Route: Köln Hbf – Trier Hbf (via Euskirchen, Kall, Gerolstein) Length: Around 163 km Era: Modern (ca. 2010–2025, pre-electrification) Why This Route? The Eifelbahn delivers a deeply immersive diesel experience through one of Germany’s most operationally varied and visually distinct mainlines. It’s not just scenic — it’s strategically engaging, with unique gameplay loops built around: - Diesel-only operation (a rarity in Germany’s modern rail landscape) - Mixed single/double-track infrastructure - Tight regional timetables - Freight, heritage, and modern traffic on one line - This isn’t just another pretty countryside route — it’s a driving challenge with layers of gameplay. Track Infrastructure & Gameplay Impact Köln – Kall: Mostly double-track → Enables dense timetables, overtakes, layered AI traffic, and express vs. local train dynamics Kall – Trier: Mostly single-track → Requires precise timing, scheduled crossings, dispatcher-style thinking, and focus-intensive driving This natural contrast creates gameplay that’s both relaxing and demanding, making every run feel fresh and reactive. Core Gameplay Opportunities - Regionalbahn (RB24): Frequent stop services with tight margins - Regionalexpress (RE12/RE22): Longer stints between stations, higher speeds, competitive timings - Freight Missions: Engineering works, timber trains, light freight with diesel traction - Heritage Operations: Seasonal specials like AKE-RHEINGOLD and VT98 Schienenbus - Scenario Variety: Disruptions, weather effects, winter diesel cold starts, timetable conflicts Included Rolling Stock (Already in TSW) BR 218 with n-Wagen (push-pull, used on RE services) BR 628 (used on RB/RE services and still in use as reserve stock or heritage) Key Missing Rolling Stock (Ideal Additions) BR 620/622 (Alstom LINT) → Backbone of RB24 and RE22 in modern era → High visibility in real life — a must-have for realism BR 644 (Bombardier Talent) → Former Eifelbahn regular before the LINTs → Adds variety, especially for era between 2000–2015 Both are perfect candidates for route pack or separate loco DLCs, offering immediate gameplay additions without heavy new systems. Freight & Heritage Potential While freight is rare today, it’s historically significant — and the infrastructure remains: - Cologne Eifeltor connection - Freight sidings in Euskirchen, Kall, Gerolstein, Trier-Ehrang → Use for: -Seasonal timber traffic -Engineering trains (e.g. based on flood recovery) Special freight scenarios Heritage trains (e.g. AKE-RHEINGOLD, Schienenbusse) frequently run this route → Excellent for event-based gameplay or scenario packs Scenery and Driving Challenge - Eifel tunnels, forests, rivers, viaducts — atmospheric without being "just scenic" - Steep gradients and tight curves challenge diesel performance and braking -Dramatic seasonal variation: snow, fog, heavy rain — perfect for weather-based scenarios Expansion & Layering Potential - Electrification by 2026: Future “modernized” version with EMUs (Talent 2 etc.) possible - Connection to Köln: Layering from existing Köln–Aachen route or future Köln S-Bahn lines - Trier Hub: Extendable towards Luxembourg, Mosel Valley, or Saarland lines in future DLCs Visuals & Rolling Stock Examples BR 620 / 622 LINT BR 644 Talent BR 628 on the Eifelbahn (Br628 at OG Mechernich Bahnhof) BR 215/218 (historical freight + passenger) (Br218 at Kall Bahnhof) Summary: Why Eifelbahn for TSW? - Challenging gradients, curves, and timing - Diesel gameplay from start to end (no overhead wires!) - Multiple service types with layered, realistic traffic -Deep expansion potential (freight, heritage, future electrification) - Existing stock already in TSW — BR 218 and BR 628 - Only 1–2 trains missing to unlock full experience: BR 620/622 and BR 644 It’s a route that feels alive, even without electrics — and one of the most gameplay-rich diesel corridors in Germany.
Here is an old POV of this route: Today it takes around 2 hours to drive the full route from Trier to Cologne cadeshr6s attempted to create parts of this route but unfortunately had to stop; however, here is an overview of how parts of it were developed
Speaking of steam locomotives, the Eifelstrecke holds fantastic potential to reintroduce steam to Train Sim World — especially if the route is set in an earlier historical period. Its scenic landscapes, steep gradients, and rural charm would be the perfect backdrop for an authentic steam-era experience. What makes this route particularly compelling is the opportunity to feature diverse and historically accurate steam cargo services, such as: Lead ore transport from the Mechernich Blei-Bergwerk, once a significant freight customer in the region. Timber and forestry products from stations near Kall and Blankenheim, where the Eifel’s wood industry played a key role. Agricultural freight from rural loading points across the line — small local stations and sidings handled everything from grain to livestock. Military and ore transport along branches to places like Schleiden and Zingsheim, reflecting postwar rail operations. Connection to larger freight hubs in Euskirchen and Gerolstein, linking local industries with the broader national network. These services would add great variety to the gameplay — from slow, heavy ore trains climbing through the hills to local mixed freights serving multiple small stops. For historical context and inspiration, this excellent resource is highly recommended: https://www.bundesbahnzeit.de/seite.php?id=789 With its unique combination of scenic beauty, operational challenge, and industrial history, a steam-era Eifel route could become a true highlight for TSW.
