Route Suggestion: Upper Danube Valley Railway (donautalbahn) With Updated "bwegt" Br 612 Redesign

Discussion in 'Suggestions' started by Alex1001, Jun 25, 2026.

  1. Alex1001

    Alex1001 New Member

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    Hello Dovetail Team and Community,

    I would love to suggest a fantastic non-electrified German route for Train Sim World 6: The Donautalbahn from Ulm Hbf to Sigmaringen. Sigmaringen Station with the bwegt BR 612.jpg

    Why this route would be a perfect addition:

    1. Perfect Length & Realism: At around 93 kilometers, Ulm to Sigmaringen is the ideal length for a TSW expansion. It is highly realistic for development while offering a substantial and scenic journey.
    2. Ulm Hauptbahnhof as a Major Hub: Starting at Ulm Hbf would be amazing. It allows for fantastic layers and AI traffic from other German Add-ons (like ICs, ICEs, or regional electric trains), making the station feel incredibly alive before you depart into the diesel-only territory.
    3. Pure Diesel Action & Tilt-Train Heaven (GNT): Once you leave Ulm, the route is completely non-electrified, winding through beautiful rock formations and valleys along the Danube. This is the ultimate playground for the BR 612 (RegioSwinger) to utilize its active tilting technology in the sharp river curves.
    4. Existing "bwegt" License: Since TSW already features the official "bwegt" branding on the BR 642, the license is already available, making this project legally easier to implement.
    5. Upgraded BR 612 Model: This would be a great opportunity to introduce the modernized "bwegt" version of the BR 612. This requires a few exciting modifications to the existing 3D model:
    - A newly modeled multi-purpose area for bicycles near the driver's cab.
    - Modern, bright LED passenger destination displays (ZZA) on the front and sides.
    - The new yellow/black "bwegt" interior seat patterns and updated stickers.

    Combined with a BR 650 (Regio-Shuttle) or a BR 218 for regional services, this would be a highly requested, scenic expansion for German train fans.

    Here are some real-world references for the "bwegt" BR 612 Redesign:

    * Exterior Paint Scheme: https://wikipedia.org
    * Modernized Train at Sigmaringen Station: https://bahnbilder.de
    * New Interior Seat Pattern: https://bahnbilder.de

    What do you think about this route and the modernized train upgrade? Let me know!
     

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    Last edited: Jun 25, 2026
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  2. wgrn#6154

    wgrn#6154 Well-Known Member

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    The route sounds interesting, but it has only one train per hour per direction. That can make it unworthy for those who want more types of services.
     
  3. Alex1001

    Alex1001 New Member

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    "I completely understand that point from a real-world passenger's perspective. However, for a simulator like Train Sim World, this exact combination of an hourly service and the 93-kilometer route from Ulm Hbf to Sigmaringen is the absolute perfect foundation for engaging gameplay! Here is why this route would make a top-tier DLC:Pure Focus on the BR 612 and Tilting Technology: Covering the full section means the main highlight takes center stage: the active tilting technology (GNT). Blasting through the tight curves along the rock formations of the Danube Valley is incredibly fun to drive—offering a much higher skill ceiling than a repetitive high-frequency commuter route.Single-Track Operational Challenges: Since large parts of this 93 km route are single-track, an hourly service requires precise passing loops at stations. For the player, this means true railway simulation: managing delays, watching the signals, and waiting for oncoming AI traffic (other BR 612 units) to pass right by you.Amazing Hub Action at Ulm Hbf: Starting or ending at the massive, electrified hub of Ulm Hbf adds massive value. It allows for rich AI traffic layers from existing German DLCs (ICEs, ICs), making the terminal feel incredibly alive before you transition into pure, atmospheric diesel territory.Plenty of Space for Freight: One passenger train per hour leaves huge gaps in the timetable. This gives developers the perfect opportunity to implement realistic freight services along the valley (like timber or industrial cargo runs), creating excellent variety for cargo lovers without overloading the dispatcher physics.Visual Highlight with the Modern 'bwegt' Livery: The BR 612 operates here in the striking yellow, white, and black 'bwegt' livery of Baden-Württemberg. This sleek, contemporary look creates an amazing visual contrast against the historic, scenic backdrop of the Danube Valley and its diverse signaling systems. It would look absolutely stunning in-game!The fact that the timetable is so well-balanced, leaving room for unique tilting action, beautiful scenery, and heavy freight, is exactly why these 93 kilometers are a must-have for the simulator!" Sigmaringen Station with the bwegt BR 612 Exterior view of the modernized yellow.jpg
     
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