Hi everyone. Picked up TSW4 a few weeks ago. The standard version. So far I'm enjoying it. First time playing a TSW game or a trains simulator in general. Just done racing and driving sims before. It's a nice distraction from work. I would like to try some freight driving but I don't know if the standard version of TSW4 has those options? Does it? I was looking at Horseshoe Curve to pick up. Being from PA it would be nice to have route that is near me. I was looking at the New York routes but wasn't sure about their issues. Haven't see anything regarding this route in TSW4. Is it good to pick up? Options I can try in the standard edition before this? Thanks
There’s really only 3 routes that stand out to me as decent to good quality routes. If your more into freight, HorseShoe Curve is a decent route in my opinion. Although the scenery is a little questionable in some areas, the route is still a good option, but be prepared to do around 30-40 for most of the route. One section does get up to about 70 but that’s about it. Another freight route I would suggest is ClinchField RR if your into slower freight, faster paced routes I would suggest either Cajon pass or Sherman Hill. If you ever find an interest in passenger routes then I would 100% recommend Boston Sprinter. This route has some very good variety as the base route has both Amtrak and MBTA trains, it’s better if you have the Acela DLC. I would avoid New York - Trenton because of its bugs and lack of support a year after launch.
The 3 routes with standard are ECML, Vorarlburg and Antelope only ECML and Vorarlburg will have freight runs as standard, Antelope won’t have them by itself. ECML has a fair number of long runs with the fairly and growing infamous in TSW class 66 as standard. Vorarlburg does have freight layers as standard with the 185 and with other dlc locos/routes (I ain’t entirely sure what qualifies as giving them/or just substituting with that though apart from the standard 185) Antelope freight is from Cajon Pass, I ain’t sure if it’s possible for freight layers on this route from other routes unless Cajon Pass is owned. ———— Sounds like you’re interested in American Freight the most, maybe Horseshoe Curve might be a good option for that (not sure if I would be the best person to recommend routes based on American freight tbh though) the TSW4 available NY routes do not have freight at all though as of now and no plans to change that as far as I’m aware.
There is also Sand patch grade available cumberland rockwood pa and acouple coal mine loading branches I i grew up in pgh area years ago been to both in real life they were the reason i got into TSW games on console and the first and foremost routes i purchased
m Meant sand patch and HSCwere the first 2 i purchased ..i have all the US content except the 2 ny transit routes only LIRR out of the 3 i got ..plus CN oakville lots of switching and local freight runs if you like those type of operations and get a GP9ru
I think Sand Patch Grade still holds up as a good U.S freight route, the scenery and detail in some areas is something we don’t get often with new routes.
