Route Ns Chicago Line: Chicago - Elkhart | 100+ Daily Trains, Track Diagrams, Full Timetable, & Map

Hi everyone,

Today, I want to provide an extremely detailed proposal for a route that I believe would be the most operationally diverse and interesting freight route in Train Sim World: The Norfolk Southern Chicago Line from Chicago Union Station to Elkhart, Indiana. On any given day, this corridor sees well over 100 Norfolk Southern freights, over a dozen Amtrak trains, CPKC and CSX trains operating on NS trackage rights, and BNSF/UP interchange traffic. This is a freight-focused route where Amtrak intercity passenger services run alongside the freight, adding variety without needing a separate passenger route. Whether it be from the multiple large freight yards, semi-frequent passenger service, fast mainline freight running, or local freight switching out of industries along the line, this route has the potential for Dovetail to show what a US freight route can truly be. Is it ambitious? Yes. Is it impossible? Absolutely not.

I grew up alongside this train line my whole life, so it means a lot to me to see something in a video game that I have seen in real life. I have spent the past week documenting this freight corridor in detail because I genuinely believe it deserves to be in the game. What I am sharing today is a fully interactive map of the entire route from Chicago to Elkhart, a real dispatcher-reviewed timetable, and track diagrams showing the route almost in its entirety from CP 518 all the way to CP 421, as well as a full route proposal. I want to make it as easy as possible for Dovetail or a third-party developer to say yes.

Key Features

• 100+ daily services across freight and passenger (high traffic density)
• ~100-mile route from Chicago to Elkhart
• Set in 2025 with modern operations
• Includes real track diagrams of the NS Chicago Line from CP 518 (Chicago) - CP 421 (Elkhart)
• Includes a fully interactive Google My Maps with the entire route mapped (see link below)
• Includes a real dispatcher-verified timetable (see link below)
• Three locomotives included (AC44C6M, GP60, and P42DC)
• Extensive layering potential across existing content
• Large expansion content potential (highly requested content potential)

The Route

This route covers a total length of just over 100 miles from Chicago Union Station all the way to Elkhart Depot and covers everything from dense cityscapes to wide open rural mainline running. The route will be set in the year 2025, as this is the time frame when Norfolk Southern has started to run their longest trains to date. Also, this is after Norfolk Southern’s train symbol changes that happened in 2022. This time period will deliver the most engaging and interesting experience to the Chicago Line. Below is an actual track diagram of the Chicago Line showing the full signal layout, track configuration, and interlocking complexity from CP 518 in Chicago, all the way to CP 421 at Elkhart.



Departing Chicago Union Station, the route heads southeast through the dense industrial corridor of Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting, Indiana, before reaching the massive Burns Harbor steel complex and Porter Junction, where Amtrak Michigan trains diverge. From there, the line opens up into rural Indiana mainline running through LaPorte, New Carlisle, and South Bend before terminating at Elkhart, which is home to one of the largest and busiest classification yards in the eastern United States.

For a full interactive view of the route, including every control point, yard, industry, junction, and interchange location, I have also put together a detailed Google My Maps covering the entire corridor:

To see the full map, complete with interactive markers, train lines, staging points, yards stations, landmarks, and much more, please visit this link and check it out: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=16zYe9V4reWaMIbHPxHCuhRLO3nzGZTY&ll=41.741180804030165,-86.82011762634077&z=11

Why It’s Fun to Play

From the moment you depart Chicago Union Station, the NS Chicago Line never lets up on the action. Within the first ten miles, you have already passed some of Norfolk Southern's biggest and most critical yards on the entire system and exchanged with multiple Class 1 railroads. This is not a route where you drive for twenty minutes between moments of interest; the Chicago Line is one of the most consistently engaging routes to drive in Train Sim World.

This route fills a gap TSW has had for years: a US freight route that meets modern standards and is engaging from start to finish. Unlike other routes that are bustling passenger corridors or scenic mountain lines, the Chicago Line has it all. It is primarily a freight railroad, unique in itself for this game, but for players wanting more variety, there are also over a dozen Amtrak services daily. On top of that, the route is home to plenty of industrial switching, transfers, and local services. In the first 28 miles alone, you are flying through the south suburbs of Chicago, passing some of the densest industrial areas and most complex junctions in the country.

