With the lack of U.S content for the foreseeable future, figured I might try and get into a foreign country after my hiatus. Problem is I can’t make up my mind. I’m looking for a route preferable released in either TSW4 or TSW5 because of the increase in DLC quality between the games. I’m also looking for a route that I won’t need to trade an arm and a leg for the DLC to make the route look decently busy or atleast realistic. Thanks!
ECML is descently busy, and the train is relatively easy to drive too. Nice route as well, generally. UK signalling isn't that hard to grasp, it's relatively straightforward. Midland Mainline, though a TSW3 route, got many updates in 4, and is now considered by some to be one of the best in the game.
Get Zwolle-Groningen. It has few dependencies and is well done. You may want to get Frankfurt-Fulda for the Vectron as well, but that's a ll you need.
I'm a US player but i've come to accept that American trains are pretty much done for a while. Been playing tons of UK routes recently. Cathcart with the 380, WCML Shap, and southeastern high speed are definitely favorites of mine
What do you prefer, passenger or freight? From what you stated though, the Dutch route would probably be your best choice at first. It's one of the most high-quality routes to ever come to TSW - the scenery is stunning and the trains are brilliant too and overall performance is superb - and I'm on console! The only additional DLC you'd need for the full experience is the DB 193 Vectron and G6 (but, really not worth it as they literally only add a couple freight services). Only downside is the route isn't the most exciting, but nevertheless, it's a route I still love playing (see screenshots below): My other recommendation are Austrian routes. Vorarlberg, Semmeringbahn, Mittenwaldbahn and Rosenheim-Salzburg (well only the Salzburg part of the route actually is Austria). Lots of pretty scenery, interesting variety of gameplay with a superb amount of passenger and freight. Plus, if you enjoy such, you'll love German routes too!
I also started in North America but have gradually expanded, and it has been a great experience learning about how to drive in different countries. I would also recommend WCML over Shap. It is one of the highest quality and finely detailed routes for TSW. Just finishing the two journeys with the 08, 47, 87 and 101 will get you your money's worth, and if you like it you can expand into that era with BPO, TVL, and NTP. It will introduce you to British signalling and safety systems, and has a good mix of passenger, freight, and shunting. This route is probably also the best showcase for the suspension effect. The other route I recommend is Naverkher Dresden, which although a TSW2 route has been updated to TSW4. This offers a great variety with local/regional passenger, freight, and shunting. You will get the 143, 146, 185, 363, and Dosto cab car to drive. After you learn about the three separate signalling systems that are represented, you can enjoy figuring out PZB. And don't forget your brake settings! Dresden was my gateway drug to all the great things German routes have to offer, and it caused me to spend so much money. So I guess this is a recommendation, but also a warning!
You can't go wrong with Just Trains Preston to Carlisle route. It's set in the 1980s but it's one of the better TSW releases. Even without layers from additional DLC there's a fair amount of traffic and variety of services.
just the railpool vectron for a broken freight substitution and it has two railtours, the LFR 103 and a class 47.
Blackpool Branches, WCML Shap, Southeastern High Speed, London Commuter, ECML, WCML South, NTP, TVL are all good candidates. Blackpool Branches and WCML Shap: both great routes overall, although set in the 1980s. The Pacer and Class 87 are the highlights, respectively. Southeastern High Speed: a TSW3 route, but recommended especially with all layers. Great variety of services and rolling stock, although it's mostly commuter services. London Commuter: now a very dated TSW2 route, but always recommended purely for the busy timetable. ECML: not really much variety, but good for a decent high speed run. WCML South: not a bad route by any means, but I'd recommend if the length doesn't really bother you (in regards to specifically the Pendolino). NTP and TVL: both now dated (older than London Commuter), but being one of the few early BR era routes I'd always recommend.
Why do you say "Foreign" like there are 2 types of people in the world "Americans" and "Foreigns"? I recommend, from my point of view, the WCMLS if on PC, WCMLOS, Frankfurt S-Bahn if on PC (alternative: Mannheim-Kaiserslautern), Mittenwaldbahn, Niddertalbahn, Zwolle-Groningen, ECML, Kinzigtalbahn, Dresden-Riesa, Maintalbahn. But always prioritize your preferences and see ambassadors' videos about the routes.
What kind of routes do you like to drive? Freight/Passenger? Short vs long? Flat or hills? Fast or slow? What did you play mostly of the US routes? Or do you want something entirely different from what you were playing?
