Robert Urie’s freight-hauling masterpiece, the S15 Class, has arrived for challenging Train Simulator service!

The S15 Class was originally formed from the mind of the London & South Western Railway’s Chief Mechanical Engineer, Robert Urie, as there was a need for a new locomotive to fulfil heavy freight duties in the early 1920s. Urie’s original mixed-traffic H15 design, which helped the LSWR in the midst of the war effort, would serve as the basis for his future locomotives.

With a more modern requirement – that would see a locomotive capable of serving south coast ports and running express dairy trains in and out of London – still in place, Urie changed key aspects of his H15 Class to produce a freight-dedicated locomotive. The result rolled out of Eastleigh Works in February 1920 as the S15 Class, and it was quickly established that this locomotive would be a very successful worker.

The first batch of LSWR’s S15 locomotives was 16-strong and finished production by May 1921. Two years later, the LSWR would be amalgamated into the Southern Railway as part of the Grouping Scheme, creating the “Big Four”. With this, Urie stepped into retirement and left Richard Maunsell to take over as Chief Mechanical Engineer, and with his new position, Maunsell took the opportunity to further develop the quickly proven S15 Class before a second batch was produced, and the resulting modifications were continued to see the class excel in service.

Based across the Southern Railway’s Western Region, from London to coastal ports of Southampton, Weymouth and beyond, the S15 Class was a well-abled freight locomotive that could shift heavy loads, at speed, with relative ease – and would often find itself at the helm of nightly express goods. Surprisingly, despite the specific design, and classification, that make the S15 a freight locomotive, the fleet was also found to be very capable at passenger work when required. This would make the S15s the longest lasting LSWR 4-6-0 engine in service.

The S15 Class held onto regular duties far into the 1960s, with the last being withdrawn in 1966. All 45 locomotives were sent to South Wales for scrap, but thankfully, a total of 7 were rescued and were only 2 of those have yet to be operational in preservation. Akin to being the longest lasting, the S15 is also the most prolific LSWR 4-6-0 to have survived the end of steam, and many enthusiasts get to enjoy a hint of yesteryear behind the powerful S15 Class.

The Southern Railway S15 Class, from Partner Programme developer Bossman Games, features the 4-6-0 locomotive in both Southern Olive Green and Southern Black liveries, both with optional smoke deflectors, accompanied by the Maunsell 8-wheel tender in both liveries. Additionally, Bulleid 59ft Brake Third, 64ft 6in Brake Third, 59ft Composite and 64ft 6in Composite coaches are included in Southern Malachite Green livery.

Three career scenarios are included for the West Somerset Railway route that will put your skills to the test, let you take charge of preserved S15 locos, and get to work hauling some lucky passengers through the sedate and beautiful countryside.

The Southern Railway S15 Class is available now for Train Simulator, head to the Store for more details

Designed as a successor to the LNWR’s extensive 0-8-0 fleet, which had lineage dating back to the 1890s, the G2 Class surfaced in the 1920s and, thanks to its developments, was able to dominate the LNWR and LMS network right through to the end of steam. To rekindle the fire of a bygone era, the LNWR G2 comes to authentic life within Train Simulator, courtesy of Partner Programme developer MeshTools, ready for contemporary mixed-traffic service!

Building upon the previous iteration of 0-8-0 locomotives became nothing short of a habit for the LNWR, and early examples such as the A Class were consistently rebuilt to incorporate new features. One particular class of locomotive, the G2, was designed as a more capable 0-8-0 than the earlier G1, which in turn was essentially a superheated D Class. Upgraded features such as a higher boiler pressure, strengthened frames, large axles and axle boxes plus a redesigned and strengthened direct acting joy valve gear were all present in the G2, and the 60 locomotives which were produced were all entirely new builds.

While the LNWR G2 Class comprised of an average-sized fleet, the overall number of active 0-8-0s totalled up to 502 – the 4th largest fleet of the LMS and 6th largest of British Railways. With numbers running high, the LNWR 0-8-0s were a regular sight across the network, and the G2s, with their various advancements, proved popular for nearly any duty. Freight, passenger, banking, shunting, you name it and a G2 would often be at the helm.