Right out of the station, you pass Ashland Avenue Yard, 47th Street Yard, and Park Manor Yard, then the famous Calumet River Bridge, the Gary Steelworks, and Pine Jct. Without missing a beat, you find yourself at Burns Harbor Yard, which serves the ArcelorMittal Steelworks, one of the largest steel-producing facilities in North America, generating a constant flow of raw material trains, finished product movements, and coal drags unlike anything in TSW. At CP 482 Porter Junction, Amtrak Michigan Line trains branch off, and CSX diverges onto the Grand Rapids Sub, making Porter one of the busiest and most famous rail junctions in the country. Eastbound out of Porter, the route shifts completely, dense industrial mainline gives way to wide open rural freight at speeds up to 79 mph. Otis Hill adds a steady eastbound gradient that will give the longest PSR trains a genuine challenge. Multiple small industries and constant opposing traffic keep this section feeling alive. Finally, you arrive at Elkhart, one of the largest classification yards in the country, with the unique opportunity to drive a train from its origin all the way to its destination, just as many real NS crews do every day.

Route Traffic Breakdown

The Norfolk Southern Chicago Line is one of the busiest freight corridors in the entire country. On any given day, this line will see 100+ scheduled trains all in the timetable between Chicago and Elkhart. Most of these trains will be 1.5-mile+ freight trains, which make for increasingly engaging gameplay. Also, that list of 100+ trains isn’t even including the switching operations and opportunities at the major yards like Elkhart, Burns Harbor, 63rd St, and 47th St. This route has extreme service variety as well, consisting of intermodal, manifest, bulk commodity, autorack, local switching, and intercity passenger. No other route currently in TSW even comes close to this level of operational variety on a single line.

To give a complete route breakdown of all the trains you can expect to see on this line on any given day, I have compiled a complete timetable including train symbols, entrance and exit on the line, typical consist, any stops the train makes along the route, as well as a service start time to help aid the developers adding the timetable to the game. Another thing to note, this timetable has been verified by a real dispatcher with years of experience routing trains all around Chicago.

The full completed timetable is accessible here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...ouid=103612872124679211913&rtpof=true&sd=true

NOTE: This timetable does NOT include switching moves in the yards; instead, it includes all trains that travel over the mainline between Chicago and Elkhart. This timetable DOES include the following on top of what was previously mentioned: Full CPKC trackage rights timetable (~13 trains per day as a future layer), full CSX trackage rights timetable (~5 trains per day as a layer ready to be added), and the possible future layers with CSS&SB, and CN included with appropriate exchange points. Trains on the route will also be broken into 2 parts due to the route being quite long. Trains travelling the whole distance of the route will be split into 2 parts at Chesterton, Indiana.

With 100+ scheduled trains per day before yard switching is even considered, I’m sure you’re wondering what is going to be pulling all these trains.

Locomotives & Rolling Stock

The base route would come with three locomotives, each chosen deliberately to minimize development cost while maximizing gameplay, realism, and timetable coverage. The route would also come with the expected number of freight wagons to maximize service variation.

Norfolk Southern AC44C6M - The AC44C6M is the most common locomotive you will see on the NS Chicago Line on any given day. Built by GE, the AC44C6M is a 4,400-horsepower AC traction locomotive that represents the backbone of Norfolk Southern's modern freight fleet. This is the rebuilt version of NS's earlier Dash 9 locomotives, denominated by the "M" in the name. It is visually and mechanically distinct from the AC4400CW already present in Train Sim World, and has a relatively low development cost due to that existing baseline. The differences between the AC44C6M and the AC4400CW include but are not limited to: a completely different wide safety cab unique to Norfolk Southern, a new inverter cabinet behind the cab, differently styled dynamic brake and inertial cabinets, a shorter dynamic brake hood, NS specific rear anticlimber and deck mounted ditchlights, different truck design inherited from the Dash 9 platform, an under floor air conditioner, cab signals, LSL speed limiter, DPU systems, PTC, ECP braking, and a completely different sound profile due to the 7FDL-16 prime mover combined with AC traction motors. This locomotive is NOT a reskin of the AC4400CW. It shares a similar profile but features an entirely new cab, safety systems, and operational features. Running in consists of two to three units, sometimes with distributed power; the AC44C6M hauls everything from high-priority double-stack intermodal at track speed to heavy bulk commodity drags.

