Coming soon to Train Simulator Classic is a steam-era behemoth – the Western Maryland I-2 Class 2-10-0 Decapod! Locomotive weight: 419,280 pounds. Tender weight: 416,180 pounds. Boiler pressure: 240 psi. Driver size: 61 inches. Cylinder size: 30 x 32 inches. Total length: 93 feet. Tractive effort: 96,315 pounds. Said in short, Western Maryland’s I-2 Class 2-10-0 “Decapod,” built by the legendary Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1927, was a beast of a steam locomotive. Soon, you’ll be able to take the throttle of this extraordinary steam locomotive in Train Simulator Classic – with the Western Maryland I-2 2-10-0 DLC from skilled developer Machine Rail. The Western Maryland – nicknamed the “Wild Mary” – was among America’s most compelling and admired railroads and was renowned for both its heavy coal-hauling and its fast freights. The railroad’s burly I-2 2-10-0s were conceived and constructed as a result of the railroad’s operational success with its Baldwin-built H-9 class 2-8-0 “Consolidation” locomotives of 1921. Western Maryland’s I-2s were, for all intents and purposes, bigger and heavier sisters of the H-9 (Note: The WM H-9 2-8-0, as created by Machine Rail, is also available for Train Simulator Classic). Western Maryland rostered twenty I-2 2-10-0s (WM road numbers 1111-1130) and the steamers’ ponderous size (the WM locomotives were the heaviest 2-10-0s built) proved hard on trackage, and the locomotives were generally limited to 40 mph speeds. Nonetheless, the big Decapods served the Western Maryland long and well, especially in hauling coal tonnage, and the I-2s were not retired until the early 1950s, after a quarter-century of capable service, as the Western Maryland dieselized its operations. Western Maryland’s big I-2 Decapod is coming to Train Simulator Classic through the artistry of noted developer Machine Rail. The upcoming Western Maryland I-2 is based upon original blueprint specifications and features authentic cab and controls, operating features, and performance, and realistic sounds. The I-2 includes a range of animations, working lights, and visual details. Along with the husky 2-10-0, this DLC pack will include Western Maryland 55-foot steel coal hoppers in red and black liveries, and WM’s classic 1800-series steel cupola caboose. Three realistic career scenarios created for Machine Rail by High Iron Simulations will also be included in the DLC. The scenarios are set on the WM Thomas Subdivision trackage of the Train Simulator Classic B&O Mountain Subdivision route (route available separately). With Machine Rail’s upcoming Western Maryland I-2 Decapod, you’ll climb aboard a detailed and realistic cab and use a range of interactive controls to experience the challenges of railroading in the “Big Steam” era – and the DLC is coming soon to Train Simulator Classic!
