First off, I don’t play Train Sim World, but I think this route would be make a much better dlc here than on Train Simulator. Let’s start off with some history of the line. In 1879, the Royal Gorge War between the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe (using subsidiary Pueblo and Arkansas Valley) and Denver and Rio Grande was settled, with the Rio Grande receiving the track built by the P&AV through the Royal Gorge. This track was extended to Malta by 1880, and a several branches were built to nearby mines, including one to Leadville. In 1881, a branch was built to the coke ovens just over Tennessee Pass. This originally was meant to only be a branch, as the Rio Grande already had a route through the Rockies via Marshall Pass, but in 1886 a silver boom in Aspen led to the need for a branch there. A rush between the Colorado Midland Railroad led to its completion that year, as an extension of the branch that already existed to Tennessee Pass. The line was built at a 3 percent grade, which, although steep to standard gauge railroads, was relatively light to the narrow gauge rails in which the line was built. In 1890, the Rio Grande decided to standard gauge one of its lines though the Rockies, and the line over Tennessee Pass was selected as it had lighter curves. As part of this rebuilding, a tunnel was bored underneath the summit, lowering the line by 200 feet. Track was originally left dual gauge, until the section between Malta and Minturn was converted to standard gauge only after the completion of standard gauging to Grand Junction was complete by 1891. By 1903, helpers used to assist trains up the 3 percent grade were having problems descended the 21 between the pass and Minturn. The decision was made to double track the entire line, from the West portal of the tunnel to Minturn, with the one exception being the Pando tunnel. CTC was added in 1926, one of the first uses in the US and the first West of the Mississippi. The Dotsero Cutoff, a line connecting the Denver and Salt Lake’s Moffat Tunnel Route to the Rio Grande (at this point known as the Denver and Rio Grande Western) main was completed in 1934, and through trains from Denver no longer were routed over the line, which cut down on the amount of traffic moving over the line. In 1945, a new, larger tunnel was bored beneath the pass, and the old one filled in (no, there is no L-131 buried inside, like some local myths say). In 1958, the double track was broken up and two sidings were left (Pando and Belden), as not as many helpers were needed after complete dieselization. At over 11,000 feet high, the railroad was the highest point on the US railroad system, and as such very costly to maintain. Because of the 3 percent grade, swing helper were necessary on every Eastbound train, and some were required for extra braking power on Westbounds. In the 1980’s, attempts were made to close the line because of the high costs, including a complete embargo in 1987 by owner Philip Anshutz they only routed 2 through trains a day over the line, as well the as-needed Malta Local. However, the purchase of the Southern Pacific in 1988 gave the line new life. Due to increased traffic caused by the merger, the Moffat line had more trains than it could handle, and the line was reopened, with more than 30 trains a day running over the route. However, the merger of the SP and UP spelled the end of the line. With most of the traffic routed via Sherman Hill, only a few trains a day were running over both the Moffat and Tennessee lines. As Tennessee had the steeper grade, UP applied to abandon the line in 1997. It was denied, both nonetheless UP ran the last train over the line in August 1997. A few more work extras went over the pass, but the line from Minturn to Malta has not seen a through train since. However, interest in reopening the line has spiked recently. Two companies, the Colorado Pacific (which operates the Towner Line in Southeast Colorado) and the Colorado, Midland, and Pacific (owned by the Rio Grande Pacific) have both approached UP about the line, and UP even made a lease agreement with CMP, only to get denied by the STB in 2021. CMP and UP are in talks as of now, and chances are likely that trains will once again run over the line in the future. Now that history is done, let’s get on to the actual proposal. The route that I’m suggesting is Minturn to Malta, as well as the Leadville branch, set in 1996 (before the UP merger). The reason for this era is manly the use of AC4400CWs as helpers in Minturn, but the continued use of older SDs and GPs on the line as well. The route would be a good edition to Train Sim World as it is one of the steepest grades in the country, but also has several industries in Leadville to be served. A connection to the Leadville, Colorado, and Southern railroad (once a disconnect BN branch) still existed at this time, and a large gravel pit was served just outside Leadville. Helper operations uphill make it different from other US routes already in game, and braking downhill would also be a challenge, especially on a loaded coal train. The total length of this route would be about 38 miles, from milepost 270.0 at Malta to milepost 302.0 at Minturn, as well as ~5 to Leadville. Another possible era would be 1987, the last year of BN operation out of Leadville. This would also set the era during the Rio Grande years instead of the SP. Pros of 1996 Very realistic consists, as trains operated with solid AC44s and the Malta Local with GP60s More trains (more meets) LOTS more photos, so a more realistic route could be created More