Wikipedia Article The UK already has two historical DLCs, the USA is about to get one, it's time for Germany. This is the Linke Rheinstrecke in the year 1975. I've chosen this year because it features the most diverse rolling stock. As often due to the length of the entire line, I'll only suggest the section between Bingen and Koblenz. This route is also the home of the famous Rheingold service, which ran between the Netherlands and Switzerland through Germany and was the fastest train in Germany for a long time. Quick Facts: Length: 61,2km Max. Speed: 160km/h Signaling System: H/V Safety System: Indusi Route: There are no cab videos available from that era so I have to use modern ones. Of course, the rail infrastructure changed but the landscape is the same in its entire beauty. The route is one of the most important rail corridors in Germany. As the name already says the route follows the river Rhein on its left side (western side) and connects Mainz with Köln. The valley between Bingen and Koblenz is also a world heritage site and is famous for its beautiful landscape and its large number of castles. The route was also home to many famous German locomotives, including the BR 103 and BR 601. Stations: Bingen (Rhein) Hbf Trechtingshausen Niederheimbach Bacharach Oberwesel St. Goar Boppard-Hirzenach Boppard-Bad Salzig Boppard Hbf Spay Rhens Koblenz Hbf Rolling Stock: BR 110.3 (E 10.3) BR 112 (E 10.12) BR 103 (E 03) BR 111 BR 601 (VT 11.5) BR 602 (VT 11.5) BR 220 (V 200.0) BR 140 (E 40) BR 141 (E 41) BR 151
I don't believe the VT 11.5 was still running as late as 1975; or if it was, it was only on non-electrified routes. (Looked it up: the last 11.5 TEE service was on 28 September 1972; it last ran on the Rheinstrecke as the Rhein-Main in 1967. After all, it would be hard for DB to charge premium TEE pricing for a 160 kph train in the age of the 103!) Also, you left off the BR 140/ E 40. But still, this is the one MUST HAVE German route, and it would indeed be best if set in the Bundesbahn era.
They were still used with Intercity services even on electrified lines. They were still in active use until 1988. When the 601 entered the Intercity services some were modified to 602 to increase their speed to 160km/h so they could keep up with the 103 (there were no high-speed lines yet). Due to its similarity to the 141 I left the 140 out of this list. I have no reliable data on this but I think the 140 was not that common on this line. But I might be wrong.
When I lived in Germany 1968-73, the 140 was the mainstay of medium freight traffic and you saw them everywhere. The 141 was a passenger engine. The 150 and 151 Big Boys were relatively uncommon (except, I suppose, in heavy-industry areas).
Absolutely lovely suggestion. I’m not well enough versed in the timeline of what rolling stock was used when to judge the accuracy of the locos you suggested, but if it all checks out, this could be the route to give us a lot of the vintage locos that are always requested on the suggestions forum. Not to mention the absolutely stunning scenery.
