All Aboard the Antelope Valley Line
Dovetail Games, the mastermind behind the Train Sim World franchise, has dropped a fresh Developer Diary for its latest installment, Train Sim World 4. Scheduled for launch on Windows PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles on Sept. 26, 2023, this Developer Diary spills the beans on the Antelope Valley Line, a sun-kissed setting that will have you navigating through the gorgeous landscapes of California.
The Route Rundown: Los Angeles to Lancaster
The Antelope Valley Line takes you on a journey through the sprawling Los Angeles area to Lancaster. Originating in the late 1800s, this line saw its service halted in the 1970s before being rebooted as a commuter rail service in the early 1990s. Commuters and adventurers alike can catch their ride at the grandiose Los Angeles Union Station and journey north to Santa Clarita, east toward Palmdale, and then north again to Lancaster. Players can also check out the upcoming Vista Canyon Station, included in-game even before its real-world opening.
Rolling Through the Cali Landscape
Players will relish the challenging and changing scenery that this line brings. From the bustling city of Los Angeles, you’ll traverse through canyons, rugged terrain, and the arid desert landscapes of the wider LA County. With 13 stations to visit and the freedom to switch ends using the cab car, this route keeps players on their toes.
Let’s Talk Locomotives and Cars
Taking the lead in this all-American diesel extravaganza is the Metrolink EMD F125. Built between 2015 and 2021, this locomotive is geared for speed, capable of hitting up to 79 mph. Following the F125 are the multi-level Rotem Commuter Cars, with the last car functioning as a cab for push-pull operations. Players already familiar with the cab car concept from other Train Sim World content will find this concept well implemented.
Under the Hood: Services and Features
The F125 primarily operates end-to-end passenger runs as per Metrolink’s timetable. The route covers a distance of 75 miles, with an average speed of 35-40 mph. Freight services are also accessible for players owning Cajon Pass from Train Sim World 3. A variety of BNSF trains are included to spice up the in-game traffic. Additionally, Union Pacific locomotives make an appearance for those who own Sherman Hill.
Additional Goodies for Gamers
Train Sim World 4 also takes you into Hollywood with its new in-game Moments featured in ‘Blockbuster’. Players can hunt for collectibles like Cowboy Hats or check out the new Diorama feature that brings non-standard NPCs to life.
The Soundtrack of Rails
The Developer Diary also hosts a chat with Dovetail’s audio and music gurus—Adam, Ryan, and Ben. They share insights on their research trips to Metrolink, Manchester, and Austria, underscoring what goes into creating the game’s immersive audio experience.
So, gear up Train Sim World aficionados! The new installment is just around the corner, and it’s loaded with features that promise to elevate your railroading experience to the next level.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