As the now-merged LMS began to further innovate in locomotive design, with Sir William Stanier producing iconic designs such as the LMS Black 5, Jubilee and Princess Coronation Classes, the LNWR 0-8-0s managed to stand their ground as a worthy piece of the railway puzzle. Surprisingly, the G2 fleet became subject to a number of Stanier-overseen upgrades, the net result being that no two G2s were ever quite the same.

Having served since 1921, the G2s were starting to age alongside even older LNWR 0-8-0s. It was decided that a further development process would be undertaken, and the result was the LMS 7F. Also known as the G3, nicknamed Austin 7, the LMS 7F followed on from the G2 and featured a long travel Walschaerts valve gear and higher boiler pressure, and was intended to allow the 0-8-0s to retire. The 7Fs were fantastic when they worked, however they were very prone to failures. Inadequate axle boxes from Derby’s 4F spelled an early end for the expensive to run and rarely available 7F fleet, the last of which was withdrawn in 1959.

Having outlived their ‘successors’, the G2 locomotives lived on until 1964, with the last two leaving service at the end of that year. Out of the 60 LNWR G2 locomotives, which were known by many as the Super Ds, only one survived into preservation. Today, 49395 lives in Shildon as part of the National Railway Museum’s collection.

The LNWR G2 Class for Train Simulator authentically recreates the mixed-traffic icon in clean and weathered LNWR, LMS and BR liveries, complete with contemporary freight rolling stock and a bonus LNER J94 steam locomotive in weathered BR Black livery. For even more steam-era authenticity, a LNER J50 is also included for AI purposes.

Career Scenarios for the Weardale & Teesdale Network will let you put your skills to the test in both the LNWR G2 and LNER J94, and both locomotives are Quick Drive compatible so you can test your metal wherever you may choose!

Advanced Features

• Accurate back-to-front regulator and reverser
• Regulator that can freely move, sometimes even shut itself!
• Braking can cause the wheels to lock up, and is less effective at higher speeds
• Brake rub can worsen braking effect over time
• Water level gauge glass simulation, as you move the water level will react
• Overfilling the boiler can cause carry over, where water enters the cylinders via the superheater, resulting in an uncontrollable steam flow
• Gravity and steam-powered, front and rear, finite sanding
• Advanced adhesion, a number of factors can determine how easily the G2 will slip
• Advanced firing and injectors, for firing, a custom-written auto-fireman will allow you to focus on the driving
• Dynamic smoke effect and fire mass, judge the condition of your locomotive by learning what different smoke colours represent
• Detailed manual to guide you on learning the intricacies of the LNWR G2

The LNWR G2 is available now for Train Simulator, head to the Store for more details! ■

Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul, arriving March 16th on Steam for Windows PC, now available to pre-order!

The time to get on-board Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul has arrived! Today we open the doors for you to pre-order, click here to get your ticket to be the first to play when it goes live on March 16th.

Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul is priced at £24.99 / 29.99€ / $39.99 and if you choose to pre-order, you’ll receive a 10% discount. If you own any of the following versions of Train Simulator, you’ll receive an additional bonus discount of 10% off, saving you a total of 20% off the full price:

Collections

• Dovetail Games Franchise Collection

Train Simulator 2017

• TS2017: Standard Edition
• TS2017: Pioneers Edition
• TS2017: Boxed Retail
• TS2017: UK First Class Edition
• TS2017: German First Class Edition
• TS2017: US First Class Edition
• TS2017: Premium Edition

Train Simulator 2016

• TS2016: Boxed Retail
• TS2016: Steam Edition
• TS2016: Digital Codes
• TS2016: Standard Edition
• TS2016: UK First Class Edition
• TS2016: German First Class Edition
• TS2016: US First Class Edition
• TS2016: Epic Journeys
• TS2016: Steam Mega Edition

Train Simulator 2015

• TS2015: Standard Edition
• TS2015: Steam Edition
• TS2015: Boxed Retail
• TS2015: Summer Edition

Train Simulator 2014

• TS2014: Standard Edition
• TS2014: Steam Edition
• TS2014: Boxed Retail

Train Simulator 2013

• TS2013: Standard Edition
• TS2013: Deluxe Edition
• TS2013: UK Boxed Retail
• TS2013: German Boxed Retail
• TS2013: USA Boxed Retail

Railworks 3: Train Simulator 2012

• Railworks 3: TS2012
• Railworks 3: TS2012: Deluxe Edition
• Railworks 3: TS2012: Boxed Retail
• Railworks 3: Haulin’ USA

Railworks 2

• Railworks 2
• Railworks 2 UK Boxed Retail
• Railworks 2 German Boxed Retail
• Railworks 2 US Boxed Retail

Railworks

• Railworks
• Railworks UK Boxed Retail
• Railworks German Boxed Retail
• Railworks US Boxed Retail

This week, the Gospel Oak to Barking Line has re-opened following an extensive electrification project, and today, the ‘GOBLIN’ is available for Train Simulator!

