Train Sim World 4: Semmeringbahn: Wiener Neustadt - Mürzzuschlag (to give it its full title) runs from Gloggnitz in Lower Austria through 68km (42 miles) of the Semmering Pass climbing over the Alps to Mürzzuschlag in Styria, a State in Southern Austria. Semmeringbahn is unique because it’s the first true standard gauge mountain railway.
Semmeringbahn is a mixture of speeding through pleasant forests and climbing up or easing your way down steep grades, with increasingly scenic views as you ascend toward Mürzzuschlag.
The route features the ÖBB 4024 "Talent" (also used on S-Bahn Vorarlberg and Bahnstrecke Salzburg-Rosenheim) and the ÖBB 1116 "Taurus". Also know as the "Eurosprinter" these sleek units may have new Austrian names but made by Siemens, they are close relatives to and look almost identical to the DB BR 182.
The OBB 4024 is controlled via a combined throttle/brake lever, which makes it easy to drive with powerful but gradual brakes. It also has an independent "train" brake lever, making it easy to stop quickly, and spot your stops at stations.
The ÖBB 1116 and its relatives have become one of my favourite locomotives in TSW, its looks, power and logical and responsive controls make it easy to drive and set up, whether it's for passenger or freight services. Just like the stablemate DB BR 182 its traction motors sounds like a cello playing a rising scale as it accelerates away.
Semmeringbahn has 5 scenarios, including one where you pick up hikers caught in a snowstorm. Sadly all you do is pull up near them and you don't see them climb aboard. My favourite however, is one titled "I Need A Hero", which introduced an entirely new job type to my TSW career; pushing another train–that was struggling for grip–up a hill! I think I speak for all when ai say we need more of this sort of realistic scenario in TSW.
I've been pleased with the increasing number of layers (services for locomotives from other TSW routes) for recent routes. Semmergbahn's layers include the brutal-looking BR 193 Vectron, the beautiful BR 103 DB and, surprisingly, the classic British Class 47/4 Blu! This is due to Continental Rail Solution’s Class 47 No. 47375 Falcon hauling a unique railtour from Budapest all the way through the world-famous Semmering Pass back in 2018.
As much as I love TSW's continental routes, I think that Semmeringbahn is another pretty, but unremarkable Austrian route-apart from its spectacular two-storey viaduct. It's unlikely to disappoint but probably won't be particularly memorable either, probably less so than TSW’s other Austrian routes, S-Bahn Vorarlberg or Salzburg-Rosenheim.
Thanks to Dovetail Games and Lick PR.