Train Simulator Classic - Your USA Hobby
Jul 03, 2023
Discover USA railroading in Train Simulator Classic, with recommendations for where to get started.
The history of railroading in the United States spans over two centuries. From the founding of the first railroads in the 1800’s with thundering steam-powered locomotives to modern day sleek electric units and mile-long freights. Rail has always played a crucial role in the development of the country – providing essential transport for trade, expanding economic reach, and of course getting passengers to their destinations. Rail is the backbone of American transportation and you can recreate this across the ages and many diverse styles of railroading in Train Simulator Classic.
Whether you’re new to the US railroading hobby or just looking for something to add to an existing collection, there is something for everyone in Train Simulator Classic. Take control of heavy freight running through breathtaking mountains, enjoy the challenge of bustling commuter lines, or step back in time in the cab of legendary steam icons. Whatever your passion, read on for recommendations on your next route to check out.
LAST UPDATED: 28 March 2024
Freight – Sherman Hill
Many industries across the US rely on freight railroads, and the stretching lines of freight consists have starred in many a famous rail photograph. Sherman Hill is the perfect starting point your freight experience. One of the great landmarks of the transcontinental railroad it features some incredible scenery on the 60-mile run, including the crossing of the Laramie Mountains where the railroad reaches an elevation of 8,015 feet. Take on the demanding tough grades with locomotives like the ES44AC and SD70M. You can add even more to this route with the Battle For Sherman Hill bundle, which features freight hauling through the decades.
(Steam Store)
Like this? Try these next:
- Feather River Canyon Enhanced (Steam Store)
- Tennessee Pass (Steam Store)
- B&O Mountain Subdivision: Cumberland - Grafton (Steam Store)
Passenger – Pacific Surfliner®
Travel from city to city in style, with one of the many passenger railroads in the US. Start off your passenger services journey in Train Simulator Classic with Pacific Surfliner®. Running from Los Angeles to San Diego, this magnificent route passes golden beaches and sprawling cityscapes along the 128 mile route. Board the EMD F59PHI in Amtrak Pacific Surfliner® livery to enjoy a mix of fashionable Southern California towns, oceanside single-track, detailed famous stations, semi-mountainous regions, busy suburban junctions, atmospheric night lighting and spectacular scenery.
(Steam Store)
Like this? Try these next:
- Peninsula Corridor: San Francisco - Gilroy (Steam Store)
- Northeast Corridor: Washington DC - Baltimore (Steam Store)
- Springfield Line: Springfield – New Haven (Steam Store)
Commuter – North Jersey Coast & Morristown Lines
While passenger services provide travel between cities and across the nation, commuter railroads serve great metropolitan areas, usually connected cities and suburbs. There are plenty of commuter routes in Train Simulator Classic, a good one to start with is the North Jersey Coast & Morristown Lines route, which connects the "Big Apple," New York City, with the bustling suburbs of northern New Jersey and puts you to work in NJ Transit's distinctive Bombardier/Adtranz ALP-46 electric and Bombardier ALP-45DP dual-power locomotive.
(Steam Store)
Like this? Try these next:
- Miami - West Palm Beach (Steam Store)
- Long Island Rail Road: New York – Hicksville (Steam Store)
- The Racetrack: Aurora - Chicago (Steam Store)
Local Industry – CSX Hanover Subdivision
Alongside long-haul freight, US railroading features challenging local operations that serve line-side industries. These routes include a mix of freight runs as well as switching duties and yard work. Start out with CSX Hanover Subdivision from High Iron Simulations. This route is loaded with 20 different line-side industries between Hanover – Hagerstown including quarries and cement plants. Get to work against a stunning backdrop of rolling farmlands, rugged mountains and history-rich scenic countryside. The route includes a diverse selection of rolling stock and four locomotives, like the rebuilt and unique CSX SD40-3.
(Steam Store)
Like this? Try these next:
- Norfolk Southern N-Line (Steam Store)
- Montana Hi-Line: Shelby - Havre (Steam Store)
- B&O Kingwood Branch: Tunnelton - Kingwood (Steam Store)
Historic – Clear Creek Narrow Gauge
Recreate historic railroad moments in Train Simulator Classic with a wide array of steam-era add-ons available. Clear Creek Narrow Gauge from Milepost Simulations delivers the magic of Colorado 1930s railroading. Head into the Rockies at the throttle of the Baldwin B4D-class 2-8-0 as you visit remote mining towns, traverse switchbacks, cross Devil’s Gate trestle and the famous Georgetown Loop. The route features a mixture of freight and passenger operation, with authentic era-appropriate narrow gauge rolling stock included.
(Steam Store)
Like this? Try these next:
- Union Pacific Wasatch Grade: Ogden - Evanston (Steam Store)
- Rio Grande Southern: Placerville - Rico & Telluride (Steam Store)
- Promontory Summit (Steam Store)
Mixed – The Racetrack
Can’t decide what to play? There are plenty of routes that include a mix of passenger, freight and switching gameplay. The Racetrack from developer Chicago & Southwest Productions is a great example of this. Starting from the skyscrapers of Chicago the route serves a variety of commuter stations and yards before arriving at Aurora. Bustling with freight traffic transporting double stacks, crude oil and coal, as well as intercity commuter trains the Racetrack can see 150+ trains daily. The route comes with a range of locos and rolling stock, including the Electro-Motive F40PH in commuter service.
(Steam Store)
Like this? Try these next:
- Boston & Albany: Boston - Springfield (Steam Store)
- Sacramento Northern: Suisun Bay – San Francisco (Steam Store)
- Hudson Line: New York – Croton-Harmon (Steam Store)
If you’re enjoying your US railroad experience in Train Simulator Classic you can find many more add-ons available. As well as routes (see this Steam list), you can find a range of locomotives and marketplace packs that add new scenarios or special liveries. 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.
You can find more guide articles like this on our Train Simulator Hobby Page.