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Since the release of Southeastern Highspeed, filling the Thameslink-sized gap in the passenger timetable has been something that both us at Dovetail Games and the Train Sim World community have dearly wanted to do. Being based in the heart of Medway at Chatham, these modern and complex EMUs are a familiar sight to many of us as they run along the Chatham Main Line as far south as Rainham (Kent).
The Locomotive / Unit
The Class 700s began to enter service as recently as 2016 and were first introduced to Medway in 2018, making them one of the most modern trains to feature in Train Sim World. As a result, the cab hosts a feast of driver aids, screens and safety features to comply with the various requirements of its routes through London and beyond. Of note are the prominent RLU labels, reminding the driver that the train is a ‘Reduced Length Unit’.
In-game, many of these features can be interacted with, from the options on the driver’s screens and light toggles, to the AC / DC power, ensuring that both third rail and overhead electric power sources can be utilised on various Train Sim World routes through Scenario Planner.
For the passengers, the interior of each coach is represented in a way that reflects the variation to the seating plan found throughout the train and the bright, blue PIS screens display much of the information expected from the real-life trains.
Sounds are formed from a mix of sources to recreate the rapid cascading whine of the traction motors including recordings from other Desiro EMU models, Thameslink’s driver training facility and some assistance from Armstrong Powerhouse.
Other details include the light atop the train shining back at the pantograph, the occasional appearance of the ‘Check Station Screens’ option on the exterior destination display and the rigid appearance of the seats that only regular Thameslink passengers will know so well.
With so much to consider when operating these complex units, a full Driver’s Manual is available to read, detailing everything you need to know about the Class 700 in-game.
Class 700 Drivers Manual
The Route – Southeastern Highspeed
The Thameslink Class 700/0 provides approximately 80 additional services to the Southeastern Highspeed route, joining the busy Southeastern timetable frequented by Class 395, 375 and 465 EMUs. Players with this route will be able to experience the regular Luton to Rainham services on the section from Dartford, making use of Platform 0 at Rainham, where they terminate as well as serving the station of Higham which is not a regular stop for all Southeastern services on route.
In order to accommodate these additions to the timetable without impacting unduly on performance for some consoles and platforms (specifically Xbox Series S), a less memory-demanding timetable option will be available, in addition to the full timetable, shortly after release. You can find out more about this in the Class 700 Preview Stream and the July Roadmap.
In Scenario Planner, those who own the London Commuter route Add-on will be able to recreate their own services from Brighton towards London and those with East Coastway can relive the rare occasion that the Class 700 ran through the likes of Lewes and Eastbourne.
Train Sim World 3: Thameslink Class 700/0 loco Add-on is available now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for £12.99/€15.99/$16.99.
Train Sim World 3: Southeastern Super Starter Pack
If you’re new to Train Sim World 3, or haven’t played the Southeastern Highspeed route before, then the Southeastern Starter Pack provides the perfect introduction to this busy part of Kent. As well as the Training Center to hone your skills and the Southeastern Highspeed route (since extended for Train Sim World 3) you gain access to all the appropriate loco Add-ons and over 600 services to operate!
https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/33206/Train_Sim_World_3_Southeastern_Timetable_Enhancement_Bundle/
This includes:
- Class 395 ‘Javelin’ Southeastern services along HS1 between London, Ashford & Faversham
- Class 375 Southeastern services between Rochester – Faversham
- Class 465 Southeastern services between Dartford – Faversham
- Class 66 freight services in and around Hoo Junction
- Class 66 Railhead Treatment Train services across the route
- ROG Class 37/7 services moving empty stock across the route
- Class 700 Thameslink services between Dartford – Rainham (Kent)
Streams, Previews and Walkaround Video
If you missed our preview of the Class 700 featuring insights from our Product Marketing Coordinator James, you can go back and view the Railfan TV team on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook.
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You can also take a look at the Class 700 in our Walkaround Video or catch the 2-hour Showcase tonight at 1700 UTC, courtesy of MegaSim!
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Find out more about Train Sim World 3 by following @trainsimworld on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok.