Norfolk Southern GP60 - The GP60 is a 3,800-horsepower four axle diesel locomotive built by EMD between 1985 and 1994, and while it may not be the first locomotive that comes to mind for this corridor, it is a regular sight around Burns Harbor and the Chicago terminal area. I grew up along this line and see them regularly. From a development standpoint, High Iron Simulations is currently working on the GP60M for BNSF, meaning the core carbody asset is already in development. All that would be required is converting the GP60M to a standard cab configuration and adjusting the specs to match NS's variant. On the Chicago Line, the GP60 handles B-series local and terminal jobs, yard switching at Elkhart, and serves local industries throughout the day. What makes it even more interesting is that certain NS GP60s are equipped with ITCS. The cab signaling system used on the Amtrak Michigan corridor, meaning they occasionally haul services beyond Porter Junction onto the Michigan Line. The B0T grain empties to Decatur, Michigan, is typically hauled by 2 AC44C6Ms and 2 GP60s, with the GP60 leading due to the AC44C6M not having ITCS. The GP60 is one of the most fitting and unique locomotives for this route.

Amtrak P42DC - One of the most highly requested locomotives of all time finally has a place in the game on one of the most fitting routes. The P42DC is a 4,200-horsepower passenger locomotive built by GE between 1996 and 2001, and it is the locomotive that most people picture when they think of Amtrak. On the Chicago Line, it would haul the Pere Marquette, Wolverine, Blue Water, Floridian, and Lake Shore Limited, giving players the choice of a fast intercity service through Chicago or a long-distance run through Indiana, an experience that simply does not exist anywhere else in TSW right now. Even though the P42DC has been largely replaced on corridor services by the SC-44, it remains active on long-distance trains in 2025 and absolutely deserves a spot on this route as the main Amtrak power and as a home for one of the most requested locomotives of all time.

Freight Wagons: Most of these assets already exist in Train Sim World and would simply need to be updated and ported over to this route, keeping development costs low.

• Double-stack well cars
• 53ft containers
• 40ft containers
• Mixed manifest cars: boxcars, hoppers, gondolas, flatcars, tank cars for the manifest trains and unit trains
• Coal hoppers
• Autorack cars
• Grain hoppers

Passenger Rolling Stock: The Amfleet assets already exist in game on multiple other routes; the Viewliner cars are new and are critical for making the long-distance trains feel authentic.

• Amfleet I coaches: for corridor services like Wolverine and Blue Water
• Viewliner sleepers: for the Floridian and the Lake Shore Limited

Licensing

Licensing is usually one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when it comes to US routes. For the NS Chicago Line, that barrier is significantly lower than it might appear at first glance.

Norfolk Southern - This is the most important license and the one most likely to raise eyebrows. However, it is worth noting that Skyhook Games already holds an active NS license for Horseshoe Curve. This means the relationship with Norfolk Southern already exists. Building on an existing licensing relationship is significantly easier than establishing a new one from scratch.

Amtrak - Amtrak has already appeared in Train Sim World on many previous routes. This is likely one of the strongest US licenses that Dovetail holds and would be the easiest part to make this route come to fruition. The Chicago Line would simply be an extension of the license to include their long-distance trains and intercity trains near Chicago.

J.B. Hunt - One of the most common container providers on NS intermodal trains and an iconic sight on the Chicago Line. I would like to see a domestic container company license acquired, as creating a full domestic container train wouldn’t just be realistic, it would also be immersive.

