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Created by acclaimed developer High Iron Simulations, this new Norfolk Southern (ex-Southern Railway) “Pro Range” route for Train Simulator Classic extends 70 mainline miles from Asheville North Carolina, to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and include the legendary and daunting 4.7 per cent grade that ascended the east slope of North America’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.
The climb and the descent of 4.7 percent Saluda Grade represented one of the greatest challenges in the history of North American railroading, and with this new Train Simulator Classic “Pro Range” route you’ll experience those challenges in full and ultra-realistic fashion. And in addition to unrivaled Saluda Grade, the route is tough and unforgiving from end to end, with numerous grade of more than 1 percent stretching in roller-coaster, “saw tooth” fashion over virtually the entire length of the line.
As is a hallmark of High Iron Simulations’ routes (which include the popular CSX Hanover Subdivision and B&O Mountain Subdivision routes), the new Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route is richly detailed, authentic, and includes a wealth of locomotive, rolling stock, and realistic scenarios.
Set in the 1980s/early 1990s, the route is remarkable for its variety of operations and railroading experiences. Anchored by sprawling Asheville and Spartanburg (Hayne) yards, the route features sidings, spurs, and branches that serve more than 40 industries, including the Skyland coal-fired power plant, the Cane Creek industrial complex, wood and lumber yards, and numerous cement, quarry, warehousing, and manufacturing industries.
Between Asheville and Spartanburg, you’ll also witness – and battle – the majestic and rugged Blue Ridge Mountains, totting tonnage through meticulously re-created and hallowed railroad locations such as Saluda and Melrose, Summit Lake and Tryon, Sand Cut and Tallowpot Rocks, Landrum and Biltmore.
Providing the motive power and included with the route are three all-new models of Norfolk Southern Electro-Motive diesels of the route’s era:
- A distinctive high-nose ex-Southern Railway Electro-Motive SD40-2 with authentic Southern-style “bi-directional” control stand and Southern Railway details.
- A low-nose ex-Norfolk & Western SD40-2 with standard control stand and N&W-specific details.
- The unique ex-Southern Railway GP35 with high-nose, AAR (Alco trade-in) trucks, and Southern-style “bi-directional control stand.
Each of the locomotives features advanced and realistic air braking, dynamic braking, and performance which promise to make the challenges of the Saluda Grade route both extraordinary and authentic. To help you master the challenges of Saluda, the “Pro Range” route includes:
- Saluda Grade Manual (External link)
- Saluda Grade Brake Guide (External link)
- Saluda Grade Video Guide (External link)
Joining the diesel power on the Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route is a superb selection of freight rolling stock in Norfolk Southern, Southern Railway, and Norfolk & Western liveries. Equipment includes a 50-foot boxcar, 2-bay covered hopper, 3-bay covered hopper, 100-ton coal hopper, woodchip gondola, ballast hopper, center-beam flat, bulkhead flat, gondola, and tank car.
With the now-available Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route, you’ll go right to work with a selection of ten realistic and ultra-challenging career scenarios (including both the ascent and descent of Saluda Grade and operating the Norfolk Southern’s massive and renowned “Belmont Coal Train”), three free-roam scenarios, and the route is Quick-Drive (QD) enabled.
Answer the call and accept one of North America’s greatest and most memorable railroading challenges, with the Saluda Grade: Asheville – Spartanburg route for Train Simulator Classic, available now.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2403288/
