The ECML Diesel Railtour Pack, developed by Athena Simulations and released on April 3, 2025, is a heritage-focused add-on that brings three classic British diesel locomotives and authentic coaching stock to the East Coast Main Line (ECML).
🔑 Key Details & Requirements
| Feature | Description |
| Locomotives | BR Class 47, Class 40, and Class 45 |
| New Rolling Stock | BR Mk1 Coaches (TSO, BSO, FK variants) |
| Operational Focus | Heritage Railtours and Depot Movements |
| Standard Price | $13.99 USD (Approximate) |
| Required Route | ECML: Doncaster – Peterborough route add-on (sold separately) |
🚆 Heritage Triple Bill: Locomotives
The pack allows players to operate three distinct, historic diesel classes in railtour services:
| Locomotive | Livery & Status | Highlights |
| BR Class 47 | GWR Lined Green (47484 “Isambard Kingdom Brunel”) | The featured model, praised for its unique livery, custom nameplates, and high level of detail, representing a preserved locomotive. |
| BR Class 40 | BR Blue | Reused model, but adds services and variety to the historic timetable. |
| BR Class 45 | BR Blue | Reused model, with some community reports of audio or mechanical issues. |
🛠️ Revolutionary Rolling Stock & Gameplay
The coaches in this pack introduce a significant new feature to the game engine:
- BR Mk1 Coaches: Included in the classic BR Blue/Grey livery, these coaches are the first in TSW to feature dual air and vacuum braking systems, adding a new level of realism to operations.
- Substantial Content: The pack includes a total of 10 engaging scenarios (providing 13–15 hours of core gameplay), covering everything from high-speed mainline railtours to complex depot shunting and coupling maneuvers.
- Substitution: The new locomotives and coaches can be substituted into hundreds of existing services across other appropriate UK routes you own, dramatically increasing the replay value of your collection.
⚖️ Community Feedback Snapshot
While the pack is rich in content, reception has been mixed:
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional detail on the featured Class 47 and new Mk1 coaches. | Technical issues reported with some scenarios, AI trains, and the Class 45 audio. |
| Substantial 10 scenario count and vast timetable substitution compatibility. | Class 40/45 models are largely reused from previous TSW iterations. |
| Introduction of dual braking systems on the Mk1 coaches. | Minor detail issues, such as the lack of a placeable tail lamp on coaches. |
🛒 Availability
The ECML Diesel Railtour Pack is available for approximately $13.99 USD on all major digital platforms:
- PC: Steam and Epic Games Store
- Console: PlayStation and Xbox
That’s a fantastic deep dive into the ECML Diesel Railtour Pack, which highlights its unique combination of highly detailed heritage models and the challenges they present.
🚆 Historical Context: 47484 “Isambard Kingdom Brunel”
The star of the show, the BR Class 47 no. 47484 “Isambard Kingdom Brunel,” is a locomotive with a rich history:
- Original Name: Named after the legendary English civil engineer, a fitting tribute given the Class 47’s long association with the Western Region.
- Unique Livery: The GWR Lined Green livery was applied in 1985 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Great Western Railway (GWR). This striking livery, along with custom nameplates, made it a celebrity among railfans.
- Virtual Restoration: The in-game model represents the locomotive in its preserved, virtually restored condition, allowing players to experience this celebrated classic.
⚙️ Technical First: Dual Braking
The inclusion of BR Mk1 Coaches featuring a dual air and vacuum braking system is a significant technical addition to Train Sim World:
- Real-World Dual Braking: During the transition from vacuum brakes (older British standard) to air brakes (modern standard) in the UK, many coaches (like the Mk1) were converted to run with both systems.10 This required a complex linkage system so that either the vacuum or air cylinder could apply the brakes without the other interfering.
- Gameplay Implication: This feature adds an extra layer of authenticity and complexity, as drivers must be aware of the braking type being used by their locomotive and rolling stock, especially when mixing and matching assets from different eras.
The ECML Diesel Railtour Pack truly captures the spirit of UK heritage rail tours, giving players control over iconic and historically significant trains.