What is today a vital stretch of track for both London Overground and freight, the line that connects North London to Barking once was a failing area of the network with a troubled history. Thanks to a bout of modernisation under Transport for London, the situation has improved dramatically, from a struggling and poorly kept line, to a vital part of the network that pays dividends.

The history began in the 1860s when a line was opened between Highgate Road and Tottenham North Junction, in an effort to provide the Great Eastern Railway with a West End terminus. With poor interchanges and indirect services, the line was quickly deemed a commercial failure, and had been completely abandoned by August 1870.

It was around the 1860s when the Midland Railway was on its way south to London, tracks were extended from Bedford to the capital via Luton and Hampstead Heath, and were to terminate at a new station between King’s Cross and Euston – London St. Pancras. Two years after the impressive structure that is St. Pancras was opened in 1868, the Midland Railway were quick to acquire the nearby abandoned line and extend it to one of their stations, Kentish Town. A small extension was also built to Gospel Oak, however this was also subsequently left behind.

With proper connections now in place, the line through to Barking and beyond grew in popularity. This period of reliable service wouldn’t last however, by the time the infamous Beeching Reports loomed over many railways in the country, the line fell into disrepair and was plagued by an uncertain future. Thankfully, many lines throughout London were eventually let be, but some struggled to recover, including the line from Kentish Town to Barking.

In the 1980s, the line’s terminus shifted to Gospel Oak after the Kentish Town branch became obsolete following electrification out of St. Pancras. As railways were modernised left, right and centre, the Gospel Oak to Barking line was left in sad state – stuck with old rolling stock that provided a poor service throughout. Things improved with privatisation, newer trains arrived and station facilities were somewhat improved. The major changes would occur from 2007, when Transport for London assumed control of various lines to transform them into a railway that the capital could be proud of.

Better weekend & late night services, newly introduced platform staff, Oyster Card equipment & ticket machines, an extra train per hour in the peaks and a place on the classic Tube Map all helped towards turning over a new leaf for the affectionately known ‘GOBLIN’. New Class 172 ‘Turbostar’ DMUs were also introduced in 2010, these lightweight units form Bombardier helped greatly towards improving service reliability and capacity.

In recent years, many efforts have been put into approving the electrification of the Gospel Oak to Barking Line. Cost of the project was a consistent limiting factor, however the works were granted and work began in June 2016. While a majority of the work has been completed over the last 8 months, delays in the electrification project has left the GOBLIN in an incomplete state – the line has still been re-opened as planned, however more work is required throughout 2017 to ready the line for electric service in 2018.

Celebrate the return of the GOBLIN with Train Simulator’s North London & Goblin Lines route, covering over 40 miles of bustling capital operations; full throttle to Barking in the Class 172, take a trip between Richmond and Stratford in the Class 378, before returning and heading for Clapham Junction. Pick a few locomotives from our library and tote freight across London, from containers to coal, Dagenham to Willesden – the numerous connections found in this route unlocks the breadth of operations in the capital.

The main lines included:

• Goblin – Gospel Oak to Barking
• North London Line – Stratford to Richmond
• West London Line – Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction

Notable freight locations:

• Willesden Brent Sidings and Mail Depot
• Carlton Road Junction – connecting the Goblin to the Midland Main Line
• Woodgrange Park Junction – connecting the eastern side of the Goblin to Stratford
• Ripple Lane Yard
• Dagenham Dock & Motorworks
• Connections to High Speed 1 and the London, Tilbury & Southend Railway

The bespoke North London & Goblin Lines is available now for Train Simulator, head to the Store for more details!

The Class 313, which populated the North London Line for decades, has arrived on Steam for contemporary Train Simulator service!