Hub Group - This is another very common container to see on domestic intermodal trains. And would make the intermodal trains look realistic. Dovetail already holds this license via Sherman Hill.

Other Container Companies - Dovetail holds other licenses, like K-Line (SH), ONE (HSC and CJP), Hamburg Sud (HSC and CJP), and Hapag-Lloyd (HSC and CJP). These would be fun to see on this route to fill in the intermodal trains and make them more immersive.

Rolling Stock - As far as rolling stock is concerned, US companies are not very cooperative when it comes to licensing their companies for freight cars. Unbranded would be used for all common freight cars (DTGX reporting numbers)

(Not Required For Base Route) CPKC - This license is essential in the future for this route to add more service variety. This railroad holds extensive trackage rights on the Chicago Line, and there is no current license for CPKC in TSW yet.

Layering Ecosystem
⚠ This section is critical.

This route has the potential to be the biggest USA layering ecosystem TSW has ever seen, not just because the base route is good, but because layers flow both directions, improving existing routes simultaneously. No other proposal has thought this far ahead. The Chicago Line will enhance the entire game in a way very few routes can.

Layers from existing content:

Owners of existing US freight routes would immediately find new value in DLC that hasn't been touched in years. The base timetable alone has over 100 trains, so this route never feels empty without extra purchases, but for players who already own the following, the experience gets significantly more immersive: Sand Patch Grade, Horseshoe Curve, Cajon Pass, Sherman Hill, Cane Creek, CSX C40-8W, BNSF SD70ACe, NS Heritage Pack, UP Heritage Pack, and Oakville Subdivision. These add foreign power to timetable services, enhance static scenery, and bring the full CSX, CN, and CPKC layer sheets in the timetable to life. Once everything is said and done, this route will have upwards of 12+ unique locomotives driveable on a single corridor — easily the most diverse and well-layered American route in the entire game.

*See the timetable for more in-depth information

Sand Patch Grade: Owning this DLC would unlock access to the CSX trains that travel on the Barr Subdivision as AI trains during the day, as well as unlock the CSX trains that operate on NS tracks between Pine Jct. and Porter Jct. (Note: Only the AC4400CW would be used on CSX services on this route — the SD40-2 and GP38-2 are not appropriate for mainline services here)

Horseshoe Curve: Owning this DLC would unlock access to the NS ES44AC and the NS GP38-2 to be subbed in on the timetable, allowing for more diverse operations.

Cajon Pass: Owning this DLC would unlock access to the BNSF ES44C4 to appear as foreign power on some timetable services. The ES44C4 would also be able to lead these services. Owning this DLC would also unlock CSX C800, C801, and E800, which are coal trains that travel on the CSX Grand Rapids Sub and use BNSF power.

Sherman Hill: Owning this DLC would unlock access to the UP SD70ACe to appear as foreign power on some timetable services. The SD70ACe would also be able to lead these services. *See timetable for more information

Cane Creek: Owning this DLC would unlock access to the UP AC4400CW to appear as foreign power on some timetable services. The AC4400CW would also be able to lead these services.

CSX C40-8W: Owning this DLC would unlock access to the full CSX schedule, as mentioned before, and would allow it to sub in for the AC4400CW on the CSX trains.

BNSF SD70ACe: Owning this DLC would unlock access to the BNSF SD70ACe to appear as foreign power on some timetable services. The SD70ACe would also be able to lead these services. Owning this DLC would also unlock CSX C800, C801, and E800, which are coal trains that travel on the CSX Grand Rapids Sub and use BNSF power.

NS Heritage Pack: Owning this DLC would unlock access for the heritage ES44ACs to be subbed in on the timetable for normal ES44ACs, allowing for more diverse operations. (Normal HSC must be owned)

UP Heritage Pack: Owning this DLC would unlock access for the heritage UP SD70ACes to be subbed in on the timetable for normal SD70ACes, allowing for more diverse operations. (Normal SH must be owned)

Oakville Subdivision: Owning this DLC would unlock access for random CN equipment to appear as static decor on the route. Similar to how SH and CJP layer onto the San Bernardino Line as some static decor.


