(An overlooked opportunity that would immediately enrich multiple existing routes) I’m writing this thread because with each US route released for TSW, the Amtrak long-distance trains are — for some reason — always forgotten. These are some of the most iconic, scenic, and culturally significant services in the Amtrak system, yet they’ve never appeared as AI or playable layers. Their absence leaves the routes feeling like something fundamental is missing. TSW already has several US routes and the scenery that long-distance trains operate through in real life. While NEC: New York – Trenton is the only route confirmed to include timetable paths that coincide with long-distance movements, the other routes already include the correct stations and geography, meaning DTG could introduce appropriately timed services without needing new route builds. Even though long-distance trains only run once per day in each direction — meaning players won’t encounter them constantly — that rarity actually adds immersion. When a long-distance train does appear, it feels special, just like in real life. Most importantly, adding these services would finally allow TSW to introduce something it has never included before: A full-length American sleeper consist — Viewliners or Superliners — the first sleeper train ever featured in Train Sim World. Because Superliners exceed the loading gauge of several Northeast Corridor tunnels — including the Baltimore & Potomac tunnels and the Hudson River tunnels leading into NYP — Amtrak uses single-level Viewliner equipment for all long-distance trains that run through Washington, D.C. and northward. Western US routes, with their wider clearances, use the bi-level Superliner fleet. Below is a breakdown of every TSW route that could benefit from long-distance layering. NEC: New York – Trenton Silver Meteor — Daily sleeper service between New York and Miami A typical Silver Meteor consist as of January 2025: x1 ACS-64 (NY–Washington) x2 P42DC / ALC-42 (Washington–Miami) x4 Amfleet II Coaches x1 Amfleet II Café/Lounge x1 Viewliner II Dining Car x3 Viewliner Sleeping Cars x1 Viewliner II Baggage Car Adding the Silver Meteor wouldn’t make New York Penn “busier” — the station already feels appropriately lively in TSW. The real value is accuracy. Right now, TSW represents this service as a standard “Northeast Regional”-style consist using Amfleet I coaches and no sleepers, which is not accurate to the real train. Introducing the correct long-distance consist would: introduce Amfleet II coaches, visibly different and designed for long-haul comfort add Viewliner sleepers and dining cars, instantly identifying it as a long-distance service differentiate true LD trains from Regionals on the NEC add subtle but meaningful realism through rarity — it runs only once per day in each direction, as in real life This is exactly the sort of detail railfans appreciate: you won’t see it often, but when you do, it matters. Lake Shore Limited — Sleeper service from New York and Boston to Chicago (major value across multiple TSW routes) The Lake Shore Limited is unique among Amtrak’s long-distance trains because it operates two sections: one from New York Penn Station, and one from Boston South Station, which join at Albany to continue west toward Chicago. This dual-section operation makes it one of the most strategically valuable long-distance services for TSW layering. New York Section — major visibility due to overnight layover Train 48 arrives into New York Penn Station at 6:42 PM and does not depart again as Train 49 until 3:40 PM the following day. This means the consist is stabled for over 21 hours, almost certainly in Hunterspoint Avenue Yard. This single detail gives DTG incredible value: The consist becomes a semi-permanent landmark in any TSW route that passes the yard It is visible from: NEC: New York – Trenton Long Island Rail Road The upcoming NEC route to Stamford It instantly boosts immersion because this is exactly how the Lake Shore Limited behaves in real life Locomotive requirement: The New York section uses a P32AC-DM dual-mode locomotive, drawing third-rail power inside Penn Station. This serves both of the two long-distance Amtrak trains from NYP that require a dual-mode unit, making the P32AC-DM an extremely valuable and future-proof addition for any Empire Corridor ambitions. Boston Section — relevant to TWO existing TSW routes Train 448 arrives into Boston with the following typical timings: Worcester → 7:32 PM Framingham → 8:00 PM Boston Back Bay → 8:26 PM Boston South Station → 8:32 PM It then lays over overnight and departs the next day as Train 449 at 12:50 PM, calling at the same stations westbound. This means: The Boston section provides a driveable long-distance service