Capacity concerns in North London, plus the recent electrification of commuter lines out of Glasgow and the East Coast Main Line, necessitated new traction. It would be BR’s Second Generation of EMUs that would fulfill the role, starting with the Class 313. The oldest and most versatile of the family, the Class 313, was built between 1976 and 1977 to form a 64-strong fleet for the North London Line & suburban services on the East Coast Main Line.

In the 1980s, the Class 313s were selected for use on the Watford DC branch out of London Euston. Willesden-based units were naturally chosen for the upgrades required to perform the new service, and once modified with extra shoegears they were reclassified as the Class 313/1. The units for the East Coast Main Line never received this change, however they were limited to 30mph third rail operation as this was the speed limit of the Moorgate Branch.

The Class 313s definitely spoke “revolution”, they were the first units to be fitted with multi-function Tightlock couplers, which allowed for complete coupling and supply line operations from the cab; and they were the first dual-voltage units with both a 25 kV AC pantograph and 750 V DC shoegear.

In 2009-2010, the Class 378 ‘Captialstar’ gradually replaced the Class 313 on North London and Watford DC services. Subsequently, the displaced 313s were sent to work for First Capital Connect for the ECML, and Southern for Coastway services; those that were sent to the latter received major refurbishment. The Southern fleet was reclassified as 313/2 following the refresh. The Class 313/2s featured a modernised cab, refitted interior with high-backed seating, a unique take on the Southern livery, depicting various destinations on the East & West Coastways, and the pantograph was removed.

ECML units, now operated by Great Northern, are due to be replaced in 2018 by brand new Class 717 ‘Desiro City’ EMUs, ending an era of 313 passenger operations in the capital. Not all the ex-North London Class 313s were taken by Southern and FCC however, 313121 was acquired by Network Rail for European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) testing purposes on a short section of the Hertford Loop. 313121 was the last unit to wear the Silverlink livery, however this was quickly changed to an all-over bright yellow, standard for departmental stock.

Armstrong Powerhouse, in association with Waggonz, brings the Class 313 to life in Train Simulator, and their depiction of the ex-Silverlink ‘London Overground’ livery has come to Steam for authentic pre Capitalstar-dominative operations. See an entire list of simulated features below:

• High definition textures
• Detailed internal & external audio
• Camshaft traction system
• Prototypical dynamic braking
• Driver only/guard operation option
• Manual destination display
• Dual power functionality
• Accurate reverser function
• Traction interlock – power can’t be applied with doors open
• Cold start option
• Fully functioning AWS with accurate delay between passing over the magnet and hearing the warning sound
• AWS & TPWS self-test
• DRA (Driver Reminder Appliance)
• Opening cab window
• Cab instrument lighting
• Cab & vestibule light
• User-operable passenger saloon lights
• Headlight and rain effects

Both an ‘Advanced’ (ADV) and a ‘HUD’ variant of the Class 313 are included, the former of which is fully-featured and will require you to learn various operations; the latter allows for a simplified journey should you still be learning or just want to drop in and drive. A total of 3 Career scenarios are included for the North London Line, and there are two versions of each scenario which utilise either the ADV or HUD version of the Class 313.

The London Overground Class 313 is available now, head to the Store for details! ■

In response to your important feedback on a variety of add-ons available for Train Simulator 2017, G-TraX have today released an update for the Sacramento Northern: Suisun Bay – San Francisco Route.

Here is a list of what has been addressed:

• Resolved missing texture issues
• Improved the rendering of the Interurban rolling stock
• Various minor scenery adjustments
• Revised dialog formatting in the ‘Walnuts to Market’ scenario
• Updated user manual to recommend usage of the Silverlining “3D” weather types in custom scenarios

If you own the Sacramento Northern: Suisun Bay – San Francisco Route, the update will download automatically from Steam. If you have any problems/queries with regard to the update, leave a comment below or submit a ticket to our support site where our Support Team will be ready to assist.

If you do not yet own the Sacramento Northern: Suisun Bay – San Francisco Route, why not pick it up now and experience classic American interurban railroading!

The Sacramento Northern: Suisun Bay – San Francisco Route update will be approximately 309 MB in size.

No Updated Content? Steam File Verify

In the unlikely event that Steam fails to update the Add-Ons listed in the article, you’ll need to perform a file verify and ensure Steam provisions your installation properly. Follow the instructions listed at this link to perform a file verify to reset your installation to default. Note that this process can take some time to complete and, if you have a high number of Add-Ons, we’d recommend you do this overnight.