Overview I would love to see the NS ICNG (Intercity Nieuwe Generatie) added as a loco add-on for the existing Groningen – Zwolle route in Train Sim World. The ICNG represents the future of Dutch intercity rail travel and has recently entered service on the real-world Groningen – Zwolle – Amsterdam Zuid – Schiphol Airport corridor. Since 14 June 2026, NS has officially begun introducing the ICNG on this route alongside the iconic ICM "Koploper" fleet. This makes the ICNG one of the most realistic and relevant additions possible for the Groningen – Zwolle route. Unlike many train suggestions that require entirely new routes, the ICNG is already operating on the route represented in Train Sim World today. Why the ICNG Would Be Great for Groningen – Zwolle One of the biggest strengths of this add-on is that it would modernize the route while remaining completely authentic to current real-world operations. The Groningen – Zwolle route currently represents an important Dutch intercity corridor, but the addition of the ICNG would allow players to experience the transition from older rolling stock to the next generation of Dutch intercity trains. Players would be able to choose between: The classic ICM "Koploper" The modern ICNG This creates much greater variety and replayability without requiring an entirely new route. Why Now Is The Perfect Time The timing for the ICNG could not be better. Since 14 June 2026, NS has started introducing the ICNG on the: Groningen Zwolle Amsterdam Zuid Schiphol Airport corridor. The train currently operates approximately once per hour alongside the iconic ICM "Koploper" fleet as part of the gradual rollout process. This allows passengers, drivers, and operational staff to become familiar with the new train while NS prepares for the major timetable changes planned for December 2026. This means the ICNG is no longer a future concept or a train that may appear one day. It is already operating on the route represented in Train Sim World today. Adding the ICNG now would allow Train Sim World to reflect current Dutch railway operations far more accurately and give players the opportunity to experience the transition from the classic ICM fleet to the next generation of Dutch intercity trains. The Future of the Groningen – Zwolle Corridor The importance of the ICNG will continue to grow. For the December 2026 timetable change, NS plans to introduce a new direct service between: Groningen Zwolle Lelystad Almere Amsterdam Zuid Schiphol Airport Rotterdam Centraal This service will operate using the ICNG and connect Northern Netherlands directly with the High Speed Line. Passengers will benefit from shorter journey times, while the ICNG gradually replaces the ICM fleet on this corridor. The new service is planned to operate once per hour on weekdays between approximately 06:30 and 22:00, making the ICNG the future backbone of this important corridor. This means the train is not only relevant today, but also represents the future of the Groningen – Zwolle route. Unique Gameplay Features The ICNG would offer a completely different driving experience compared to the ICM. Features include: modern digital driver's desk advanced onboard systems modern passenger information systems different acceleration characteristics different braking characteristics new soundscape contemporary cab environment ETCS capability future HSL compatibility This would make the train feel fundamentally different rather than simply being another variation of existing rolling stock. Timetable and Service Variety The ICNG would allow for: realistic mixed operation alongside ICM services modernized timetables additional service variety more authentic current-day operations future-proof Dutch content One of the most interesting aspects of the current real-world operation is that both train types are running side by side. The Groningen – Zwolle corridor currently includes approximately one ICNG service per hour, operating alongside the established ICM services. This creates an ideal opportunity for a realistic Train Sim World timetable featuring: classic ICM services modern ICNG services different driving characteristics different passenger experiences greater timetable variety The coexistence of both fleets would make the route feel much more alive and accurately represent the transition period currently taking place on the Dutch railway network. International Potential Another reason the ICNG is particularly interesting is its international capability. ICNG-B The Belgian-compatible ICNG trains are already entering service as EuroCity Direct trains between: Amsterdam Rotterdam Antwerp Brussels These trains are gradually replacing older rolling stock and represent the future of Dutch-Belgian international rail travel. ICNG-D NS has also ordered German-compatible ICNG units. These trains are expected to enter service around 2027 and will eventually support future Dutch-German intercity operations. This gives the ICNG enormous long-term potential for Train Sim World. Strong Potential for Future Dutch Routes Another major advantage of the ICNG is that its usefulness would extend far beyond the Groningen – Zwolle route. The ICNG is rapidly becoming one of the most important trains in the Dutch railway network and is expected to play a major role on many intercity services for years to come. Because of this, the train could be reused on future Dutch Train Sim World routes, including potential corridors such as: Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam Rotterdam – Breda Amsterdam – Almere – Lelystad Zwolle – Amersfoort Amsterdam – Utrecht future HSL-Zuid routes future international routes to Belgium and Germany This makes the ICNG a particularly valuable addition because it would not only enhance the Groningen – Zwolle route, but also serve as a foundation for future Dutch content. From a development perspective, creating the ICNG would be an investment that could continue to provide value across multiple future routes and timetable layers. The train is quickly becoming one of the defining faces of modern Dutch rail travel, making it one of the most logical pieces of rolling stock to introduce into Train World's Dutch ecosystem. Why Players Want It The ICNG is currently one of the most important new trains entering service in the Netherlands. Its addition would: modernize the Groningen – Zwolle route increase realism add timetable variety reflect current NS operations provide a completely new driving experience introduce ETCS-focused gameplay represent the future of Dutch railways lay the foundation for future Dutch routes Most importantly, the ICNG is not simply another train. It is actively transforming Dutch intercity operations right now and has already begun operating on the Groningen – Zwolle corridor represented in Train Sim World. For these reasons, the NS ICNG would be one of the most realistic, relevant, and exciting loco add-ons possible for the Groningen – Zwolle route. Thank you for considering this suggestion.
I feel the ICNG would be better off with its own route, instead as an add-on for Zwolle-Groningen specifically.
Yes, me too. I was more a suggestion, but you are right if for example one day there is a route between Dordrecht, Schiphol, Haarlem and Amsterdam, then it will be included in the route between Rotterdam and Schiphol and Amsterdam.
