Amtrak Piedmont Corridor

Proposal: Adding Amtrak’s Piedmont Route to Train Sim World

Introduction
Amtrak’s Piedmont service offers a unique railroading experience that would bring fresh gameplay to Train Sim World, blending commuter and long-distance operations with a distinct state-owned fleet. Set against the scenic backdrop of North Carolina, this route would introduce a much-requested departure from the Northeast Corridor, offering players and developers the opportunity to explore a new region with diverse rail traffic.

The Charlotte to Raleigh corridor is a heavily traveled passenger and freight route, making it ideal for immersive gameplay. Featuring push-pull diesel operations, Norfolk Southern and CSX freight layers, and AI Amtrak services like the Carolinian and Crescent, this route would shake things up by introducing highly requested U.S. locomotives and equipment. Whether players want to command the F59PHI on state-supported Amtrak runs, manage freight on a shared mainline, or interact with a mix of high-speed and local rail traffic, the Piedmont would offer something truly new to TSW.

This is a perfect chance for Train Sim World to expand beyond its existing Amtrak focus, showcasing regional state-sponsored rail while maintaining realism and operational depth. It’s time to bring something fresh to the game—beyond the ACS-64 and Acela.
Overview of the Amtrak Piedmont

The Amtrak Piedmont is a state-supported passenger rail service operated by Amtrak in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The route connects Charlotte and Raleigh, covering approximately 173 miles and serving as a vital commuter and regional travel option.



Originally launched in 1995, the service was created to enhance passenger rail options within North Carolina, complementing the existing Carolinian service that extends to New York. The Piedmont is distinct in that it operates with locally owned equipment, featuring custom-painted locomotives and coaches in the NCDOT “Carolina Blue” livery
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Today, the Piedmont operates four daily round trips, running through the Piedmont Triad and Research Triangle, two of the state's busiest metropolitan areas. The route is scenic yet diverse, featuring everything from urban rail yards and industrial spurs to open countryside and rolling hills.

For Train Sim World, the ideal segment would be the full 173-mile stretch from Charlotte to Raleigh, offering players the chance to experience Amtrak’s locally-operated service while interacting with other AI trains along the corridor.

Proposed Route Stops (Charlotte to Raleigh)

1. Charlotte – Southern hub, large rail yard, major Amtrak station.
2. Kannapolis – Suburban station, moderate ridership.
3. Salisbury – Historic station, connects with the Crescent.
4. High Point – Medium-sized city, unique station design.
5. Greensboro – Large station with multiple tracks, AI train activity.
6. Burlington – Small-town stop, essential for local travel.
7. Durham – Home to Duke University, high ridership.
8. Cary – Transfer point for the Carolinian and other services.
9. Raleigh – Eastern terminus, busy station with multiple routes.

This full list of stops would allow players to experience the variety of passenger demands, station sizes, and operational complexities along the Piedmont route.
If the full Charlotte to Raleigh route (173 miles) is too long for Train Sim World, a shorter alternative could be implemented. The two most practical segments would be:

1. Charlotte to Greensboro (91 miles) – This section covers the southern half of the Piedmont Corridor, featuring major freight yards, Norfolk Southern's intermodal traffic, and Amtrak services, including the Crescent, Carolinian, and Piedmont. Charlotte and Greensboro are both significant rail hubs, making this a busy and engaging route.
   
   
2. Greensboro to Raleigh (82 miles) – This section represents the eastern half of the corridor, featuring heavily trafficked Amtrak operations, key passenger stations like Durham and Cary, and freight activity, including Norfolk Southern manifest and local trains, as well as CSX trackage rights. This part of the corridor also runs through the Research Triangle, adding to the regional significance.

Ultimately, the decision on which segment to include would depend on DTG’s development priorities and what best fits within the scope of the game while maintaining an authentic and realistic experience.

Locomotives and Rolling Stock

1. F59PH Locomotive: The EMD F59PH is the primary locomotive used for the Piedmont service, featuring a custom North Carolina DOT livery in blue, silver, and red. These locomotives were originally built for GO Transit in Toronto and later acquired and refurbished by NCDOT. (I've attached photos and diagrams for the loco provided by clicking the LINK.) Note the F59PH and Phi as well as p42 have a mix of Steel Bells and E bells)
   
