Introduction In this suggestion, I would like to present the railway line between Cottbus and Görlitz, a regional route in eastern Germany that offers a very different experience compared to the high-speed and dense commuter corridors currently represented in Train Sim World. The line is operated today as RB65 and connects the state of Brandenburg with Saxony, running through the Lausitz region. It is a railway shaped by both its past and its future: historically a secondary line with limited infrastructure, but now part of wider plans to improve connections and modernise transport in the region. Route Description The route runs for approximately 90 kilometres from Cottbus Hauptbahnhof to Görlitz, passing through a mixture of small towns, industrial areas, forests and open countryside. The overall character is distinctly rural, with long stretches between stations and a generally calm, understated atmosphere. After leaving Cottbus, the line heads south-east through Neuhausen and Spremberg, one of the more important intermediate towns on the route. From there, the railway continues through Schleife and Weißwasser, an area historically associated with glass production and industry. Beyond Weißwasser, the landscape becomes increasingly quiet and sparsely populated, with stops such as Rietschen and Niesky marking small communities before the line finally reaches Görlitz, a larger City and an important regional hub at the German–Polish border. The variety of stations, from larger hubs to simple rural halts, naturally creates variation in driving rhythm, with alternating phases of higher-speed running and frequent stopping patterns. Infrastructure and Operation One of the defining features of the Cottbus – Görlitz line is its infrastructure. The route is still largely single-track and not electrified, meaning that all regular services are operated using diesel multiple units. Passing loops at stations play a crucial role, as trains travelling in opposite directions must meet and cross at carefully timed intervals. This operational setup introduces a level of dependency between services that is rarely present on double-track routes. A delay in one direction can quickly affect the entire timetable, requiring careful driving and adherence to schedules. Line speeds are moderate, generally in the range of 80 to 120 km/h, which further reinforces the focus on timing rather than outright speed. Gameplay Potential From a gameplay perspective, the route lends itself to a slower, more methodical style of driving. Instead of continuous high-speed running, the experience is shaped by anticipation and coordination. Drivers would need to approach crossing points on time, be prepared to wait for opposing services, and manage situations where minor delays can have wider consequences. The relatively long distances between some stations allow for relaxed cruising, while the single-track sections ensure that attention is always required. Scenarios could naturally emerge from this structure, such as dealing with a late-running opposing train, operating under temporary restrictions due to engineering works, or handling difficult weather conditions in a rural environment. Seasonal variation, particularly fog or snow, would further enhance the atmosphere and challenge. Rolling Stock The line is currently operated by ODEG using Siemens Desiro Classic diesel multiple units, which would form the core rolling stock for the route. These units are well suited to regional services of this type, offering a balance between performance and efficiency on non-electrified lines. Additional variety could be introduced through alternative Desiro variants such as the DB BR 642, as well as freight services using locomotives like the BR 185 or BR 294. While freight traffic is not the dominant feature of the line, its inclusion would add further operational depth, particularly around stations and passing loops. Scenery and Atmosphere A key strength of the route lies in its setting. The Lausitz region is characterised by forests, lakes, and areas shaped by former mining activity. This creates a landscape that feels both natural and subtly industrial, with traces of economic transition visible along the line. The absence of large urban centres for most of the route contributes to a quiet and immersive atmosphere. Small stations, simple infrastructure, and long rural stretches give the line a sense of authenticity that contrasts strongly with busier, more modern main lines. Future Context An additional layer of interest comes from the planned development of the route. There are ongoing discussions and preparations for electrification and partial double-tracking, aimed at improving regional connectivity and supporting structural change in the Lausitz area. While the present-day version of the line is defined by diesel operation and single-track constraints, these future plans provide a broader context and could serve as inspiration for alternative scenarios or later adaptations. Conclusion The Cottbus – Görlitz railway line represents a type of route that is currently underrepresented in Train Sim World. Its emphasis on single-track operation, rural scenery, and careful timetable management offers a different pace and style of gameplay. Rather than focusing on speed or density, the experience is built around coordination, awareness, and immersion in a quieter but highly authentic railway environment.
