Hi Dovetail Games team and fellow TSW fans! I’d love to suggest adding the legendary Norfolk & Western 611 to Train Sim World 5. Known as the “Queen of Steam,” this powerful J-class locomotive is a fan favorite and would bring incredible historic value and variety to TSW. Why the N&W 611? Iconic American Steam Power: Built in 1950, the 611 is the only surviving J-class 4-8-4 steam locomotive and a symbol of engineering excellence. Historic & Modern Appeal: It ran excursions for decades after retirement and still captures the hearts of railfans today. Perfect for Steam Enthusiasts: With detailed steam simulation in TSW, 611 would deliver an immersive and authentic experience. Route Possibilities: The 611 could shine on a variety of routes, such as: Pocahontas Route: From Roanoke, VA to Bluefield, WV—historically accurate and beautifully scenic. Freight Duties: Showcase 611’s versatility hauling both passenger and freight consists in the 1950s setting. Gameplay Potential: Full manual steam controls and realistic performance. Excursion scenarios with a support diesel like NS GP38-2. Night runs, mountain grades, whistle stops, and high-speed segments. Rolling Stock: Classic N&W heavyweight or streamlined coaches. Optional add-ons: tool car, dome car, auxiliary tender for excursion era. Why It Matters: Adding the N&W 611 would pay tribute to American steam heritage, deepen the TSW steam roster, and offer players the thrill of commanding one of the most powerful and beautiful locomotives ever built.
Personal Note: For me, the Norfolk & Western 611 isn’t just a locomotive—it’s a character. I’ve named her Nita in my own Trainz series because she’s strong, graceful, and full of personality. I’d love to bring her into Train Sim World 5 and let others experience the same magic I see in her every time she whistles down the line. She’s more than steam and steel—she’s living history, and she deserves a place on the rails of TSW.
As pretty and historic as 611 is, steam locomotives are indefinitely on hold in TSW Only way this gets made is if a third party decides to tackle it, but I wouldn't hold your breath
Even less likely to happen, as I believe the group that currently owns 611 has some very stringent copyright on the locomotive itself, which would make it very hard to sell in any train simulator.
That's pretty surprising, you'd think they would encourage use of the locomotive's image to ensure it reaches a broader audience. They for sure aren't too strict about the physical model rights... Bachmann, Broadway Limited, MTH, and Lionel have all produced models of it in various gauges over the years.
The trademark was applied around 2015ish, not to mention model railroads can probably make up for the licensing costs/royalties alot easier than a train sim.
Fair point, I think the current Bachmann HO model is hovering around $300; there sure as hell ain't $300 worth of tooling going on there lol.
