When I first got into TS I assumed that pretty much all the big/good stuff was available in Steam, but I've recently started discovering some pretty big DLCs/routes that either you can't download from the Steam store or are better/bigger if you download them elsewhere. And also the whole freeware world. I started getting into Dutch routes a while back and have recently discovered a few UK freeware ones, but I've also seen some payware stuff like the SBB Route 1, and my most recent discovery is the Just Trains Western Mainlines route from Paddington down to Exeter, Cardiff and Oxford (massive!). So...what else is out there that I should know about? Edit: I'm looking mainly for electric or diesel traffic lines that are set in the present day (or recent times), not fictional and in the UK or Europe (especially Dutch or Swiss).
The best routes not available on Steam in my opinion are: Stainmore, Shap and Eden Valley from Steam Sounds Supreme. Just Train’s Atlantic High Speed route and two from RSSLO, Salzburg-Wels and Wörgl to Saalfelden. The Wörgl to Saalfelden route has a 40% reduced for this weekend only and ends tonight.
Cajon Pass Alpha is pretty big, it expands upon the default Cajon Pass Route by adding... -The UP Yard in Yermo -The Ex SP Yard in West Colton -The Palmdale Cutoff -The BNSF line from Barstow to Mojave -The Ex SP line from Palmdale to Mojave
I forgot to say, I'm mainly interested in UK, Dutch and Swiss routes, but happy to see what's out there for other countries too, so I don't mind other suggestions like the one above.
Didn't know about the TGV Atlantique route. The screenshots look like the route is very old. The scenery looks passable but that train model is really basic/poor. Do you know if you can use the TGV Reseau from the Steam store on it? And will the TVM signalling system work with it? I already have all the LGV routes and the Reseau, so it would be nice to have another French route I could use that train on.
Been having a look at Stainmore from Steam Sounds Supreme this weekend and I'm very impressed so far. Although I like driving a kettle now and then I'm not a die-hard steam fan and the included locomotives (that I have tried- there's a generous selection) don't appear to work well with the automatic fireman which I usually depend upon. The route itself looks terrific though- it may give Weardale and Teesdale some competition as my favourite. Still no indication when SSS' sale ends so, if it sounds like something you'd be interested in, I'd suggest you make your mind up quickly.
I would also recommend the Stainmore route, it is very atmospheric and you can tell a lot of work has gone into it. It is quite a challenge with the gradients too. If you like BR blue then I would highly recommend the freeware South Lancashire and Cheshire route available from Backdated Trainsim or wotawally's site. It needs a handful of payware add-ons but not many. Another great steam route available from Steam Sounds Supreme is the Wycombe Railway and Joint Line plus which covers routes around Oxford, High Wycombe, Princess Risborough, Banbury and Warwick, with the line to Stratford Upon Avon. Again, it needs a small handful of payware but well worth it. Has mainline, pretty branch lines and plenty of scope for freight traffic.
The TGV Atlantique route uses a type of TVM that only the trains on it will see. It will not see the signals on the Marseille - Avignon route and the Duplex will not see the signals on the Atlantique route. Have a look on Simtogether for other Dutch Routes https://simtogether.com/ One of my favourites is Krammerdijks Deltaland There is a payware route called Retro Canvas Route You will find it here https://www.trainworx.nl/product/retro-canvas-route/ On the same site you will find other Swiss add-ons Peter
Guys, thanks for all the suggestions. I should probably have been more specific in my original post. I'm looking mainly for electric or diesel traffic lines that are set in the present day (or recent times), not fictional and in the UK or Europe (especially Dutch or Swiss).
Ah that sucks about the TGV. As for Dutch, know about all the free ones on Simtogether. Didn't know about Retro Canvas Route, but fictional isn't really my thing. Thanks anyway.