2. Passenger Coaches: The Piedmont utilizes refurbished single-level coach cars originally built in the 1960s for other railroads and later acquired by NCDOT. These cars have been updated to provide a comfortable passenger experience and are painted in the state's distinctive livery. (Images and diagrams provided)
3. Locomotives and Rolling Stock
   F59PHI Locomotive
   The EMD F59PHI is a streamlined diesel-electric locomotive used for the Piedmont service, featuring a custom North Carolina DOT livery in blue, silver, and red. These locomotives were built between 1994 and 2001 and were originally designed for passenger service on Amtrak’s West Coast routes before being acquired by NCDOT in 1998. The Piedmont’s F59PHI units, numbered 1755 and 1797, are equipped with a 3,200-horsepower, 12-cylinder engine and operate in push-pull mode, often paired with a cab control unit when running in reverse.(SINCE FOURMS ONLY ALLOW 20 IMAGES DIAGRAMS MAY BE VIEWED HERE (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ltL_4_31JaXrVM6qcB-fHZSZCY5MaEDq)

PIEDMONT TRAINS IN ACTION


AI Trains and Additional Layers

To enhance realism, the following AI train layers could be included:

1. Amtrak’s Carolinian: Operating on the same corridor but extending beyond Raleigh to New York, powered by GE P42DC locomotives and uses amfleet 1 passenger cars as well as a viewliner baggage car.
   Viewliner Baggage Car
   The Viewliner Baggage Car is used on the Carolinian for checked luggage service between Charlotte and New York City. It features side-loading doors for easy handling and a stainless steel design for durability, making it a key part of Amtrak’s long-distance fleet. (SINCE FOURMS ONLY ALLOW 20 IMAGES DIAGRAMS MAY BE VIEWS HERE (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ltL_4_31JaXrVM6qcB-fHZSZCY5MaEDq)
   AMTRAK CAROLINIAN IN ACTION
   Another major train along this route is the Amtrak Crescent, which runs between New York City and New Orleans. The Crescent operates through key Piedmont corridor stations, including Charlotte, Salisbury, Greensboro, and High Point. Its consist typically includes two GE P42DC and sometimes a mix including the alc42 locomotive, Viewliner sleeping cars, Amfleet coaches, and a bag dorm half sleeper half bagage car.
2. 
   Locomotives and Rolling Stock
   Siemens ALC-42 Charger
   The Siemens ALC-42 Charger is the primary locomotive now being used on the Crescent as part of Amtrak’s transition to newer, more fuel-efficient power. These locomotives are replacing the older GE P42DC units on Amtrak’s long-distance network. The ALC-42 features improved fuel efficiency, a modernized cab layout, and enhanced safety systems.
   (SINCE FOURMS ONLY ALLOW 20 IMAGES DIAGRAMS MAY BE VIEWED HERE (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ltL_4_31JaXrVM6qcB-fHZSZCY5MaEDq)
   Passenger Coaches
   Amfleet II Coaches
   The Crescent uses Amfleet II coaches, which are designed specifically for long-distance travel. These cars feature extra legroom, larger windows, and fewer doors compared to the Amfleet I cars used on regional services. Amfleet II cars are designed for comfort over extended trips, making them well-suited for the long journey between New York and New Orleans
   (SINCE FOURMS ONLY ALLOW 20 IMAGES DIAGRAMS MAY BE VIEWED HERE (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m1IcynZcfeF08tGxF6JEfyeeulSoue8x)
   Sleeping Accommodations
   Viewliner Sleeping Cars
   For overnight passengers, the Crescent operates with Viewliner sleeping cars. These cars offer private accommodations, including Roomettes, Bedrooms, and an Accessible Bedroom. Unlike Superliners, Viewliner sleepers are single-level and were designed with windows for both upper and lower bunks, allowing more natural light inside.
   
   
   Baggage-Dorm
   Viewliner Baggage Dormitory (Bag-Dorm)
   The Crescent includes a Viewliner Baggage Dormitory, which combines baggage storage with and rooms for sleeper passengers These cars allow passengers to rest while also providing essential baggage service for passengers traveling with checked luggage. (SINCE FOURMS ONLY ALLOW 20 IMAGES DIAGRAMS MAY BE VIEWED HERE (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m1IcynZcfeF08tGxF6JEfyeeulSoue8x)
   AMTRAK CRESENT IN ACTION The Piedmont Corridor, spanning from Charlotte to Raleigh, is a vital artery for both passenger and freight rail services. Owned by the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) and maintained by Norfolk Southern (NS), this corridor supports a diverse range of freight operations, including intermodal, manifest, and local services.
3. 
   
