be complete without enjoying some historic steam traction. Head to Riviera Line in the Fifties: Exeter - Kingswear for an authentic Great Western Railway steam experience. This route includes five GWR locomotives to master with the 4073 Castle Class, 5700 Pannier Tank, 6000 King Class, 6800 Grange Class and 6959 Hall Class. The route also includes era-appropriate rolling stock like the BR Mk1 coaches. You can find many more fantastic steam experiences in Train Simulator with locomotive add-ons, check out the 'Big Four' articles linked above to see some of these. (Steam Store)

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If you’re enjoying your time on UK rails in Train Simulator, you can find many more add-ons available. Check out this list on Steam to start browsing. And don’t forget to check out the Steam Workshop as well, where you can find even more scenarios for your routes created by the community.