on the Boston – Worcester MBTA route already in TSW It also provides AI potential for NEC: Boston – Providence The overnight layover at Boston South Station creates a second semi-static long-distance consist in the game It strongly future-proofs TSW for a Boston–Springfield–Albany extension or full Empire Corridor expansion Equipment: The Boston section uses a P42DC and the same Viewliner/Amfleet II consist philosophy as the New York section, but typically with fewer sleepers (1–2 instead of the 2–3 used on the NYP branch). Why the Lake Shore Limited is a “must-add” long-distance train for TSW Provides two overnight LD placements (NY & Boston) Touches more existing TSW routes than any other LD service Uses two locomotive types DTG has reason to build: P32AC-DM (New York) P42DC (Boston + Any Route Below) Works as AI, partially driveable, or fully driveable depending on route Perfectly aligns with multiple future expansion paths (Empire Corridor, Springfield Line, Hudson Valley, etc.) Maple Leaf — New York to Toronto (long-distance, non-sleeper, dual-mode departure from NYP) Although the Maple Leaf does not include sleeper cars, it remains a true Amtrak long-distance service, operating daily between New York Penn Station and Niagara Falls, with a connecting VIA Rail portion continuing on to Toronto. Between New York and Albany, the train shares the same Hudson River route as the Lake Shore Limited, including the Empire Connection and the overnight storage at Hunterspoint Avenue Yard. New York Section Train 64 arrives into New York Penn at 10:15 PM It lays over overnight (again likely at Hunterspoint Avenue Yard) It departs the next morning at 7:15 AM as Train 63 Because it originates and terminates at New York Penn, the Maple Leaf uses a P32AC-DM dual-mode locomotive between NYP and Albany to safely operate through Penn Station and the Empire Connection tunnels before continuing north along the Hudson River. Canadian Section The VIA Rail-operated portion uses its own numbering: Train 7097 (Toronto → Niagara Falls → US border) Stops at Oakville at 8:45 AM, Aldershot at 9:01 AM (TSW’s Oakville Sub route covers this segment) Train 7098 (evening return) Departs Aldershot at 7:04 PM, Oakville at 7:19 PM On weekends, the VIA portion begins/terminates at Aldershot, creating a unique overnight layover—a detail that could be modelled if DTG ever revisited Canadian content. Why the Maple Leaf is still a meaningful addition Uses the same P32AC-DM that DTG would already need for the Lake Shore Limited Uses P42DC beyond Albany, aligning with multiple long-distance services Operates Amfleet coaches already familiar in TSW Shares the same route visibility as the Lake Shore Limited around New York Its overnight layover makes the consist a frequent static sight in any NYC-based route It strengthens future potential for an Empire Corridor route (NY → Albany → Buffalo → Niagara Falls) And its Canadian segment directly relates to Oakville Subdivision, even if only as a nod for future expansion Even without sleepers, the Maple Leaf is a long-distance service that adds depth and realism to multiple TSW routes and provides exceptional asset re-use for DTG. Both the Lake Shore Limited and the Maple Leaf spend long periods stabled at Hunterspoint Avenue Yard, meaning their consists would become familiar static or semi-static features visible across multiple New York-area routes in TSW, including NY–Trenton, LIRR, and the upcoming NY–Stamford route. Sand Patch Grade Floridian — Chicago ↔ Miami Similar consist to the Meteor, but diesel throughout. Key times for SPG: Southbound Train 41: 09:20 → 09:32 crew change at Cumberland Northbound Train 40: 19:17 → 19:24 evening pass-through Even as AI-only, it would give SPG some passenger variety and bring new life to a route dominated by heavy freight. Cajon Pass Southwest Chief — Los Angeles ↔ Chicago Superliner consist: x2 P40/P42 Baggage 3–4 Sleepers Dining Car Sightseer Lounge 3–4 Coaches The Chief stops at: San Bernardino Victorville Barstow Westbound timings: Barstow: 03:43 Victorville: 04:22 San Bernardino: 05:51 Eastbound timings: San Bernardino: 19:03 Victorville: 20:14 Barstow: 21:05 Cajon Pass is tailor-made for a long-distance layer — the Chief is one of the most scenic, recognizable Amtrak routes in the country. And sightings at sunrise and sunset would create incredible moments for players. Peninsula Corridor Coast Starlight — Los Angeles ↔ Seattle (AI between San Jose and Santa Clara) Superliner consist with: Transition Sleeper Multiple Sleeping Cars Coaches Sightseer Lounge Dining Car Baggage Car This train uses the Peninsula route for a short segment, making AI layering extremely feasible. Historically, the Coast Starlight even had the Pacific Parlour