   
   Norfolk Southern Freight Operations:
   • Intermodal Services: NS operates intermodal trains along the corridor, transporting shipping containers between major hubs. These trains often traverse the entire length of the corridor, connecting ports and distribution centers, thereby facilitating efficient movement of consumer goods.
   • Manifest Services: Manifest trains, comprising mixed freight such as automotive parts, construction materials, and agricultural products, are a common sight. These trains serve various industries along the route, ensuring timely delivery of essential commodities
   • Local Services: NS provides local freight services to industries situated along the corridor. These local runs are crucial for delivering goods to businesses not directly served by mainline operations, thereby supporting regional economic activity.
   CSX Freight Operations:
   
   While CSX Transportation primarily operates on its own network, it holds trackage rights on certain segments of the Piedmont Corridor. CSX's presence includes:
   • Local Freight Movements: CSX conducts local freight operations, serving industries located near the corridor. These services are essential for businesses relying on rail for the transportation of raw materials and finished products.
     
     
   • Yard Movements: In areas where CSX has access, yard operations are performed to organize and dispatch freight cars, ensuring efficient train assembly and departures.
   Integration into Train Sim World:
   
   Incorporating the Piedmont Corridor into Train Sim World offers an opportunity to utilize existing locomotive assets, enhancing the simulation's realism. Notable examples include:
   • Norfolk Southern Locomotives: The ES44AC and GP38-2 are prominent in NS's fleet. The ES44AC, part of the GE Evolution Series, is a common sight on heavy freight services, while the GP38-2, introduced in 1972, remains versatile for various duties.
     
     
     
     
   • CSX Locomotives: The GP40-2 is a staple in CSX operations. Introduced in the early 1970s, this locomotive continues to be utilized for both mainline and local services, reflecting its enduring utility.
     
     
   By leveraging these existing assets, Train Sim World can offer players an authentic experience of freight operations along the Piedmont Corridor, showcasing the dynamic interactions between passenger and freight services in this vital region.

Why the Amtrak Piedmont is Perfect for TSW

• Unique State-Owned Equipment: The Piedmont features exclusive state-operated equipment, offering a unique experience for TSW players.
  
  
• Variety in Operations: Includes push-pull operations with cab control units and interactions with both passenger and freight services.
  
  
• Diverse Scenery: The route traverses urban centers, small towns, and scenic countryside, providing varied and engaging environments.
  
  
• Busy Commuter Feel: With multiple daily round trips and additional AI traffic, the route would feel active and realistic.

Conclusion

In summary, incorporating the Amtrak Piedmont from Charlotte to Raleigh into Train Sim World would offer players a distinctive and immersive experience. The combination of unique state-owned equipment, diverse operations, and scenic landscapes makes this route a compelling addition to the TSW franchise. (ALL VIDEO AND IMAGE CREDIT GOES TO RESPECTIVE OWNERS)

 

Since I can't edit this (I'd propose if this route is a bit long a section of the route (Greensboro-Raleigh) The distance from Greensboro Station to Raleigh Union Station on the Amtrak Piedmont service is approximately 81 miles. The travel time typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes (Piedmont Corridor Diagrams (TSW SUGGESTION) - Google Drive) Updated the Diagrams

 

Too long

 

I figured that that's why I said to shorten it and only do the section from Greensboro to Raleigh. I've seen other forums about this route proposing Greensboro to Charlotte

 

Amtrak + Norfolk Southern + impressive landscape = very good proposal

 

Thanks, I appreciate it were you able to view the diagrams or no I thought I'd provide them for DTG so they have it if they decide to make this or any of the trains in the route. Only thing I didn't provide was sounds. I also tried to format it so it would look neat and organized

 

Need more Amtrak

 

100%

 

And I mean diesel. We have enough electric

 

Yea I brought this up in the introduction of this suggestion I completely agree. We could use some. Matt had said in the preview stream that they had recorded sounds for the charger when they went to LA to record metrolink

 

Especially the Genesis with Superliners.

 

Yea by change were you able to view the diagrams??? Just wondering to see if they work as intended. I also agre yea we need those trains

 

damn nice proposal, would buy this one for sure

 

Thanks I feel it comes of better when its organized although it is a lot of work

 

LOL sort of

 

Even though half of the images didn't load, I think mta#3504 deserved to see this route in the game at least for the great presentation. Your turn, DTG.

 

#daaaamn marvelous job man... that loco is kinda ugly, but as with many US diesels, the right livery just... changes things

 

Appreciate it I even gave them proper diagrams to make the trains and yea some of the images died

 

This is cool.