Expansion Tsw 6 Route Proposal – Connecticut Rail Network (full Concept, Dlc Roadmap & Gameplay Vision)

Hello Dovetail Games Team,

I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to present a full route concept for Train Sim World 6 designed to deliver a highly immersive, varied, and expandable rail experience.


TSW 6 ROUTE PACK: “CONNECTICUT RAIL NETWORK”
Core Concept
A dense, multi-operator rail network combining:

• High-speed passenger rail
  
  
• Commuter operations
  
  
• Heavy freight
  
  
• Branch line switching
  
  
• Heritage steam rail
  

This concept is designed to be one of the most varied and replayable routes ever created in Train Sim World.

BASE ROUTE (Included at Launch)
New Haven → Hartford → Springfield (Hartford Line)
Operators:

• Amtrak
  
  
• CT Rail
  
  
• Connecticut Southern Railroad
  

Included Rolling Stock:

• Siemens ACS-64 (Amtrak)
  
  
• GE P42DC (Amtrak / CT Rail)
  
  
• CT Rail push-pull coaches
  
  
• EMD GP40-2 (freight)
  

Gameplay:

• High-speed regional passenger runs
  
  
• Commuter stop-to-stop service
  
  
• Freight yard switching (Hartford area)
  
  
• Passenger-priority dispatch conflicts with freight
  

Base Price:
$39.99 (aligned with flagship TSW routes)

LAYER SYSTEM (KEY FEATURE)
The route is designed around layered traffic:

Included at Launch:

• Amtrak intercity services
  
  
• CT Rail commuter operations
  
  
• Connecticut Southern freight
  

Expandable Layers:

• CSX shoreline freight
  
  
• Providence & Worcester heavy freight
  
  
• Naugatuck branch operations
  
  
• Steam tourist trains
  

This system ensures the route becomes more dynamic as additional content is added.

DLC EXPANSIONS
DLC 1: Shoreline Corridor Expansion
New Haven → New London

Adds:

• Acela high-speed operations
  
  
• Shore Line East commuter service
  
  
• CSX freight (modern power)
  

Gameplay:

• 125–150 mph operation
  
  
• Coastal environment
  
  
• Freight vs high-speed dispatching
  

Price: $29.99

DLC 2: Freight Pack – Central Connecticut Industry
Adds:

• SD40-2 / GP38-2 / B39-8 locomotives
  
  
• Wethersfield Secondary branch
  
  
• Industrial switching locations
  

Gameplay:

• Local freight jobs
  
  
• Industry switching
  
  
• Yard operations
  

Price: $19.99

DLC 3: Naugatuck Branch Line
Waterbury → Torrington

Adds:

• GP9 / RS-3/fl9 vintage diesel locomotives
  
  
• Shortline freight
  
  
• Tourist operations
  

Gameplay:

• Low-speed branch line driving
  
  
• Manual switching
  
  
• Rural railroading experience
  

Price: $14.99

DLC 4: Valley Railroad Steam Pack
Essex → Old Saybrook

Adds:

• Steam locomotives (2-8-0, 2-8-2)
  
  
• Scenic heritage operations
  
  
• Dinner and excursion trains
  

Gameplay:

• Steam physics and management
  
  
• Timed excursion scenarios
  
  
• Scenic, passenger-focused gameplay
  

Price: $19.99

⚡ DLC 5: High-Speed Acela Pack
Adds:

• Avelia Liberty (Acela II)
  
  
• Advanced signaling systems
  

Gameplay:

• Up to 160 mph operation
  
  
• Precision timing challenges
  

Price: $16.99

CORE FEATURES
Traffic Density System

• Frequent AI train movement
  
  
• Dispatch conflicts
  
  
• Realistic Northeast Corridor feel
  Interchange Gameplay

• Freight exchange between operators
  
  
• Multi-company operations
  

Era Mode (Optional)

• Modern (default)
  
  
• Early 2000s operations
  
  
• Heritage-focused scenarios
  

Seasonal Gameplay

• Fall foliage visuals
  
  
• Winter snow operations
  
  
• Summer peak traffic
  

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURE – SIMPLE CONTROLS MODE
To broaden accessibility and appeal to a wider audience, this concept includes an optional “Simple Controls Mode”, inspired by more beginner-friendly train games such as Thomas & Friends: Adventures!.

Key Features:

• One-lever control (throttle/brake combined)
  
  
• Simplified braking system (automatic air brake management)
  
  
• Assisted acceleration and speed control
  
  
• Automatic signal compliance assistance
  
  
• Guided stopping with on-screen indicators
  

Benefits:

• Makes the game approachable for younger players and beginners
  
  
• Provides a stepping stone into full simulation mode
  
  
• Expands the player base without compromising realism for advanced users
  

Implementation:

• Toggle between Simple Mode and Realistic Mode at any time
  
  
• Tutorial scenarios designed around simplified controls
  
  
• Optional scoring system for learning progression
  

DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP
Year 1

• Base Route (Hartford Line)
  
  
• Freight Pack DLC
  

Year 2

• Shoreline Expansion
  
  
• Acela Pack
  

Year 3

• Naugatuck Branch
  
  
• Valley Railroad Steam Pack
  

FULL COLLECTION VALUE

• Estimated total: $140–$160
  
  
• Delivers a large-scale, evolving rail network experience
  

WHY THIS WOULD WORK
High Replay Value
Each session offers different traffic patterns and service types

Asset Efficiency
Locomotives and systems reused across layers reduce development cost

Strong Market Appeal
The Northeast Corridor is one of the most recognizable rail regions in the U.S.

Unmatched Variety
This concept uniquely combines:

• High-speed rail
  
  
• Commuter service
  
  
• Freight operations
  
  
• Heritage steam
  

All within one connected region


Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I would be happy to further develop this concept with maps, timetables, or visual materials if helpful.

 

Wow! This proposal has a bit of everything! I like the idea of heritage US steam. The Acela II/Avelia Liberty sounds so cool. I have another awesome DLC suggestion: New Haven EP5 "Jet" electric locos, E33s, and EP3s; and maybe some classic Alco FAs/FBs and PAs/PBs, Baldwins, FM C-Liners (multiple versions with 4 or 5 axles), F-Units, etc.

 

yea thats would be great addition as well i sill add that too