Car, which could be an optional heritage layer. Los Angeles — A Major Long-Distance Hub in Train Sim World Los Angeles Union Station is one of Amtrak’s primary long-distance terminals, hosting three major LD trains that all lay over in Amtrak’s 8th Street Yard between runs: Southwest Chief — Daily (Chicago ↔ Los Angeles) Coast Starlight — Daily (Seattle ↔ Los Angeles) Sunset Limited — Tri-weekly (New Orleans ↔ Los Angeles) All three routes are relevant to Train Sim World because: They each arrive and depart from Los Angeles Union Station, a location already featured in two TSW routes Their long layovers make their consists ideal static or semi-static AI scenery Their routing interacts with existing and future LA-area routes organically DTG would only need to build one set of Superliners and two diesel locomotive classes to support all three Southwest Chief — Operational Relevance in LA The Southwest Chief arrives into Los Angeles at 7:57 AM and does not depart again until 5:19 PM, giving it a substantial daytime layover at 8th Street Yard. It travels via Fullerton and Riverside enroute to San Bernardino, using the BNSF San Bernardino Subdivision (not to be confused with the Metrolink-operated San Bernardino Line). This makes the Chief highly suitable as: An AI layer at Los Angeles Union Station A natural element in any future Los Angeles – Fullerton, Pacific Surfliner, Los Angeles – San Diego, or BNSF San Bernardino Sub expansion Its Superliner consist would visually complement the existing Metrolink operations without conflict or overlap. Coast Starlight — Shared LA Visibility and Layering Potential The Coast Starlight arrives in Los Angeles at 9:11 PM and departs the next morning at 9:51 AM, resulting in an overnight layover in the yard. It shares the same approach into Los Angeles as the Antelope Valley Line between Burbank and Union Station, giving it natural visibility on TSW’s existing Antelope Valley Line route. Because the Starlight interacts with Los Angeles Union Station alongside Metrolink and Surfliner trains, it perfectly complements corridor and commuter operations in the LA basin and strengthens the potential for layered passenger ecosystems. Sunset Limited — Third Long-Distance Layer at LA Union Station The Sunset Limited provides an additional long-distance presence at Los Angeles Union Station: Arrives 5:35 AM Departs 10:00 PM Operates tri-weekly Eastbound: Su–We–Fr Westbound: Mo–We–Sa Journey time: 45–46 hours to New Orleans The Sunset Limited does not use either of the other corridors. Instead, it departs LA via the UP Los Angeles Sub, passing just north of the Metrolink San Bernardino Line, crossing it briefly at El Monte, and then continuing east via Pomona, Ontario, and onwards toward Palm Springs, Arizona, and New Mexico. This makes the Sunset Limited: A third major LD AI layer at Los Angeles Union Station A realistic static/AI feature across multiple LA-area routes A strong candidate for future desert or transcontinental route representations Even though the Sunset Limited does not touch Cajon Pass, its inclusion further establishes Los Angeles as a true long-distance hub within Train Sim World. Why These Additions Matter ✔ True-to-life rarity Seeing a long-distance train once per in-game day feels right for the United States since this is their typical frequency compared to European operations. ✔ Adds the first sleeper consist ever in TSW This would be a headline feature on its own. ✔ Layering boosts value across multiple routes One fleet → multiple timetables improved. ✔ Amtrak LD fandom is huge Players repeatedly request Viewliners, Superliners, and the Sightseer Lounge. ✔ Minimal development footprint These would be timetable layers, not entire new routes. Developer-Facing Roadmap: How DTG Could Add Amtrak Long-Distance Services with Minimal Friction 1. Build Once, Layer Everywhere — The Core Asset Strategy All of the long-distance services outlined above can be supported by two locomotive families and two coach sets: P32AC-DM (New York dual-mode, required for NYP access) P42DC (nationwide diesel used on nearly every LD service) Viewliner cars (Eastern long-distance services) Superliner cars (Western long-distance services) With these four asset groups, DTG unlocks: NEC: New York – Trenton NEC: Boston – Providence Boston – Worcester Long Island Rail Road NEC: Stamford (upcoming route) Sand Patch Grade Cajon Pass Peninsula Corridor Antelope Valley Line Metrolink San Bernardino Line (AI at LA) Oakville Subdivision (VIA Maple Leaf portion) This is extraordinary asset reuse: one development effort → layers across 10+ existing routes. 