About Saluda Grade is the steepest standard-gauge mainline railway grade in the United States. Owned by the Norfolk Southern Railway as part of its W Line, Saluda Grade in Polk County, North Carolina, gains 606 feet (185 m) in elevation in less than three miles (4.8 km) between Melrose and Saluda. Average grade is 4.24 percent for 2.6 miles (4.2 km) and maximum is 4.9% for about 300 feet (91 m). In late 2001, Norfolk Southern took the grade out of service following a washout. I am suggesting the section between Asheville and Hayne yard. This would be around 109 km (68 mi). I believe this should be set in the 1990's Rollingstock GE C39-8 EMD SD60 EMD SD40-2
Some good loco suggestions. A GP50 or GP60 would be nice to see on this route. Man, 4%+ grades are really steep for a railroad. Even Cajon Pass and Raton Pass are only like 3% give or take.
Excellent idea and these locomotives will layer to Horseshoe Curve Altoona to Johnstown. Here's a quote about the Downhill decent on Saluda
I'm not sure Saluda would be possible in TSW unless the game first incorporates genuine DPU operation with fencing.
Do you mean something like Run8 where this is feasible? If DTG was able to get it perfect the big question is this is SD70ACE AC4400CW ES44C4 3250-3299 which were 2020 builds T4C and HSC ES44AC capable of DPU fencing or not?
Yes, exactly. As I've said before, my hope for TSW was a sort of combination Run-8 and ZUSI, but with modern HD graphics. We got the graphics, and sort of got German systems. But US systems? No DP, and also no working implementation of modern signaling and safety systems- a must going forward, unless DTG want to confine themselves to vintage US routes, because all US main lines and passenger lines have been fitted with PTC as of the end of 2021.
