DLC Route Suggestion: Italy – Circumvesuviana Linea 1 (Napoli–Sorrento) As a long-time Train Sim World player, I would like to strongly recommend that the developers consider creating the Italian Circumvesuviana Linea 1, the classic Napoli–Sorrento route. This line uniquely combines dense urban operation, world-class historical heritage, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and coastal scenery, making it an outstanding candidate for a future TSW route. 1. Historical and Cultural Significance The Circumvesuviana railway network is one of the most iconic regional rail systems in southern Italy. Established in the late 19th century, it serves the Naples metropolitan area and the communities surrounding Mount Vesuvius. It is not just a commuter railway, but a vital cultural corridor connecting ancient Roman cities, modern towns, and major tourist destinations. Linea 1, generally referring to the main route between Napoli Garibaldi / Napoli Porta Nolana and Sorrento, is the backbone of the system. It plays a crucial role in daily commuting while also acting as the primary rail access to globally significant archaeological sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. From a Train Sim World perspective, this line represents southern European regional rail culture that is currently under-represented in the game. 2. Scenic and Environmental Highlights Along the Route The Napoli–Sorrento line offers a rare combination of scenery types within a relatively compact distance: Dense urban rail running in central Naples Views of Mount Vesuvius, with the railway skirting the volcano’s slopes Archaeological landscapes, including areas near Pompeii and Herculaneum Mediterranean coastal scenery as the line approaches Sorrento Tunnels, curves, and gradients that add driving challenge and visual variety This diversity would allow Train Sim World to showcase southern Italian architecture, vegetation, lighting, and atmosphere, creating a route that feels visually and culturally distinct from existing DLCs. 3. Notable and Characteristic Stations The route includes a large number of closely spaced stations, each with its own local character. Key examples include: Napoli Garibaldi / Napoli Porta Nolana Major terminals and interchange hubs located in the heart of Naples. Ercolano and Pompei Scavi Stations serving world-famous Roman archaeological sites, heavily used by tourists. Torre Annunziata and Torre del Greco Typical Vesuvian towns with strong local identity and coastal influence. Sorrento The southern terminus, known for its spectacular cliffside setting and tourism importance. The variety of stations would allow for rich passenger scenarios, peak-hour operations, and tourist-focused services. 4. Route Length and Number of Stations Approximate route length: ~47 km Number of stations: around 35–36 stops on the main Napoli–Sorrento line Typical end-to-end journey time: about 60–70 minutes This makes Linea 1 an ideal medium-length route for Train Sim World: long enough to feel substantial, but still suitable for single-session gameplay and varied scenario design. 5. Rolling Stock Featured on the Line Stadler ETR 300 The Stadler ETR 300 is a modern narrow-gauge electric multiple unit specifically designed for Circumvesuviana operations. Key characteristics for gameplay immersion include: Modern exterior and interior design suited to high-capacity regional service Compatibility with the line’s tight curves and frequent stops Strong acceleration characteristics ideal for dense station spacing Clear driver-focused cab layout, perfect for detailed simulation In Train Sim World, this train would represent contemporary operations on the line and fit naturally into modern timetable scenarios. SFSM ETR 001–085 The SFSM ETR 001–085 series represents the classic generation of Circumvesuviana rolling stock, introduced from the 1970s onward. Its inclusion would add strong historical atmosphere: Distinctive older design reflecting late-20th-century Italian regional rail Traditional traction sounds and mechanical behavior Perfect for legacy or transitional service scenarios Strong visual contrast between older infrastructure and modern surroundings This train type would allow players to experience the historical depth of the route without changing the operational context. 6. Why Circumvesuviana Linea 1 Fits Train Sim World Perfectly High cultural value: connects globally recognized heritage sites Exceptional scenic diversity: city, volcano, archaeology, and coastline Dense and engaging operation: frequent stops and high passenger turnover Unique narrow-gauge environment, rarely seen in current TSW content Authentic Italian regional rail atmosphere, both modern and traditional Conclusion The Circumvesuviana Linea 1 (Napoli–Sorrento) would be a standout addition to Train Sim World. It offers a rare blend of history, scenery, intensive regional operation, and distinctive rolling stock, all within a manageable and highly engaging route length. I sincerely hope the development team will consider this line as a future DLC, as it would bring southern Italy’s unique railway culture into the Train Sim World experience.
