For a long time now, many of us in the TSW community have been asking for something truly new — a route from a country that hasn’t been represented at all, something that breaks the pattern and actually brings fresh energy into the game. We wanted a line that doesn’t feel recycled, doesn’t rely on the same electric trains we’ve been driving for years, and actually shows a part of Europe that most players have never experienced. So I thought: why not suggest a Romanian route? Not just any route, but one that has real character, real traffic, real scenery, and a realistic chance of drawing people’s attention. A route that’s 100% diesel, filled with DMUs and heavy locomotives, and stretches through landscapes that shift from border stations to growing cities to quiet rural valleys. That’s why I chose the Episcopia Bihor – Cluj-Napoca line — a corridor that stands out precisely because it’s different. It’s one of those routes that feels alive even without electrification: busy regional traffic, long intercity runs, border movements, Sulzers grinding through hills, Desiros stopping at rural halts, and the constant sense of travelling deeper into Transylvania. It’s something TSW has never touched before, and exactly the kind of route many of us have been waiting to see — a route that doesn’t exist in the game yet, but absolutely deserves to. Key Features Rolling Stock (All Diesel / DMU) To keep it 100% realistic for the region, the roster includes: Siemens Desiro SR 20D (CFR 96-000x / “Săgeata Albastră”) – For R and RE services Bombardier Talent 1 (where used by private operators) – Optional additional DMU layer CFR Class 82 / 83 DMUs – Legacy diesel multiple units for local stopping services CFR Class 60/62 “Sulzer” – Classic diesel-electric workhorse for heavier trains CFR Class 65 “Blue Tiger” – For modern diesel locomotive operations on faster IR/IC services No electrics appear anywhere on the route. Route Description The line begins at Episcopia Bihor, continues through Oradea, and gradually moves into mountainous, more challenging terrain toward Huedin and finally Cluj-Napoca. Major Stations Episcopia Bihor Oradea Oșorhei Aleșd Tileagd Huedin Gârbău Cluj-Napoca Driving Experience Long diesel hauls with varied speed limits Rapid alternation between urban, rural, and mountainous landscapes Many level crossings, older signalling, and single-line limitations Perfect for players who enjoy manual diesel management and realistic timetable work Gameplay Layers Timetable Mode A realistic timetable would include: R (Regio) and RE (Regio Express) DMU services between local stations IR (InterRegio) trains using Class 65 locomotives Freight layers using Sulzer Class 60/62 where appropriate Border traffic layering from Hungary (optional) Scenarios Fog over Huedin: Reduced visibility, late-running DMU Mountain Diesel Push: IR hauled by a Class 65 struggling with inclines Rush Hour in Oradea: Multiple regional departures with DMUs weaving through traffic Border Duty: Take a short Sulzer-hauled freight from Episcopia Bihor Why This Route Works for TSW6 Niche but realistic: diesel-only operation in Romania still exists Varied geography for fun gameplay Easy to sell with DMU stock, similar to German or UK DMU routes Strong community demand for Eastern European routes
