Available this week is a brand-new experience for railfans — West Somerset Railway, the longest heritage line in the United Kingdom and the first official add-on to Train Sim World on Xbox one.
Two new locomotives are arriving with this pack as well in the shape of the venerable Class 47 and rugged Class 09. While both are diesel powered locomotives, their employment in service and methods of operation could not be more different. Let’s take a look.
British Rail Class 47
A diesel-electric locomotive, meaning a diesel generator drives electrical motors that turn the wheels. Open the throttle and witness the power build as the train comes to life. Construction and delivery of this well-respected machine ran between 1962 and 1968, featuring a cab at either end and wheels arranged in a ‘Co-Co’ design consisting of two sets of 3 axle ‘trucks’ known as bogies.
Weighing in at over 100 tons and capable of nearly 100 mph, Class 47 is considered a Mixed Traffic locomotive, whereby it is just as well-suited hauling freight as it is passenger trains. Since its introduction, the capabilities of the design have been so successful that some of the more than 500 strong fleet still operates to this day 50 years on!
For the West Somerset Railway in Train Sim World, number D1661 ‘North Star’ has been used to represent this locomotive. So, get ready to experience the purr of its 2,580hp ‘Sulzer’ engine as you operate passenger trains through the tranquil rolling hills of Somerset, shuttling tourists and commuters between country and coast.
British Rail Class 09
An offshoot of the more numerous Class 08 which was the most successful British locomotive ever with nearly 1000 examples built, it’s consisting of a straight diesel engine mounted directly on three axles, the design is one of function over form, although unlike the larger Class 47, a cab is featured at just one end, bringing some unique operational challenges.
Also built in the 1960s, it is a faster variant of Class 08, meaning that while shunting trains is still the focus, it can also venture out onto the mainline to shuttle trains short distances and not cause delay.
Employed on the West Somerset Railway, this locomotive is put to work shunting carriages into required trains. Much to and fro, therefore, occurs between cab and trackside to navigate sidings and stations. Number D4107 has been used to represent this locomotive in Train Sim World so prepare to operate this hard-working masterpiece in all its glory, complete with brass controls and rattling frames. The railway is relying on your efficient actions to maintain the daily operation.
Don’t miss the unique experience offered by the West Somerset, the first official add-on to Train Sim World on Xbox One.
See the rest of the story on Xbox Wire
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