variety in types of trains that travelled over the pass Cons of 1996 Southern Pacific, not Rio Grande BN interchange at Leadville out of service (but still in place) Pros of 1986 Rio Grande Leadville interchange active, meaning more switching and a slow run through town Cons of 1986 Much less traffic Rio Grande’s mix of motive power means that realistic consists are impossible to make, even if 4 engines are included Pretty much only coal and manifests travelled the line Proposed locomotives: (1996) AC4400CW SD40T-2 (could be SP, Rio Grande, or possibly both) GP60 (1987) SD40T-2 GP40-2 I won’t go into much detail on the other rolling stock, but a boxcar, grain, coal, and rock hoppers, gondola, tanker, TOFC flatcar, bulkhead, and autoracks would be needed for a complete operation. A flanger would also be a cool addition to this route, as it is necessary to keep the line open during winters. Here's some highlights of the route: Minturn Yard Belden, site of an abandoned mine Red Cliff Bridges (two photos) Eagle River Canyon Pando Pando/Deen Tunnel Mitchell Curves Tennessee Pass Tunnel Malta No photos exist online of the Rio Grande or its trackage in Leadville, but this Youtube video shows the gravel pit: The Malta Local deserves some extra attention, as it would be the only switching the route has to offer. It would ran from either Grand Junction (Minturn) or Pueblo (Malta), meaning that in some cases a runover the full route would be necessary. At Malta, the locomotives switched the train, than ran reverse up the branch to the gravel pit. If set in 1987, the locomotives could run in front up the BN interchange, as there was a run-around track located there. It would than head back to the terminal where it came from (except in rare circumstances). That’s all I have for now. See you on the rails! -DRGWFan3005
Excellent idea if you manage to own Cane Creek and Sherman Hill Union Pacific freight trains has a chance of being run by Denver Rio Grande and Western locomotives. That's how Sand Patch Grade get SD40 Clinchfield to spawn the grey livery SD40 Clinchfield is obtained with expansion pack.
When you think about it, so does Clinchfield (since the timetable is stretched to fit in 24hrs, not to mention you only get at least one pass by from another train on the main, if lucky). True, there ain't gonna be much activities with routes being only one track for the main. But that's the charm for most routes, all about scenery and not a lot of traffic involved, especially on the main line.
Also to add to the OP, I would've preferred the Rio Grande for this line instead of SP, honestly. It'll be nice to see the golden age with the DRGW, on TSW one day. Whether if it's steam or diesel that runs on it, for sure. [admittedly, this is one of my favorite lines of the Rio Grande just because of the scenery with some black and gold diesels rolling on by. Especially with the Tunnel Motors ]
Oh I would buy this just for the scenery, don't mistake me. I too share the passion for "proper" D&RGW colours, not the SP or UP era interlopers!
I mean, even between 1988 and 1996, there were still a good chunk of DRGW equipment running along their former trackage, as not everything was repainted to speedlettered SP Bloody Nose paint. A mix era of the mid 1990's would be interesting. However, being realistic, DTG hasn't really been keen on doing multiple paints for locomotives outside of SPG. Clinchfield was a missed opportunity, and I doubt that would change if DTG tackled this era. They would just stick to 1 paint per loco. So a pre-1988 route would be the most ideal for the route.
Indeed, many of the DRGW locos were still in their original liveries when merged (but of course a lot of SP locos on roster compared to DRGW at the time). Though this does make a valid point on what kind of budget is there for not having alt liveries being made for the US freight routes after Sand Patch so far. I mean, it's not that hard on Clinchfield to slap a black livery on the F7 and a silver on an SD40 with the same font, right?
I'm wondering if its deadlines or whatnot, because I feel like in the livery department, TSW2 has fallen short in a few areas. I mean, DTG didn't even bother branding the Trinity Covered Hoppers to UP for Sherman Hill, even though they did CN for Oakville. SHG could of also given use at least 2 actual liveries for the UP AC44, instead of a clean and dirty one.....
Yeah, I do see what you mean. One in regular armour yellow livery, and one that have a US flag slapped on the sides for the UP AC44s (this would indeed been better than a clean and dirty version with the flag still being shiny either way). Sometimes I do question if the vehicle artiest shortage is even the real problem at the moment. Because, as you said, TSW has fallen short in a few areas. And to me, it'll mostly have to be with new contents of locos and rolling stocks that have been made lately, let alone with how many modern US routes that have been made so far after SPG (the V1, not V2), whether it's both from DTG or SHG. Which also does include liveries as well, more different liveries from the same railroad, past or present, would've been lovely to see right about now.
Wow. That's some pretty nice scenery. A few other loco DLCs could include Rio Grande and/or SP SD50s, SD7s/SD9s, GP20s, GP30s, GP35s, SD45s, and GP7s/GP9s. For the 1990s version, we could also get SP SD70Ms and C44-9Ws. Perhaps U-Boats or Dash-7s could also be included or added as DLCs.
This is available for train simulator classic, has been freeware for a good number of years. Just search around and you'll find it.