2. Start with AI + Static Layers (Low Cost, High Impact) The simplest initial phase would involve introducing long-distance services as AI-only layers with static stabling at: Hunterspoint Avenue Yard (NYC – LSL & Maple Leaf) Boston South Station (LSL Boston section) 8th Street Yard, Los Angeles (Chief, Starlight, Sunset Limited) No new timetable logic is required beyond slotting the trains into their real arrival and departure times. This instantly adds: Sightings at NY Penn, Boston, Los Angeles, and en route Semi-permanent LD sets visible on multiple routes Authentic “rare but exciting” long-distance encounters Environmental depth without new playable content This keeps development time extremely low while dramatically improving world-building. 3. Add Select Playable Segments on Routes That Naturally Support Them Three existing TSW routes already offer logical, self-contained playable segments: Boston – Worcester → Lake Shore Limited (Train 448/449) Peninsula Corridor → Coast Starlight AI corridor segment Cajon Pass → Southwest Chief playable segment (over the pass) Sand Patch Grade → Floridian pass-through, even if AI-only NEC: New York – Trenton → Silver Meteor departure/arrival, LSL departure/arrival This allows DTG to add optional playable chapters with minimal effort while still keeping the LD scope realistic and manageable. 4. Expand Timetables Organically — Not All at Once Instead of a full “long-distance pack,” DTG could roll out LD layers incrementally: Phase 1: AI + static layers for LD services at NYP, BOS, and LA Instant environmental improvement across the network Phase 2: Add playable versions of self-contained segments (e.g., Boston → Worcester) Add night/day LD sightings on Cajon Pass, Peninsula, etc. Phase 3: Add more LD services (Cardinal, Crescent, Empire Builder) when route geography exists Potential long-distance-focused Loco Add-Ons Optional expansion into future routes like the Empire Corridor or Pacific Surfliner This staged approach maximizes revenue potential while maintaining sustainable development pacing. 5. Leverage Real-World Operational Logic to Justify Layer Placement DTG often cites realism when determining what layers to include. Long-distance trains have built-in advantages here: They run once per day, which prevents timetable congestion They have long layovers, making them ideal static stock They pass through many existing TSW maps without requiring new track They provide authenticity without overwhelming the player experience This allows DTG to showcase realism without compromising timetable performance. 6. Use Long-Distance Services to Strengthen Future US Route Plans Adding LD trains is not just a quality-of-life improvement — it is a strategic foundation for future DLC. Their presence reinforces DTG’s long-term U.S. route pipeline: Empire Corridor (New York – Albany – Buffalo – Niagara Falls) Already supported by P32AC-DM, P42DC, Viewliners, Amfleets Pacific Surfliner (LA – San Diego / LA – Santa Barbara - San Luis Obispo) Shared infrastructure with Chief, Starlight, Sunset Limited Metrolink system expansions Southwest + Desert routes (Sunset Limited relevance) Great Lakes & Upstate New York (Maple Leaf relevance) A small investment in rolling stock today translates into massive flexibility for years of route development. 7. Clear Business Value: Long-Distance Enthusiasm Is Underserved Long-distance Amtrak fans make up one of the largest and most vocal U.S. railfan groups. They consistently ask for: Viewliners Superliners Amfleet II coaches Sightseer Lounges Cross-country sleeper operations Adding these instantly taps into a large, eager market segment DTG has never capitalized on. 8. Final Outcome: A Rich, Connected North American Passenger Ecosystem With LD layering, TSW finally mirrors real-world American railroading: Commuter Regional Corridor Long-distance All interacting in the same world, sharing stations, yards, and operational windows. This is the missing piece that makes the U.S. feel alive, not just operational.
Can't forget new routes for Amtrak long-distance trains. Here are some ideas. We also need P42s or ALC-42 Chargers. Maybe F40PHs (for 1970s-90s routes) and/or P32-8BWHs (for 1990s-2000s routes) too. -Empire Builder: -BNSF Portland/Columbia River Gorge -BNSF Stevens Pass from TS Classic -BNSF Marias Pass: Shelby-Whitefish, MT -SW Chief: -A section of BNSF's Seligman Sub: Needles, CA-Winslow, AZ -Add SW Chief layer to Cajon Pass -ATSF Raton Pass -California Zephyr: -SP or UP Donner Pass: Roseville, CA-Reno, NV -D&RGW or UP Soldier Summit: Helper-Salt Lake City, UT -Floridian and/or Capitol Limited: -CSX Harper's Ferry -CSX Miami, FL Also, we need the Avelia Liberty and ALC-42E for NEC.
On New York-Trenton I believe Amtrak also has the Crescent(NYP-New Orleans) and what about the Cardinal from NY-Chicago via DC) I believe they also use viewliners and all as well.
