In Train Simulator Classic, the West Highland Line Extension is frequently cited as the “Greatest Railway Journey in the World.” Developed by Thomson Interactive, this 41-mile (66 km) route is a masterful recreation of the Scottish Highlands between Fort William and Mallaig. It is a route that demands patience and technical precision, rewarding players with some of the most iconic vistas in railroading.
🏔️ The Route: Crossing the Atlantic Road
The extension is defined by its rugged, unforgiving terrain and its world-famous engineering landmarks.
- Engineering Marvels: Navigate across the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the track curves high above the glen, and the Borrodale Viaduct, which held the record for the world’s longest single-span concrete arch (124ft) at the time of its construction.
- The “Iron Road to the Isles”: The line passes through 11 tunnels and serves 12 detailed stations, including the “Land of the Giants” at Mallaig, where the railway meets the Atlantic ferries.
- Dynamic Weather: This route was a pioneer in high-altitude simulation; it features dynamic snowdrifts that you must physically clear with your locomotive’s snowploughs, and textures that change realistically based on elevation.
🚆 Technical Masterclass: Class 37/4 & RETB
The star of this pack is the Class 37/4, widely considered one of the most interactive locomotives in the Classic library.
- Functional Cab Living: Beyond driving, the cab is designed for “immersion.” It features a functional hotplate for warming your soup, a cab radio, and even working exterior fuel tank gauges.
- RETB Signaling: This route utilizes Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB). Unlike visual signals, you must use an in-cab unit to communicate with the signaller at Banavie, requesting and returning digital “tokens” to move between stations.
- Fleet Variety: Includes Mk1 coaches in BR Blue/Grey and ScotRail livery, Mk3 sleepers, and a heavy-duty freight roster featuring OTA timber carriers for the local logging industry.
🛠️ Community Merges & Modern Enhancements
As of December 26, 2025, the community has expanded the scope of this route significantly.
- The “Full” West Highland Line: By using the Steam Workshop “West Highland Line Full” merge, owners of both the Extension and the South (Helensburgh – Fort William) routes can drive the entire 140-mile journey without a loading screen.
- 2025 Essential Patches: * Alan Thomson Simulation (ATS): Their “Track & Weather Enhancement” patch (refreshed in late 2024) replaces the legacy tracks with high-definition 3D sleepers.
- RETB Signalling Plugin: A popular new third-party plugin released in late 2025 by On Track Simulation (OTS) adds even more authentic radio calls and “test tokens” to the experience.
🛒 Winter 2025 Pricing
This route is currently a major highlight of the Steam Winter Sale.
| Item | Standard Price | Sale Price (Dec 2025) |
| West Highland Line Extension | $39.99 | $19.99 (50% Off) |
| West Highland Line (South) | $39.99 | $19.99 (50% Off) |
| Complete Scotland Bundle | $79.99 | $31.99 |