Outgoing Layers to Existing Content:

The layering is not one-sided. Horseshoe Curve is the most obvious recipient. The AC44C6M slots directly into the HSC timetable, and the GP60 provides an engaging alternative to the GP38-2 on thru freights across the line.

The P42DC is by far one of the most outgoing layers the game has ever seen, rivaled only by the Class 66 and German freight locos. The Chicago Line finally gives it a permanent home and sends it out to make the entire game better. Routes it layers onto include:

Sand Patch Grade: In the era that Sand Patch Grade is set in, this line would be used by the Amtrak Capitol Limited from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

Horseshoe Curve: Amtrak's Pennsylvanian between Pittsburgh and New York City rounds the curve once each way daily.

Cajon Pass: The Southwest Chief uses Cajon Pass from Chicago to Los Angeles once per day in each direction.

Oakville Subdivision: This is a CN route in Ontario. Amtrak's Maple Leaf runs from Toronto to New York via this corridor using P42 power a few times per week in each direction.

MBTA Worcester Line: The Lake Shore Limited runs over the Framingham/Worcester Line. This train would be able to serve as a continuation or starting point to the same Lake Shore Limited on the Chicago Line.

Expansion Roadmap

The Chicago Line stands on its own with 100+ trains, three locomotives, and a full timetable from day one. But the expansion roadmap takes it even further. Each addition below is chosen deliberately, slots directly into the existing timetable, and adds something genuinely new to the game. The expansion possibilities are endless, but here are some of the first ones that should come out.

NS SD70ACe: The easiest and most logical first expansion. The asset already exists in TSW via Sherman Hill in UP livery. All that's needed is an NS livery and spec adjustment, making this one of the lowest development cost additions possible. The SD70ACe is a common sight on the Chicago Line in 2025 and layers directly onto Horseshoe Curve as well.

NS ET44AC: The cutting edge of NS motive power in 2025 and the natural successor to the AC44C6M. Built by Wabtec, the ET44AC is a 4,400-horsepower AC traction locomotive that NS has been acquiring in significant numbers and is entirely new to Train Sim World. It slots directly into the intermodal and manifest timetable and layers onto Horseshoe Curve as the most modern NS power available.

Amtrak SC-44 Charger: The locomotive that has largely replaced the P42DC on corridor services and is the correct modern power for the Wolverine, Blue Water, and Pere Marquette in 2025. Adding the SC-44 means every Amtrak service can now be assigned prototypically correct power for the era. Beyond the Chicago Line, the SC-44 has enormous layering potential across multiple state-supported Amtrak corridors nationwide, and it's a locomotive the TSW community has been requesting for years.

Conclusion

The Norfolk Southern Chicago Line has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching trains pass on this superhighway basically in my backyard, and the idea of being able to replicate that very same route in a video game is something that has always meant a lot to me. The personal connection and all of the reasons discussed before this led me to spend the past week documenting this route extensively because I want to make it as easy as possible for someone at Dovetail or a third-party studio to look at this and say yes. But beyond the personal connection that I have to this route, I also believe that this is the future of Train Sim World. We are at a pivotal turning point in the realm of TSW, where we are starting to get some great improvements, transparency, and major quality increases as compared to previous years.

I know Dovetail’s roadmap is probably very long, and that is why I am proposing a realistic timeframe for this route to come out as well. This route will require extensive efforts from any team of developers and, as such, will take a lot of time to complete. The very earliest that I would like to see this route would be as a core route in TSW 8 as the main American route in that release, if not later. A route of this quality, executed properly, would not only turn a good profit but would also change the conversation about what American DLC in Train Sim World can be.

I am not asking for this route because there is nothing like it in the game. I am asking for it because it is genuinely one of the best routes that could ever be added to Train Sim World, and I hope this proposal has made that case clearly.

If there are any more questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally or reply to this thread, and I will be happy to answer

 

Very interesting proposal, hope it's brought to fruition someday...